The National Ploughing championships
take place over the next 3 days here in Offaly, estimated to draw a crowd of around 300k.
A great event - Europe's largest outdoor event!
It is a great day out for the whole family. Obviously with the main focus being on ploughing, there will be everything from machinery; livestock; vintage; autos and companies. However, as it's all things food here at "That's Easy Peasy!", there will be one thing that i will be in search for and that is FOOD !!! Great foods from a whole host of fantastic artisans and companies. There will be food fayres, domes and halls with plenty to see and taste. Be sure to check out who will be doing food demos.
Download the site map beforehand so you can look up where everyone is located and where you want to see. The site is HUGE - Be prepared!
Download the site map beforehand so you can look up where everyone is located and where you want to see. The site is HUGE - Be prepared!
The past few years i was delighted to meet one of my faves Rachel Allen after a cookery demo she did at the Land Rover stand. Also, it was great to watch another fave of mine doing a food demo..... Nevin Maguire.
A few of my favourite stands to visit and to get a great deal from (and of course a chat and a taster) are Glenilen Farm; Crossogue preserves; Ballymaloe Foods and the ALDI food shed!
You are sure to spot a celeb or 2 here! Whether it's Ryan Tubridy at the RTE tent, the Happy Pear twins cartwheeling around their stand or Mr President officially opening the event, have your cameras at the ready!
Ok so Tips..........
- Get there early. The traffic plans in place are brilliant. Whatever direction you are coming in from, each route is a one way traffic route set in place by Gardai. So it's generally smooth running. I do find however, getting there early is best. There will be crowds no matter what. I find it that little bit easier getting in early.
Another option, which we have never used, is to get to Tullamore town centre and get one of many buses especially put on to transport people to the event. It's a couple of euro but will drop and collect you right outside the main entrances. - Download the road maps in and site map. Prepare yourself. You can find all the info you need from their website.
- Get the Tractor! Definitely a highlight for the children is getting a lift from the car parks through the fields on a tractor trailor!
- Wear wellies and rain proof jacket. Wellies are absolutly essential. It's a given it WILL be mucky and wet! Last year the site got flooded in sections. And it may seem like common sense wearing rain proof jackets. However, last year we went we only wore rain macs. We literally got soaked to the skin. Not great if you have a few more hours at the event. Or at least buy a rain plastic that they will be selling there.
- Remember what car park number/colour etc you parked in!
Again, seems logical but you would be surprised !!! There are numerous car parks with numerous fields to walk through before you even get to an entrance gate. AND remember what gate you enter to exit the same one. Believe me, it can all look the same after hours of walking around in the crowds. But you'll know all about it if you are miles away from where you should be going! - Stay hydrated! Bring water
- And don't forget your change of shoes and socks for when you get back to your car.
And enjoy it! It is an amazing event to get to and to see. Make the most of it. If it rains, it rains! Just embrace it and enjoy. You're in for a great day.
