Softening ground welcomed for 310 plough competitors
But the return of wet weather last weekend was also welcomed, as it softened up the ground, which had become hard and would have made conditions difficult for the ploughing competitors.
Some 150,000 people are expected to attend, on a site made available by the Nolan and Byrne families, who have successfully completed their own harvesting operations.
Ploughing plots and trade stand areas are being marked out, and the various services required to stage the event are being put in place by teams of workers.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern will officially open the championships on the day before he reshuffles his Cabinet.
Agriculture and Food Minister Joe Walsh will also attend the opening day, one of his last official duties before his resignation. President Mary McAleese is expected to visit the Championships, which are being held in Carlow for the eight time.
Farm and political leaders will also attend the event, which will have nearly 700 outdoor and indoor trade stands.
National Ploughing Association managing director Anna May McHugh confidently expects a successful three day event at Carlow.
"Our experience is that the people of Carlow take their ploughing to their hearts and do all in their power to support it", she said.
From five countries, 310 ploughing competitors will take part in the two international competitions and seventeen national finals.
