Cork Summer Show, Munster Agricultural Society
Since 1842, the good folk of city and county have been thronging to this eagerly awaited annual event, first as children, then later bringing their own families.
For over 170 years, cattle have been shown, horses have been groomed for stardom, the latest machinery has been viewed, cakes keenly analysed, flowers, vegetables and fruits proudly displayed. The Summer Show and its progenitor, the Munster Agricultural Society, are so much part of this time of year that it would be impossible to imagine June without the scent of crushed grass, the boom of the loudspeaker, and the excited laughter of children. While in its earliest days the show catered primarily for the agricultural community, it has now become the place for a great time. Indeed, a local radio station last year declared it the best-value family day out, no question!. Tickets are €10 for adults, with half-price concessions for OAPs and students, while children under 12 get in absolutely free! The superb breeds of cattle, magnificent thoroughbred horses, sheep, goats, trade stands, machinery and all the traditional things will still be there, but also food stalls, cookery demonstrations, bouncy castles, music, and so much more.
The show will take place1-6pm Friday June 15, 9.30am to 6pm Saturday June 16.
Sunday, June 17 9.30am-6pm. All tickets are half price on Friday June 15!
Free Parking,Free Shuttle Bus.
This year’s show – the 171st, couldn’t be easier to get to on its new spacious site at Curraheen. There is plenty of free parking available on site, and also a free shuttle bus to and from Curraheen Greyhound Track (you can even purchase your show tickets on the bus to make things even easier).
Cattle and horses have always been the backbone of Cork Summer Show and this year more so than ever. Cattle breeders will be competing for Supreme Dairy and Supreme Beef Champion for their lovingly-tended charges, while the M.A.S. All Ireland Holstein Friesian Senior Cow Championship and M.A.S. Munster Pedigree Beef Heifer Calf Championship will draw a lot of attention.
With Cork being an important qualifier on the national circuit, horses, hunters, brood mares, Connemaras, and ponies will all be aiming for rosettes. Mares with foals at foot are always a guaranteed attraction, and even donkeys and miniature ponies have their own classes. Smaller animals are not forgotten, with the usual classes for sheep and pigs.
The Cork Summer Show has long being associated with dogs and on Saturday will host Terrier Racing, The F.H.A.I. Affiliated Harrier Show and the very popular Pet Dog Show which is open to dogs of all sizes. On Sunday the prestigious Cork Summer Show Pedigree Dog Competition under licence with the Irish Kennel Club will take place at 12pm.
Food, Flowers, Crafts.
Food plays a big part in this year’s show, with a busy farmers’ market offering the very best in fresh produce and baking to stock up your larder.
On both Saturday and Sunday beginning at 12.30pm a series of cookery demonstration, sponsored by Ryan’s Supervalu, by well known Cork restaurants including Fenns Quay, The Cornstore, Les Gourmandais, Isaacs, Rising Tide, Amicus, The Blue Haven, Kinsale and the River Lee Restaurant will take place in the Food Marquee.
Arts and crafts and horticulture have been an integral part of the Show since the beginning. Each year, the Cork Summer Show prides itself in attracting the finest quality craft entries as well as exquisite displays of horticulture. There is a special section for Schools Art too where you can admire the upcoming talent.
Something For All The Family.
And there is so much more at this year’s Show. Over 130 trade stands. Talks and demonstrations on everything from cake decorating, card making to silk painting. A visiting US band to add international zest to the music. The Best Dressed Lady competition, with a spectacular prize, sponsored by Michels Jewellers, of jewellery to the value of €3,000 for the lucky winner. Inter-Schools Show Jumping on Friday evening and sulky racing on Sunday afternoon.
Saturday night sees a very special Charity Barbecue organised by the Cork Summer Show and sponsored by Ryan’s Supervalu, which will kick off once the show closes, at 7.30pm. In aid of The Children’s Leukaemia Association and the Cork Association for Autism, it’s going to be the perfect evening out.
Don’t Miss The Show Of The Summer.
Cork Summer Show. No matter what your age, this is where you become a child again, enjoying all the wonder, all the fun. Come alone, bring your friends, take the entire family.
Meet old acquaintances, discover new interests. June 15-17. See you there! Full information on www.corksummershow.com
