Ploughing Championships: How to get there and where to park
National Ploughing Championships 2025.
A major traffic, stewarding and security operation will be required to ensure the safety, well-being and enjoyment of the 80,000 plus people who are expected to converge on Screggan on each day of the ploughing championships.
A tried and tested Garda traffic management plan will be activated across several counties from early on Tuesday morning with some 300 members of the Force on duty over the three days.
Similar plans have worked successfully in recent years when major events such as Electric Picnic and the Ploughing Championships have also been held in the midlands.
Gardai will be present at relevant road and car park junctions while other aerial, mounted, security and traffic units will also have key roles in operating the detailed plan.
Over 500 NPA volunteers, along with personnel from other bodies including the Civil Defence, Order of Malta and Fire Services, will be also on duty in and around the venue.
The key message for motorists is to study the published traffic plan and maps, decide on their preferred route and follow the directions of Gardai and stewards.
Eight main access routes to the site will be signposted and colour-coded to correspond with dedicated car parks.
Motorists are being urged to plan their journeys ahead and allow at least double the normal travel time due to the anticipated heavy traffic.
People are also being advised to arrange car-pooling and not to use GPS systems as some routes may be closed with traffic diversions in place.
The NPA has issued tips to help people enjoy the event, which has multiple attractions from fashion shows and music to high-tech machinery exhibits and the latest in agri-technology.
Motorists with a vehicle pass should ensure it is clearly visible on the front windscreen. Otherwise, cars may be directed to outer car parks.
Visitors are also advised to note the number, colour or animal display sign when they arrive in the morning to help them remember in the evening where they parked their vehicle.
Those with smartphones are even urged on arrival to “drop a pin” — a marker on a digital map to indicate a specific location — or take a picture of the car park signage to help them find their car, truck or jeep Over 40,000 FBD child safety wristbands with space for a contact phone number will be given out, offering peace of mind to parents or other family members should a child become separated from them in the crowds.
NPA managing director, Anna May McHugh, said the wristbands have become a simple but highly effective tool in keeping families safe and together during the event.
Tomás Ó Midheach, chief executive, FBD Insurance, said it hopes all children will wear the wristbands and have a fun, memorable and safe day when they visit Ploughing 2025.
Visitors will be provided with a free map on entrance to the site and stewards wearing high-vis vests will be dispersed around the grounds to assist people in need of directions.
The event is child-friendly. Those under 12 are admitted free of charge once they are accompanied by an adult. There will be baby changing and feeding facilities on site.
Adults are advised to bring snacks and drinks with them, especially if they are travelling with children.
Information kiosks will be located on the grounds and the NPA headquarters will have a large green blimp flying overhead, which can be seen from a distance, providing guidance for people moving about.
There will also be a purpose-built medical centre with a doctor, nurses and paramedics in attendance.
First Aid posts will be in the trade arena and ploughing competition fields. Ambulance services will be always on site.
Facilities for visitors with disabilities include dedicated parking, accessible toilets and double-tracked internal roadways for the movement of wheelchairs or other mobility aids.
Catering outlets will offer a variety of food and beverage options which will also have a focus on artisan food displays.
But fundraising is not permitted on-site or in the car parks, except for a small number of charities that have received prior written permission from the NPA Visitors are also being urged by the NPA to dress for autumn weather and use suitable footwear for walking on rough terrain.
Tickets pre-purchased online at www.irishrail.ie will guarantee entry on the day of choice.
Patrons are advised to either print their ticket or screenshot the barcode on their phone for a faster entry.
The NPA is also urging people to avail themselves of train and bus travel options if possible.
Bus Eireann will operate a shuttle-bus service from Tullamore and Portarlington rail stations. The times of this service will suit train times.
Shuttle Bus tickets can be purchased on , while combined rail/shuttle bus tickets are available on . A walk-up service will also be available at both stations.
Electric car charging facilities will not be available in the car parks, as these are temporary parking areas set up for the duration of the event. For the exact locations of the nearest charging points visit . And for those planning to pedal to the event there will be a designated bicycle parking area in car parks on either side of the event site.
Traffic routes and parking areas for exhibitors, competitors, buses, taxis dropping off patrons and those travelling to the Hunt Chase grounds are also detailed in the Garda plan, which can be fully assessed on the following websites:
