Munster’s largest agricultural show open for competition entries
Gerard Murphy, president of the Munster Agricultural Society, centre, with Daniel Desmond, Hayleigh Naughton, and Damien O'Callaghan, at the launch of this year’s Cork Summer Show. Picture: Michael O'Sullivan
The Cork Summer Show 2026 is now open for competition entries, with more than 800 competition classes to choose from.
Celebrating Irish farming, food, and families since 1810, this year’s show returns on June 20 and 21 to Curraheen, Cork. Exhibitor and trader applications are also open. Entries can be made online up to June 12 at noon.
The 800-plus competition classes cover categories from livestock and equestrian to horticulture, baking, art and traditional craftsmanship.
This year’s programme will see a number of new additions, including agri-aware talks and demonstration marquee, which will feature a live working farm experience with milking cows, machinery demonstrations, and interactive learning opportunities focused on modern farming and sustainability.
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A new addition to the animal showing side of the event will see rabbit and guinea pig competitions held in the poultry marquee on the Saturday.
President of Munster Agricultural Society Gerard Murphy, said: “As we look ahead to this year’s Cork Summer Show, a huge amount of work has gone into improving the overall visitor experience — particularly when it comes to getting people to and from the event.
"This year’s show promises a fantastic line-up celebrating the very best of farming, food and family entertainment, and we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back this June.”
Families can explore the Kids’ Zone and funfair, take part in arts and crafts, learn about the importance of farming, and meet animals across a range of interactive experiences.
The Field of Dreams project, run by Down Syndrome Cork, will be part of this year’s event, alongside a relax space offering a calm environment. Cork Summer Show will be reserved for sensory hours from 9am to 11am.
Free shuttle buses will run throughout the weekend from Ballincollig Shopping Centre, Black Ash Park & Ride, Curraheen Greyhound Stadium, and additional park-and-ride locations, including MTU’s Bishopstown Campus.
An extended Bus Éireann 208 route will also be in operation, bringing visitors directly to the showground's entrance. Free parking will be available at designated park-and-ride locations.
Children under 16 go free but must be registered online in advance. There is also a reduced price for those aged 16–18.
For more information on how to enter or purchase tickets, visit the Cork Summer Show website. Early bird tickets are on sale until May 11.
