National Ploughing Championships get underway today

This year's National Ploughing Championships are due to get underway in Co Carlow this morning.

Up to 200,000 people are expected to attend the event, which takes place between Tullow and Carlow towns over the next three days.

Major traffic restrictions are in place and accommodation in the locality is in short supply, with almost every hotel and B&B within a 30-mile radius reported to be booked out.

There are more than 600 trade stands at the event this year, while 70 ploughing contests, as well as livestock and machinery exhibitions, will also take place.

The main political parties, meanwhile, have all pitched information tents in the massive exhibition area, along with religious groups like the Legion of Mary.

The championships, which are due to be opened by the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, are worth more than €15m to the local economy.