Transport for Ireland

The National Ploughing Championships, Boherkill Farm, Rathangan, County Kildare 21-23 Sep 2027

21/09/2027 - 23/09/2027

  • Date -

National Ploughing Championships

September 21-23, 2027,

Boherkill Farm in Rathangan, Co. Kildare

Europe’s largest outdoor event, the National Ploughing Association confirmed Boherkill Farm in Rathangan, Co. Kildare as the venue for the 2027 National Ploughing Championships on 21st, 22nd, 23rd September. (moved one week later than usual to avoid a clash with the Ryder Cup).

The 3 day event is set to bring millions into the local economy mainly through the hospitality industry but also utilising many local services in order to build an event that requires upwards of 700 acres.

More than 275,000 visitors are expected to attend this year.

FAQ’S – National Ploughing Association

Expect delays—plan for at least double the normal travel time due to traffic.

• Carpool if you can to reduce traffic congestion.
• Familiarize yourself with the traffic plan and know your route.

Plan your visit!

The National Ploughing Championships attracts  80,000-150,000 visitors daily.

Check below for:

Public Transport

  • Shuttle Bus to/from Tullamore and Portalington Train Stations
  • Visitor information
  • Car directions and parking
  • For directions and Parking details check out below for the
    • Blue route – Traffic from Cork / Munster
    • Grey route – Traffic from South East (Kilkenny)
    • Yellow Route – Traffic from the South East (Carlow)
    • Brown Route – Traffic from Limerick, Kerry and Southwest
    • Purple Route – Traffic from Dublin
    • Pink Route – Traffic from the North
    • Green Route – Traffic from the West
    • Orange Route  – Traffic from the North

When does it all kick off? (The following are providional only – to be confirmed) 

  • Trade Exhibition Arena Open: 9.00 – 18.00.
    Visitors are not guaranteed access to site after 3pm due to traffic plan restrictions.
    Entry gates will close at 4pm.
  • Ploughing Competitions: 10.30 – 14.30
  • Other activities include:
    • Entertainment Programme: 10.00 – 18.00
    • Fashion Shows: 11.30/ 13.30/ 15.30

Transport, Road Diversions, and Parking

Visitors – National Ploughing Association

Plan your visit!

Buy your Admission tickets beforehand at: NPA – National Ploughing Association .

NPA recommends checking local media for information on coach companies bringing tours to the event.

Getting there (Details to be provided closer to the event date)

  • Shuttle Bus ad Car Parking infornmation, and Accessiblity access
  • Details to be provided closer to the event date

Bus Eireann may be operating a Shuttle Bus service to/from nearest train stations.

Travel from nearby Train Stations.

Bus Eireann may be operating a Shuttle Bus service to/from nearest train stations.

Check irishrail.ie for the latest train details and timetables.

Use the TFI Journey Planner / TFI Live App to plan your route, and check the timetables.

Tuesday 21st, Wednesday 22nd and Thursday 23rd September 2026

Additional Services 

Additional service may operate on Tuesday 21st Wednesday 22nd and Thursday 23rd of September for the Ploughing Championship

  1. Check out your route from the NPA Traffic management Plan at NTA – National Ploughing Association 
  2. Check out the Map and the coloured parking zones (details will be available closer to the event date)
  3. Car Parking:
    • A wide range of car parks are located near the Trade Exhibition Arena
    • Upon arrival, visitors will be directed to the nearest available car park
    • • Electric car charging facilities will not be available in the event 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 to the event, visit https://chargemap.com
    • Each car park is colour coded in the event Traffic Plan, based on the route you are travelling.
      • For example, vehicles on the brown route will be directed into the brown car park on arrival, and so on.
      • Details will be available closer to the event date.
  • Blue route – Traffic from Cork / Munster
  • Grey route – Traffic from South East (Kilkenny)
  • Yellow Route – Traffic from the South East (Carlow)
  • Brown Route – Traffic from Limerick, Kerry and Southwest
  • Purple Route – Traffic from Dublin
  • Pink Route – Traffic from the North
  • Green Route – Traffic from the West
  • Orange Route  – Traffic from the North

• A designated bicycle parking area will be available in car parks on either side of the event site. Please follow the directional signage for bicycle parking upon arrival.

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