Over 800 competition classes are now open for the Cork Summer Show 2026, Munster’s largest and longest running agricultural showcase.

Celebrating Irish farming, food, and families since 1810, this year’s show returns on Saturday,  June 20 and Sunday, June 21  to the Showgrounds in  Curraheen, Cork. 

Exhibitor and trader applications are also open. 

A wide variety of categories - from livestock and equestrian events to horticulture, baking, art, and traditional craftsmanship - feature on the programme.

With many sought-after accolades up for grabs, and the chance to compete at a high standard within the south of Ireland in the early summer show season, the Cork event offers a unique platform to showcase skill, passion, and creativity.

2026 programme

This year’s programme sees a number of new additions, including the Agri Aware talks and demonstration marquee.

This will feature a live working farm experience with milking cows, sheep shearing, machinery demonstrations, and interactive learning opportunities focused on modern farming and sustainability.

Visitors can also look forward to the Cork re-enactment military show, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) education truck; and Tug of War Ireland, adding a new competitive and spectator element to the event.

Firm favourites such as chick hatchings, tractor shows, baking classes and pony experiences will also all make a return.

With new additions such as rabbits and guinea pigs in the poultry marquee on the Saturday, this year’s Cork Summer Show is shaping up to be a vibrant mix of farming, food, live entertainment and hands-on family fun.

Competitions

With 100s of competition classes across livestock, equestrian, crafts, horticulture and food, the Cork Summer Show continues to provide a platform for Irish talent, skill, and innovation.

Entries can be made online up to Friday, June 12 at noon. 

Ann O'Mahony, competitions co-ordinator of the show, told Agriland: "Saturday is particularly busy as the cattle are showing and the pony competitions also take place."

Horses will compete on Sunday, with showjumping on both days.

"Sunday will see the goats and sheep competitions take place as well as the poultry class, one of the biggest in the south.

"There are quite a few qualifiers for the All-Ireland competitions," O'Mahony said.

200 events and attractions are scheduled across the two days.

Children under 16 go free but must be registered online in advance with a ticket.

There is also a special reduced price for ages 16-18. Early bird tickets are available until May 11 and discounted family and group tickets are available now.

Getting there

With over 40,000 expected to attend, organisers are encouraging visitors to plan ahead this year, with a particular focus on the enhanced traffic and transport arrangements now in place.

Building on previous years, a comprehensive plan has been introduced, including an extended and redirected Bus Éireann 208 route bringing visitors directly to and from the showgrounds every 10-20 minutes.

There will also be additional park-and-ride options, and expanded parking capacity, helping to reduce congestion and ensure a smoother experience for all.

Free shuttle buses will run throughout the weekend from Ballincollig Shopping Centre, Black Ashpark & Ride, Curraheen Greyhound Stadium, and additional park-and-ride locations including Munster Technological University’s Bishopstown campus.

Organised by Munster Agricultural Society, the Cork Summer Show remains a cornerstone of Ireland’s agricultural and cultural calendar, bringing together the very best of farming, food, competition, and community every summer.

Throughout the weekend, the showgrounds in Curraheen will once again be transformed into a celebration of life in Ireland. 

Families can explore the kids’ zone and funfair, enjoy arts and crafts, learn about the importance of farming, and meet friendly animals across a range of interactive experiences.

Field of Dreams

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 and inclusive environment for visitors. 

Cork Summer Show will be reserved for sensory hours between 9:00-11:00a.m. 

Visitors can also enjoy food classes alongside artisan markets and traditional skills demonstrations, including training with Celtic Stick Makers, a flax and linen demo, and a traditional wool craft demo.

The official charity partner for the Cork Summer Show 2026 is Cork City Missing Persons, which this year celebrates 25 years of dedicated voluntary service, supporting families through some of the most difficult and uncertain moments of their lives. 

The partnership reflects the show’s continued commitment to community and supporting local organisations. 

Gerard Murphy, president of the Munster Agricultural Society, highlighted the huge amount of work has gone into improving the overall visitor experience, particularly when it comes to getting people to and from the event.

He said: "With enhanced transport options, additional parking, and direct bus access to the showgrounds, we’re making it easier than ever for people to plan their day.

"Alongside that, 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.”