A magnificent Dundalk Show awaits visitors to north Louth this weekend
The gates to Bellurgan Park open on Sunday 8 June
When the gates to Bellurgan Park open on Sunday morning June 8th, a truly magnificent Dundalk Show awaits all visitors with something for everyone.
A very busy Equine section is envisaged with many classes covering Clear Round Jumping, Riding Horses, Young Horses, Connemara Ponies, Pony Open and Novice Riding, Riding School/First Year Showing and the Horse of the Show Championship. The Equine section has two qualifiers, “The Yearling Filly All Ireland Championship Qualifier” and “The All Ireland Donkey Mare and Foal Qualifier”.
The Cattle section is hugely popular with a great finale when exhibitors enter the ring for the final time in the late afternoon to see which of their animals will take home the Supreme Champion title having won a Breed Champion class earlier on.
There are classes for Simmental, Angus, Limousin, Hereford, Belgian Blue, Charolais, Highland and Commercial cattle.
There is a Young Handler Class, an “All Ireland Championship” to find the Breeding Choice Traditional 4* or 5* Breeding Heifer and also "The All Ireland Pedigree Suckler Type Heifer Championship" qualifier.
Last year the Sheep section was extremely busy having hosted a number of All Ireland finals which attracted visitors from overseas. This year is still going to be a very busy one for sheep breeders with classes for Irish Dutch Spotted(Pedigree and Commercial), Charollais, Suffolk, Vendeen, Hampshire Down, Blue Faced Leicester, Rouge, Lanark Type Blackfaced Mountain,Swaledale, Roughfell, Perth Type Blackface Mountain, Mountain Type Horn Sheep (any breed) and Young Handlers.
There will also be the North East Texel Championship, All Ireland Cheviot Championship, All Ireland National Stock Care Cross Bred and Mule Championship and North East Lleyn Championship.
The ever popular Poultry classes will attract a lot of attention. Classes include Hard and Soft Feather Birds, Bantams, Pekin, Belgian, Water Fowl, Hybrids, Rare Breeds and Junior Handlers. The Poultry section concludes with the Champion of the Show. There are also Egg Classes.
Dog lovers have their chance to shine with their beloved pets. Classes are divided into Large, Medium and Small covering Pedigree, Rescue, Gun/Working, Veteran, Puppy, Family Dog, Traditional Breed, Best Groomed and Dog The Judge Would Most Like To Take Home. There is also the “All Ireland Irish Native Breed Dog Championship”. No XL Bully Dogs are allowed on site.
Many exhibits in other classes will be brought to the Show grounds on Saturday June 7th before 12 noon. This applies to the Children's Classes, Home Industries and Horticulture classes.
The Children's section covers Arts and Crafts, a School/Group Challenge(Recycling), Gardening, Baking, a Dundalk Food & Drink Society Cookie Colouring and Baking Challenge, LEGO Classes and “The All Ireland Junior Craft Championship Qualifier” which involves LEGO.
The Home Industries section cover Crafts, Baking and Preserves, Crochet, Knitting, Woodwork, Photography and Art.
The Home Industries section will hold "The All Ireland Home Preserves Championship Qualifer”, “The All Ireland Bread Baking Championship Qualifier” and “All Ireland Photography Championship”.
The Horticulture section of the Home Industries covers Plants and Vegetables and Floral Art. Dundalk Show Society CLG is also a strong supporter of ICA activities and will hold a section for ICA members only, covering Baking, Arts and Crafts.
A new feature to this year's Show is the “The Great Dundalk Bakeoff 2025” with competitions for children and adults.
In the Children's classes, there is “The Great Cupcake Colouring Competition” and the “The Great Dundalk Kids Cookie Challenge” both of which will involve National Schools.
There are three Adult Classes in The Great Dundalk Bakeoff which are “Skills Challenge: A Fruit Pie or Tart, Technical Challenge: Homemade Bread and Showstopper Challenge: Whatever Will Blow Us Away.
The Bakeoff will kick off on Saturday June 7th at Bellurgan Park. Contestants will battle it out for the coveted title of “Dundalk’s Star Baker”.
According to Sarah Jane Mc Grath from Dundalk Food and Drink Society, “the event aims to highlight the vibrant food culture of Louth while bringing people together for a sweet celebration of community spirit. Sarah Jane says it is about creating something that truly brings Dundalk together.
She says, “The Great Dundalk Bakeoff is more than just a competition – it’s about celebrating creativity, culture, and connection. “Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, we welcome everyone to join the fun”. The Great Dundalk Bakeoff is proudly supported by Louth County Council, Dundalk Chamber of Commerce and several generous sponsors from the local food and hospitality industry. The Finale and Awards Ceremony will be on Show Day, Sunday June 8th.
In the Entertainment Marquee, again on Show Day, Dundalk Food & Drink Society will host three different cookery demonstrations at 11am, 1pm and 3pm with local Chefs and a focus on food from the Penninsula which may feature Carlingford Oysters and Cooley Lamb.
Chefs confirmed for the cookery demonstrations include Paul White of A91 (Spirit Store), Conor Halpenny of The Square Restaurant, Dundalk with a third Chef to be confirmed. Certainly something to look forward to. While the various classes are taking place, there will be plenty of onsite entertainment.
There is a flower arranging demonstration at 12 noon with Kay's Flower School. Flowers are provided by O'Neill's Flowers and the floral arrangements created on the day will be raffled to raise funds for Blood Bikes.
A bit of music on the day helps to create a buzz and this will be on the main stage. Mna Mna will perform from 12 noon to 1pm, followed by Dundalk Ukulele Strummers up to 2.30pm. From 2.30pm to 4pm the Ardee Concert Band will be in full swing and the final act of the day is GS2 who will take over the stage at 4pm and will play until 6pm.
Children will have plenty to look forward to with Lislin Miniatures (Miniature Animals), AgriKids (Safety for Children), Fred the Party Professor Circus Tent and Freestyle Amusements will provide inflatable games, all are free for children.
To keep hunger at bay, there will be a food village. Refill Ireland Mobile Hydration Stations with reusable cups will be at various locations on site.
During the day, there will be Dressing Up/Cosplay competitions for children and adults. For children, there is Floral & Nature Fantasy (0-1 Years), Fairytale Farming (1-2 Years), Wild West (2-3 Years), Superhero Farmers and Vintage Country Style (4-8 Years).
There is a competition to find the Most Glamorous Granny, Most Dapper Grandad and also an Icon and Legends competition.
As always there will be plenty of trade stands featuring agricultural machinery, vintage vehicles, Louth Fire and Rescue and a Civil Defence display.
No Show could ever survive with out the very generous sponsorship from local businesses and the Dundalk Shop Society expresses its heartfelt gratitude to all those who do so. A big thank you is also extended to volunteers who help ensure the smooth running of the Show, An Garda Siochana, Civil Defence and Paramedics whose input is most invaluable.
The gates are open from 9am to the general public and admission to the site is via the entrance on the Deerpark Road. Early bird tickets are available at www.dundalkshow.com or €15 on the day. Again, children under 16 years accompanied by an adult go free.
Dundalk Show Society CLG says it is looking forward to seeing everyone and another very successful show.