Almost €60,000 in funding announced for Donegal's Agricultural Shows in 2025

Established in 1905, the historic Ardara Agricultural Show attracts thousands of visitors each year to celebrate the traditions of rural Ireland, its people, and their way of life

placeholder image — Established in 1905, the historic Ardara Agricultural Show attracts thousands of visitors each year to celebrate the traditions of rural Ireland, its people, and their way of life

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, announced a total investment of over €1 million to support 123 Agricultural Shows right across the country

Donegal has been awarded €59,150 for Agricultural Shows for 2025.

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, announced a total investment of over €1 million to support 123 Agricultural Shows right across the country.

As part of the initiative, each show will receive a grant of between €4,260 and €11,410 depending on their size. This funding will support the work of each of the 123 show committees as they prepare for the upcoming show season.

The Clonmany Agricultural Show will pick up €10,700, with its standing on Tuesday, August 5 and Wednesday, 6. The Ardara show, which will take place on Saturday, August 9, will receive €8,350; the Ballyshanonn show eight days later is in line to receive Ballyshannon Agricutural Show the same amount; as will the Finn Valley Show on Saturday, June 28, and the Inishowen Agricultural Show on Saturday, July 19, and the Glencolmcille Agricultural Show, Sunday, August 3. The Meenacross Show, on Monday, August 4, will get €6,700.

Minister Calleary made the announcement as he launched the 2025 Yearbook for Irish Shows Association (ISA) at an event in the Athlone Springs Hotel.

“Agricultural shows are a key component of life in rural Ireland and I am delighted to announce a further investment of €1 million to support 123 Agricultural Shows right across the country.,” he said. “Although farming practices have changed, agriculture is still the backbone of life in rural Ireland and plays a vital role in our national economy. The agricultural show as we know it has so much to offer, not just in terms of the competitive element, but also as a platform for local businesses, local farmers and for local craft and artisan food producers. The local show is also one of the best days of the year for meeting neighbours and friends.”

The Department of Rural and Community Development will work with the Irish Shows Association (ISA) to administer the 2025 scheme.