Getting to the Ploughing: new site and new map to get there by road and rail

The NPA says it is critical that all patrons follow the traffic route plan for each part of the country. On arrival from each route, the event will be clearly signposted.

Blue route from Cork

Traffic travelling northbound on the M8 will exit at J6 (Horse & Jockey) and proceed to Thurles and on to Templemore and Roscrea on the N62. At Birr, traffic will join the N52 travelling northbound via Kilcormac and Blueball.

Parking: Park in the designated BLUE car parks on the left and right hand side beside the event grounds.

Grey route traffic from Kilkenny and southeast

Traffic travelling from Kilkenny/southeast will travel north along the N77 via Durrow and Abbeyleix before arriving at Portlaoise. Traffic will be directed left at Father Brown Road through Clonminham and on to the N80 towards Mountmellick. At Derryclooney Bridge, Mountmellick traffic will be directed left and on to the R422 through Rosenallis and Clonaslee. At Coolagh Cross, traffic will be directed right on to the R421 (Killurin Road). At Killurin Cross, traffic will be directed left towards the event site.

Parking: Park in the designated GREY car parks beside the event grounds at Screggan.

Yellow route traffic from the southeast (Carlow)

Traffic travelling from Carlow and the southeast will travel on the N80 towards Portlaoise. At Bloomfield Roundabout, Portlaoise traffic will be directed right on to Rathbrennan and on to Junction 16 (M7). Traffic will then turn left to the Heath and left again at the Wheel Inn pub (sign-posted Portarlington). Traffic will proceed to Kennells Cross and be turned left and travel towards Mountmellick town. All traffic will be directed through Mountmellick town and on to Tullamore via Killeigh.

Parking: Park in the designated YELLOW car parks beside the event grounds at Screggan.

Brown route – Limerick, Kerry and southwest

Traffic travelling northbound on the M7 will exit at Junction 26 (Nenagh South) and will proceed on the N52 towards Borrisokane, there taking the N62 (signposted Portumna) and after 5km traffic will turn right on to the R438 to Cloghan. In Cloghan, traffic will turn on to the R357 before being directed to parking beside the event grounds.

Parking: Park in the designated BROWN car parks beside the event grounds at Screggan.

Purple route traffic from Dublin

Traffic from Dublin to use the M4/M6 westbound to J5 on the M6 (Kilbeggan) and then on to the N52 towards Tullamore for 4km, where at Durrow turn right on to L2005 (passing GAA Pitch) and travel for 2km, then turn left on to the R420 and travel for 2km to avail of a shuttle service to the site.

Parking: Park in the designated PURPLE car park.

Pink route from North

Traffic travelling from the north will travel via Mullingar and on to the N52 towards Tyrellspass. Traffic will be turned right into Tyrellspass and on to Kilbeggan via R446 (old N6). Once through Kilbeggan Village, turn left for Clara on to the R436. On the approach to Clara, traffic will turn left on to the L2009 before joining the R420 Tullamore to Clara Road. Traffic will then turn right at Coolnahiley and be directed to parking beside the event grounds.

Parking: Patrons travelling this route will park in the designated pink car parks beside the event grounds at Screggan.

Green route from West

Traffic travelling from the west will exit M6 motorway at J6 (Horseleap, Clara) and will be directed towards Moate town. Traffic will then be directed left on to the Ballycumber Road. At Ballycumber traffic will join the R436 (Ballycumber to Clara Road) before turning right on towards Rahan Village. At Rahan village, traffic will be directed on to the L2011 towards the event site and parking.

Parking: Park in the designated GREEN car parks on the right hand side of the L2011 just beside the event grounds.

Orange route traffic from Kildare/J15, M7

Traffic travelling westbound along the M7 will exit at Junction 15 (Cappakeel), turning right over the motorway and on to the R445 (Old Dublin Road). At New Inn Roundabout, traffic will proceed through Emo Village and on to Kennells Cross where it will turn right and be directed to Garryhinch Cross and on to Cloneygowan Village. Follow the R420 to the event site.

Parking: Park in the designated ORANGE car parks.

Taking the train

Visitors to this year’s National Ploughing Championships will also have the opportunity to get train transport from around Ireland to travel to Tullamore, where Bus Éireann will operate a shuttle service for the short (5km) trip to the Screggan site over the days from Tuesday 20 to Thursday 22 September.