Avoid the delays with public transport

Approximately 22% of people who go to the Balmoral Show use public transport, and with congestion again expected around the site, it is perhaps the best way of avoiding some inevitable delays. For visitors from the Republic of Ireland, the following Enterprise trains will be stopping at Lisburn over the four show days:

  • Dublin to Belfast: 7.35am, 9.30am, 11.20am and 1.20pm.
  • Lisburn to Dublin: 2.16pm, 4.16pm, 6.16pm and 8.16pm.

    • A free shuttle bus service, provided by Translink, will run at frequent intervals between Lisburn train station and Balmoral Park.

    There will also be enhanced train capacity on local services, and selected morning trains coming from the north will run through to Lisburn so passengers will not need to change trains in Belfast.

    The alternative is a number of special coach day tours for which tickets are available to purchase online from Translink and at selected Ulsterbus stations. A return journey to Balmoral Park and show admission costs £34 for an adult and £12 for a child aged between five and 11. Service departure points include Derry, Limavady, Strabane, Omagh, Enniskillen, Dungannon, Antrim, Magherafelt, Ballymena, Ballymoney and Coleraine with other locations also served along these main routes.

    Going by car to the show

  • From the west: take the M1 to junction 8 and follow the directional signage.
  • From the northwest: Take the M1 to junction 8 and follow the directional signage.
  • From Lisburn: take the Moira Road out of Lisburn and follow directional signage.
  • From Belfast: travel south on the M1, coming off at Sprucefield and follow directional signage to Balmoral Park.
  • From the northeast: travel south on the M1, coming off at Sprucefield and follow directional signage to Balmoral Park.
  • From the south: travel up the A1 dual carriageway and follow directional signage.

    • Show opening times

  • Wednesday: 9.30am to 6pm.
  • Thursday: 9.30am to 8pm.
  • Friday: 9.30am to 7pm.
  • Saturday: 9.30am to 6pm.

    • Admission prices

    The cost of entry to the show is up slightly on 2017, with adult prices increasing by £2 per head.

    Prices at the door are £20 for adults (over 18), £13 for young people aged 12 to 18, £16 for seniors (over 65), and £3 for children between five and 11. Children under five get in free.

    However, a discount is available for anyone purchasing online before 4pm on Tuesday 15 May.

    Online prices are £17 for adults (over 18), £10 for young people aged 12 to 18, £12.50 for seniors (over 65), and £2 for children between five and 11. Children under five again get in free.

    To purchase online, go to the website www.balmoralshow.co.uk. Online tickets are valid for any one day.

    Car parking

    The price of car parking has increased this year, and is up from £7 to £8 per car.

    Show app

    A new Balmoral Show app, sponsored by Kubota, has been developed by the Irish Farmers Journal.

    It includes a numerous features including a stand locator, an event planner and a ‘‘find my car’’ feature so that you don’t get lost in the car park.

    This free app is vital for anyone going to the Balmoral Show.

    To download, on an Apple iPhone or iPad, find the app on the iTunes store. On an Android smartphone, go to the Google Play store.

    Visit the Irish Farmers Journal stand

    The Irish Farmers Journal is again located alongside the cattle rings. Call by for a cup of tea or coffee and a chat about current farming issues.

    We will also have a range of Irish Farmers Journal merchandise available for sale.

    Read more

    Full coverage: Balmoral Show