The 39th Royal Ulster Winter Fair returns to the Eikon Exhibition Centre at Balmoral Park outside Lisburn on Thursday 11 December 2025.

Run in association with sole sponsor, Danske Bank, the event is a key date in the calendar for the dairy industry in Northern Ireland (NI), with the main dairy processors all having a strong presence at the event, along with all the major farm input suppliers.

In total, there are over 200 trade stands, ranging from specialist dairy equipment, to farm machinery, feed companies, animal health companies, livestock genetics, agricultural research and farm lobby organisations.

ADVERTISEMENT

While the one-day event is targeted at the NI dairy industry, there are always plenty of dairy farmers from the border counties who make the trip north, as well as farmers from other sectors. In total, around 5,000 visitors are expected.

Outside of all the trade stands, the other main attraction is the various livestock competitions across Holstein, Ayrshire, Dairy Shorthorn and Jersey breeds.

In each of the last two years, the coveted title of supreme champion has headed south in the hands of the Jones family from Co Wexford and their Hallow Holsteins herd. However, assuming the competition is able to proceed, there will be a new winner this year, with ROI exhibitors not taking part due to concerns around the spread of the bluetongue virus.

Opening

The Winter Fair is open from 9am to 5.30pm, with the two main exhibition halls at the site usually very busy between 11am and 3pm.

Visitors can purchase tickets online in advance of the event at www.winterfair.org.uk. Alternatively, tickets will be available on the gate. The cost is £13 for adults, £11 for seniors (65+) and £10 for youths (12-16 years old). Under 12s can enter for free when accompanied by an adult.

There is lots of free car parking available at the site – visitors should enter via Gate 1 on the Halftown Road.