Thousands of visitors are expected to flock to Butterfield Estate, Blueball, Tullamore, Co Offaly, this Sunday 9 August for the annual Tullamore Show and FBD National Livestock Show.

Whether you’re travelling by car, train or bus, here’s everything you need to know before setting off.

And don't forget to pick up your copy of this week's Irish Farmers Journal with a special Focus on what to expect.

ADVERTISEMENT

Traffic routes and directions

A Garda traffic management plan will be in operation throughout the day.

Free car parking is provided adjacent to the event and motorists will be directed along four routes:

North/northeast traffic (Kilbeggan, N52, N80)

Traffic will be diverted via the Tullamore bypass to the Birr Road and access the green car park adjacent to the showgrounds.

West/northwest traffic (from Athlone M6 direction)

Traffic will be diverted off the M6 after Athlone and via Clara, Coolnahiley and Rahan, where they will access the the yellow car park adjacent to the showgrounds.

South/southeast traffic (Portlaoise, Mountmellick, N80 direction)

Traffic will be diverted at Killeigh village towards the showgrounds, where they will access the blue car park.

South/southwest traffic (from Birr N52 direction)

Traffic will be diverted left at Blueball to the red car park adjacent to the showgrounds.

Motorists attending the show are asked to disregard online maps and to follow road signs and traffic plans which will be well sign-posted.

Opening hours

The showgrounds will open from 6.30am for exhibitors and 8.30am for the general public.

Visitors are encouraged to arrive early and allow extra time for traffic.

Tickets

Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets online before arriving to speed up entry to the show.

Tickets can be bought by visiting the official Tullamore Show website.

Free admission to all children under 12 accompanied by an adult.

Public transport

Irish Rail services to Tullamore are operating from Dublin, Galway and Cork.

A free shuttle bus will operate every hour from Tullamore train station to the showgrounds throughout the day.

Exhibitors

More than 700 exhibitors will be at this year’s Tullamore Show, with everything from machinery, livestock, food, craft, music and rural enterprise on display.