UP TO 15,000 visitors and 1,000 competitors are expected to descend on Limerick Racecourse this Saturday and Sunday to attend the city and county’s largest family and agricultural festival.
The new marketing manager of the show, Rachel Walsh, says that the show is moving with the times.
“The Limerick Show has been a huge part of the Limerick social calendar since the first show took place in 1929. This tradition lives on today and the show is now a place where people from city and county come together. We are delighted to have lots of new attractions at this year’s show; there really is something for everyone.”
The Limerick Show is renowned for showcasing the best of Irish horse breeding, and this year is no exception as one of the special features is a Festival of Irish Breeding on Saturday August 22, presented by the Traditional Irish Horse Association.
As always, there will be a wide range of show jumping classes, with the Show Jumping Grand Prix taking place on Sunday with riders from all over the country.
For cattle enthusiasts a new dairy discussion group competition has been added to the Saturday programme.
In addition to the diverse agricultural programme, there are lots of family-friendly additions to the show this year, and all children under 12 attend for free.
A new Kids Zone, sponsored by Dublin Coach, will be available with free bouncy castles, face painting, a disco dome, balloon-making and more.
If the little ones get tired they can hop on the kiddies train and catch a lift around the show grounds.
Another new addition to the show is the Healthy Living Expo, which aims to promote healthy lifestyles and wellbeing.
RTÉ One will also be on site filming their new medical series, ‘You Should Really See a Doctor’ on Saturday August 22, which features TV doctors Dr Pixie McKenna and Munster GP Dr Phil Kieran.
The family dog show is one of the star attractions on Sunday at 1pm.
Visitors can also shop to their hearts’ content at the indoor and outdoor retail village, artisan food stalls, farm machinery and more.
Other attractions include sheep, goats, poultry, craft, art, photography, baking classes and horticulture exhibits.
Free Dublin Coach buses will leave Brown Thomas and the Regional Hospital in Dooradoyle at 12 noon and 2pm each day, returning by arrangement with the driver.
