Ardara Show expands to two days as deadline looms
With entries now officially open and the closing date set for Saturday, July 25, this year's programme features a record €20,000+ prize fund
The Ardara Show Committee is encouraging exhibitors to get their entries in as preparations gather pace for what promises to be one of the biggest and most exciting years in the show's history.
With entries now officially open and the closing date set for Saturday, July 25, this year's programme features a record €20,000+ prize fund, exciting new competitions and an innovative new format designed to give even more people the opportunity to take part.
The traditional Ardara Show will take place on Saturday, August 8, featuring Cattle, Sheep, Poultry, the Giant Marquee, Fun Dog Show and a packed programme of family entertainment.
However, the celebrations won't end there.
For the first time, Ardara Show will be followed by the Ardara Summer Show – Horse and Heritage Day on Saturday, August 15, organised in association with the Mid West Donegal Vintage Club.
With Ardara's sheep section growing in popularity year after year, many exhibitors who also show horses and ponies have often found themselves having to make an impossible choice between competing in one section or the other. This year, they won't have to.
By introducing a second dedicated show day, exhibitors can now enjoy the best of both worlds, showcasing their livestock and horses without compromise. As they say themselves, even the best sheepdog can't be in two rings at once!
The new format also allows each section the space and attention it deserves, creating two fantastic celebrations of rural life in Ardara.
The committee is especially proud to introduce the new Under 18 Sheep Section, which will make its debut on Saturday, August 15. Designed to encourage and inspire the next generation of young farmers and sheep handlers, the new competition gives young people their own platform to showcase their stockmanship, build confidence and develop a lifelong passion for agriculture.
The expansion of the show simply would not have been possible without the fantastic support of the Mid West Donegal Vintage Club, whose enthusiasm for preserving our rural heritage has helped create a truly unique Horse and Heritage Day. Visitors can look forward to horse and pony classes, the new Under 18 Sheep Section, vintage machinery, classic displays and demonstrations celebrating the traditions that have shaped rural Donegal for generations.
Daniel Moy, Secretary of the Mid West Donegal Vintage Club, said the club is thrilled to be part of the new venture.
"Everyone in the Mid West Donegal Vintage Club is delighted to partner with the Ardara Show Committee for this exciting new event,” he said. “Agriculture, horses and vintage machinery have always gone hand in hand, so bringing them together for Horse and Heritage Day is a fantastic idea. We're looking forward to showcasing some wonderful vintage exhibits and helping create a day that celebrates not only our farming traditions but also the strong sense of community that makes events like this so special. We can't wait to welcome everyone to what promises to be a brilliant family day out."
Show Secretary Tracey McGill believes 2026 marks an exciting new chapter for the show.
"We've always tried to listen to our exhibitors, and this year we've done exactly that,” he said. “Our sheep section has grown enormously, and many exhibitors also keep horses and ponies. Rather than asking people to choose between them, we've created a second dedicated show day so they can enjoy both.
“We're incredibly proud of our new Under 18 Sheep Section because today's young handlers are tomorrow's show champions. We want to invest in the future of agriculture by giving young people their own stage to shine.
This year's programme has something for everyone. We've increased the prize fund to over €20,000, introduced new classes, expanded the show across two Saturdays and, with the support of the Mid West Donegal Vintage Club, created something really special. We can't wait to welcome exhibitors and visitors to Ardara this August."
Entry forms and the full show schedule are available now at www.ardarashow.com, and the committee is reminding competitors that entries close on Saturday, with no late entries accepted.
With more than 120 years of history, Ardara Show continues to celebrate the very best of farming, heritage and community while embracing new ideas that will ensure the show continues to grow for generations to come.