Coleraine Show

The Coleraine Show is one of those two-day summer events that draws farming families and curious visitors together in equal measure. Held each August at the Coleraine Show Grounds, it is an annual agricultural show organised by the Coleraine Show Committee - a traditional gathering where livestock judging, local crafts, and trade stalls take over the showgrounds for a long late-summer weekend. Admission is £7 per person, which makes it an easy day out for families, and the two-day format means there is no rush to fit everything in.

What to expect

The show is built around livestock competitions - cattle, sheep, and horses are judged across a range of classes throughout both days. These ring events are the centrepiece: breeders travel from across the north of Ireland to compete, and the standard of animals on display tends to be high. Alongside the livestock rings you will find craft displays and exhibits, where local producers show off everything from homemade preserves to needlework and floral arrangements. Trade stalls round out the grounds, mixing agricultural suppliers with food vendors and general retail. Family entertainment runs through the day, so there is something to keep children occupied between the main ring events. Doors open at 9.30am on both the Wednesday and Thursday.

Getting there

Coleraine sits on the River Bann in the north of County Derry, roughly equidistant between Londonderry (Derry city) and the coast at Portrush. By road it is straightforward to reach from most of Northern Ireland: the A26 connects to the M2 at Ballymena, giving a clear run from Belfast of about 60 miles. From Derry city, the A2 or A37 bring you in from the west in around 40 minutes. Coleraine also has a train station with regular services from Belfast Great Victoria Street and connecting services to Portrush - useful if you want to avoid parking altogether. For drivers, agricultural shows typically have dedicated show parking on site or in nearby fields; follow signs on arrival and allow a few extra minutes in the morning when traffic into the grounds tends to build.

While you’re in Coleraine

Coleraine is a good base for the Causeway Coast, with the Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle, and the beaches at Portstewart and Portrush all within 20 minutes’ drive. The town centre itself has a good mix of cafés and independent shops worth a wander after the show. There is more to see in Coleraine and across Co. Derry.

Good to know

• Dates: Wednesday 26 - Thursday 27 August 2026
• Gates open: 9.30am each day
• Admission: £7 per person
• Venue: Coleraine Show Grounds, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry
• Organiser: Coleraine Show Committee
• Check the Coleraine Show Committee’s social media channels closer to the date for any updates on classes, special features, or booking requirements