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markets · Saturday 22 August 2026 · 8:00am 
Iverk Show
At Piltown · Piltown, Co. Kilkenny
At Piltown · Piltown, Co. Kilkenny
The Iverk Show is Ireland’s oldest agricultural show, first held in 1826 and returning every fourth Saturday in August to the village of Piltown in south Kilkenny. In 2026 it reaches its 200th edition - a genuinely remarkable run that still draws around 25,000 people through the gates in a single day. If you have never been to a proper country show, this is one of the best in the country to start with; it covers everything from pedigree cattle to handmade jam, and the atmosphere is equal parts serious competition and village day out.
The centrepiece in 2026 is the ABP Beef Bulls of the Future Championships, with a record prize fund of €37,700 and roughly 120 bulls and 80 heifers competing across ten pedigree beef breeds. Beyond the cattle rings there are classes for dairy, sheep, poultry and horses, plus in-hand and ridden horse sections and showjumping throughout the day.
Away from the livestock, the trade stand area spans several hundred exhibitors - large outdoor machinery exhibits alongside small craft sellers and artisan food producers. The produce and crafts hall covers vegetables, fruit, flowers, flower arranging, baking, jams, honey and farm produce, with sections for adults and children including primary and secondary school categories. A display of vintage tractors and working machinery is a highlight for families, along with a fashion show on the famous Iverk catwalk, a bonny baby competition, and a free children’s play area. For the 200th anniversary, the committee has added Blooming in Piltown - a gardening competition open to private gardens, housing estates and local primary schools.
Piltown sits on the N24 between Waterford city and Clonmel, and is easy to reach by car from either direction. From Kilkenny city the drive is around 25 minutes via the R700 south. Parking is available on the showgrounds; expect the gates area to be busy from mid-morning. Bus Eireann services on the Waterford - Clonmel route serve Piltown, though most visitors arrive by car and an early start helps.
The surrounding south Kilkenny parishes have strong GAA and farming communities that make the show feel very much a local institution rather than a tourist event. There is more to see in Piltown and across Co. Kilkenny.
Heading to Piltown in Piltown? Kilkenny has plenty more to see. Read the Piltown area guide, find what else is on, and explore the towns and villages nearby.