Iverk Show Bicentenary

The Iverk Show has been running since 1826, making it one of the longest-running agricultural shows in Ireland - and in 2026 it reaches the remarkable milestone of its bicentenary. Two hundred years of cattle judging, flower arranging, tug-o-war and prize-winning cakes in the one Co. Kilkenny village is a genuinely significant thing. This is not a heritage recreation; it is a living, working show that drew around 25,000 visitors in 2025 and keeps growing. Whether you come for the livestock or the artisan food marquee, it fills a full day without any effort.

What to expect

The show covers a wide spread of competitive classes: horses in-hand and show jumping, cattle, sheep, poultry, dogs, fruit, vegetables, flowers, flower arranging, honey, jams, cakes and farm produce. Children have their own classes too, as do primary and secondary school pupils. The 2026 edition is headlined by the ABP Beef Bulls of the Future Championships, with a prize fund of 37,700 euro and up to 120 bulls and 80 heifers across 10 pedigree beef breeds - a serious event for anyone with an interest in Irish cattle breeding.

Beyond the rings, there are 300 to 400 trade stands spanning commercial industries and artisan producers. The famous Iverk catwalk hosts a fashion show. Vintage vehicles are on display with working demonstrations. A tug-o-war competition runs through the day. For families, there is a free children’s play area, a petting zoo and a bonny baby competition. Musical entertainment is laid on in a dedicated plaza at no extra charge.

For the bicentenary, a special initiative called “Blooming in Piltown” has been organised in partnership with Keep Piltown Tidy - a gardening competition open to individual households, housing developments and local primary schools, celebrating two centuries of the show’s connection with the surrounding Barony.

Getting there

Piltown sits in South Kilkenny, roughly 18 km south of Kilkenny city via the N76 and R700, and about 20 km north-east of Waterford city. By car, it is straightforward from either direction. Bus Eireann serves the South Kilkenny corridor from Waterford and Kilkenny, though connections to the show grounds themselves are limited - a car or shared lift is more practical. Large shows of this scale typically bring significant traffic; plan to arrive early and follow the temporary signage for dedicated show parking.

While you’re in Piltown

Piltown is a quiet South Kilkenny village with a strong community feel - the kind of place the show’s 200-year story is rooted in. The surrounding Barony of Iverk has gentle farmland and river scenery worth a slow drive. There is more to see in Piltown and across Co. Kilkenny.

Good to know

• Saturday 22 August 2026
• Gates open throughout the day; check iverkshow.ie for confirmed times closer to the date
• Ticketed event - admission prices to be confirmed at iverkshow.ie
• Children’s play area and petting zoo are free on the day
• Suitable for all ages; the showgrounds are on open land so flat footwear is advisable