A Brief History of Tullow Agricultural Show

The First Show was held on 19^th September 1946, in the Gaelic Park. Tullow. The Show had lapsed in 1913, and was revived by the Young Farmers Club. 1200 exhibits, including Livestock, Bloodstock, and Home Exhibits, were presented and judged for the First Show, The day ended with a dance which had an attendance of 500 in the Captain Murphy Memorial Hall. Admission to Dance and supper was  ten shillings, and dancing went on until daylight.

The show moved from the Gaelic Park to Youngs of Coppenagh in 1955. This new venue allowed more space for the show to expand and we have celebrated our diamond anniversary and continue to move from strength to strength.

During the years the Show moved with the times. Many new attractions have been added, though Agriculture still remains high on the agenda. The promotion of quality food, and crafts feature strongly in recent times, and Trade Stands provide a colourful display for prospective customers. The Entries have increased to over 3000, and the attendance in the region of 10,000.

 

•  Quaity Food Hall: Sponsored by Charles R. Wynne Ltd.
• Overall Pairs Cattle Championship
• Slaney Foods Final of Simmental Calf Competition
• I.F.A. Carlow Co. Executive Display
• Craft Hall
• Entertainment for All
• Best Dressed Ladies Outfit – Sponsored by LIBRA
• Little Miss Tullow – Sponsored by Douglas Jewellers
• Baby’s Day Out -  Sponsored by Sam McCauley
• Macra na Feirme Display
• Garden and Produce Section – Sponsored by Brophy
• Agri Services Ltd.
• Continental Cross Bred Ewe Lambs – Sponsored by
• Janssen Animal Health
• Tug Of War
• Display from Co. Carlow Guilds of the I.C.A.
• Working Hunter Championship
• New Goat Classes

 

Tullow, a small farming town located in the River Slaney Valley in the midst of rich, fertile agricultural land. Tullow is also the ancestral home of the famous Wolseley family - Frederick York Wolseley gave his name to the Wolseley car. It is known locally as the granite town because of its magnificent stone approach roads as well as its granite public buildings.

What to see and do:

Tullow reflects an enduring historical culture with many items of antiquity including the Rathgall Stone Fort, Cloch a Phoill, an ancient holed stone just outside Tullow, a prehistoric burial place (Bawnoge) and Haroldstown Dolmen. Each a testament to this areas ancient past.

In the centre of the town is a statue of Fr. John Murphy, a local priest involved in the 1798 Rising, who was executed in the market square in July 1798.

There are many beautiful gardens in and around Tullow, including the fabulous Altamont Gardens, a romantic garden, which is being continuously restored and added to. The nearby Rathwood Home, Gift and Garden World is a treasure chest of interesting and unusual ideas, incorporating an array of household items as well as pine furniture, garden furniture, gazebos, pottery and crafts, alongside an extensive garden centre.

Golfers can avail of the excellent 18-hole Mount Wolseley Golf Clublocated on the Mount Wolseley estate near Tullow.

For more information, visit www.carlowtourism.com.