National Ploughing factsheet: What you need to know

THE main fact about the Ploughing Championship is that it’s the most exciting event on an agricultural theme east of the Calgary Stampede. But even the lesser facts bear repeating.

No fewer than 1,700 exhibitors attend the event each year, as the event brings in 283,000 visitors, over 300 competitors and all onto almost two million feet of trade space

It’s economic impact is a cool €35 million. What To Expect At Ploughing ‘17: Exhibition Arena Open: 9:00 – 18:00 Ploughing Competitions:10:30 – 14:30 Entertainment Programme: 10:00 – 18:00 Fashion Shows:11:30 / 13:30 / 15:30. Remember it’s an outdoor exhibition so wear good footwear, and bring a jacket!

· Adults - €20 (10% discount apply on pre-orders of 1O+ online only)

· Senior Citizens - € 15 (ID will be required at the gate)

· Second Level Students - €15 (secondary school rates apply on pre-orders of 10+ purchased through school only).

· Children under 12 go free once accompanied by an adult.

· Fast Track tickets can be purchased before the event online at www.npa.ie or over the phone on 059 86 25125 (please note 10% booking fee applies to tickets purchased over the phone).

· Fast Track Tickets can be purchased up until Friday 8th September, after which date the NPA cannot guarantee delivery of tickets before the event.

· Tickets can also be bought on the day of the event at the admission gates.

· The NPA work closely in conjunction with An Garda Siochana to develop a detailed event

Traffic Plan that will ensure you get to the event safely and as efficiently as possible.

We advise all attendees driving to the event to read this traffic plan before departure and follow the route specified form your direction.

· Please follow directional signage only on close arrival to the event as road closures and alternative routes are often put in place specifically for event purposes.

· Download a copy of the 2017 event Traffic Plan from our homepage on www.npa.ie.

We have a large number of car parks located in close proximity to the Trade Arena to accommodate traffic coming from all parts of the country. You will be directed into the nearest available car park to the event on your arrival and car parking stewards will direct you to a space.

· Yes, you can avail of public transport to the event. Tullamore Train Station is 10 minutes from the event Site.

· A Shuttle Bus service operated by Bus Eireann will be in operation from Tullamore Train Station.

The times of this service will operate to suit train times with pick up times from Tullamore Train Station starting at 06.55am until 12 noon. The Shuttle Bus service will start return runs from the site to Tullamore Train Station at 14.00pm up until 18.30pm.

The drop off and pick up point is located near the main entrance along the N52 and very close to the main entrances along the front of the site.