Our Suzanne Keane has some practical advice for those heading to Co Offaly for the national championships.
Traffic – All routes to the National Ploughing Championships are well signposted and you’ll be directed to the nearest car park once you get close to the site. Check out what the usual travel time from your home would be and double it to make sure you get there on time but be prepared for sitting in traffic for at least 45 minutes!
Footwear – While wellies may be the shoes of choice for the majority of people attending the National Ploughing Championships it’s important to keep in mind you’ll be on your feet all day and doing plenty of walking so if you don’t have a supportive pair of wellies you may be better off with waterproof walking boots.
Exhibitors – Ploughing is the main focus of the event in Offaly but if you’re anything like me you’ll spend your time wandering around all the exhibition stands to see what goodies are on offer! If there’s anything in particular you want to see be sure to make a note of the exact location so you don’t have to retrace your steps if you miss it – remember the site is huge!!
Toilets – There are plenty of toilets scattered around the site in Tullamore this year but for the ultimate in luxury avoid the porta-potty section and try out the cabin style toilet blocks at the end of row 16! Either way it’s advantageous to bring some wipes and tissue with you just in case!
Entertainment – If you get tired of the exhibitions & trade stands, sheep dog trials, sheep shearing,livestock displays or the actual ploughing there’s tractor football taking place all day near Catering Area C right next to the amusements or you can venture to the other end of the site to experience just what Volkswagen’s new Amarok V6 can do off-road for yourself!
Food – There’s so much choice around the site don’t settle for the first stand you come across but be prepared for long queues from about 12 pm onwards – Also, if you’ve got little ones with you the baby changing and feeding facilities are based in row 10 this year!
Suzanne Keane
20th September, 2016
