Up to 300 thousand people are expected to attend the Ploughing Championships which begin in Tullamore, Co. Offally this morning.
Traffic plans are in place for the event, the largest outdoor festival in Europe.
A few interesting characters starting to arrive #Ploughing16 pic.twitter.com/BLbiurCgKm
— National Ploughing (@NPAIE) September 19, 2016
The 85th National Ploughing Championships begin in Screggan, near Tullamore this morning, with hundreds thousands of farmers, rural families and machinery enthusiasts expected for the three day festival.
The event is regarded as the highlight of the farming calendar, and features 1500 exhibitors, with a focus on farm machinery, livestock and food.
Politicians of every persuasion will be in attendance – and with just 3 weeks to go before the Budget, wages are at the forefront of farmers’ minds.
A new survey by Agriland has found that 70 percent of farmers don’t take a regular wage from their business.
Traffic management plans are in place and gardai are asking people to adhere to the seven suggested routes.
Gates open at 9 am, and the ploughing competitions kick off at 10.30.
