One of Co. Cavan's longest-running agricultural events is set to return next month as the 83rd annual Virginia Show takes place on Wednesday, August 19.

The show will once again bring together the farming community, local businesses and visitors for a celebration of agriculture, livestock and rural life in Virginia.

A launch event took place at the Virginia Show Centre this morning (Friday, June 25).

Virginia Show president Mary Gaynor said that the theme for this year's show is 'Harvesting the future together-where urban meets rural'.

She said that the theme for this year's show is to highlight "the enduring importance of rural communities and the interconnectedness and interdependence between rural and urban areas".

"From progressive farming practices and environmental stewardship to local food production, biodiversity, and rural enterprise, the theme reflects both the heritage and future of Irish agriculture" she added.

Guest speaker at the launch event today was Liam Herlihy who is chair of FBD Holdings plc and chair of Teagasc.

Over 10,000 visitors are expected to attend the Virginia Show this year which, according to the organisers, "remains one of the largest one-day agricultural events in the region".

Livestock competitions

One of the cornerstones of the Virginia Show is the livestock classes which draw large numbers of entries and larger numbers of spectators every year.

Some of the key livestock competitions this year include:

Tirlán Virginia Holstein Friesian In-Calf Heifer Competition;
Lakeland Dairies Dairy Champion of the Show;
A.W. Ennis Interbreed Champion of the Show;
Univet Ireland Commercial Heifer Championship;
Liffey Meats €2,000 Champion Beef Bullock Competition;
Carnaross Mart €5,000 Male/Female Champion Weanling Show;
Diageo Baileys Champion Dairy Cow Competition.

One of the biggest attractions of the show is the Diageo Baileys Champion Dairy Cow Competition.

With a prize fund of €13,000, the competition is widely regarded as one of Ireland's premier dairy cow competitions and attracting elite animals from across the country.

The cattle section will also include classes for Holstein Friesian and other dairy breeds as well as Commercial, Continental, Shorthorn, Hereford, Angus, Charolais, Limousin, Simmental and Belgian Blue cattle.

Sheep and poultry

The sheep section continues to remain a selling point also with strong representation from Suffolk, Texel, Charollais, Vendeen, Native Galway, Blue Texel and Dassenkop breeds.

Competitors will contest the prestigious Paddy Keoghan Cup for pedigree sheep, while the Hugh Faulkner Cup will be awarded to the overall Crossbred Champion.

The poultry section has featured a broad range of breeds in previous years and remains a key focus of the show’s agricultural offering.

Home Industries and Rural Craftsmanship

The Home Industries section each year is a showcase of creativity, craftsmanship, and talent, with competitions spanning baking, horticulture, art, crafts, and photography.

Highlights in this section include:

The All-Ireland €1,500 Fleetwood Paints Amateur Art Competition Final;
Lisgrey House-ICA Guild Skills of the Year Competition;
Virginia Park Lodge Summer Desserts Competition;
The Quality Onion All-Ireland Championship Final.

These competitions continue to attract entries from throughout Ireland and aim to "reflect the rich traditions and skills that remain at the heart of rural communities" according to the organisers.

Insights

As part of this year’s theme, Virginia Show will welcome a guest speaker from Teagasc Moorepark in Co. Cork.

The speaker will share insights into the latest developments in sustainable farming, agricultural innovation, and the future of the Irish agri-food sector.

This presentation aims to provide valuable information for farmers, students, industry professionals, and anyone interested in the continued evolution of Irish agriculture.

Equine classes and dog show

It is also expected that the equine section will attract strong entries in 2026 from across the country and will include qualifiers for the Irish Draught Filly Foal Championship, the Connemara Three-Year-Old Filly All-Ireland Championship, and the All-Ireland Donkey Mare and Foal Championship, alongside more than 60 classes for horses and ponies.

Separately a new highlight this year will be a Side Saddle Riding Display, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience one of the most elegant and historic traditions of equestrian sport.

The display will showcase the skill, balance, and horsemanship involved in side-saddle riding and is expected to be one of the standout attractions of the equine programme.

The dog-show continues to attract increasing numbers of exhibitors and spectators and will host qualifiers for the Gain Dog Food All-Ireland Championship, the All-Ireland Gun Dog Championship, and the All-Ireland Irish Native Breed Dog Championship.

Competition classes

With almost 500 competition classes, over 200 trade stands, extensive family entertainment, fashion show, cookery demonstration and exhibits celebrating agriculture, food, innovation, and rural life, Virginia Show aims to offer "a unique experience for visitors of all ages".

The committee today acknowledged the Department of Rural and Community Development for its continued support of agricultural shows throughout Ireland.

The committee said: "This investment plays an important role in sustaining events such as Virginia Show and strengthening the communities they serve."