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Exhibition Checklist for the National Ploughing Championships
The 2027 National Ploughing Championships will be held at Boherkill Farm, Rathangan, Co. Kildare, and this checklist is for businesses planning to exhibit there. It covers how to book a site, what to prepare before you apply, how to design a stand that works outdoors, what to bring on the day, and when to order your signage so nothing arrives late.
When and where are the next National Ploughing Championships?
Summary: the 2027 Championships will be held at Boherkill Farm, Rathangan, Co. Kildare. The 2027 dates are not confirmed on the official site, and the event usually runs over three days in mid to late September, so check the National Ploughing Association before you commit to travel or accommodation.
| Detail | What we know |
|---|---|
| Venue | Boherkill Farm, Rathangan, Co. Kildare |
| County | Kildare (the 2026 event was held at Screggan, Tullamore, Co. Offaly) |
| Dates | Not yet confirmed. The event usually runs over three days in mid to late September |
| Visitor opening hours | Check npa.ie for confirmed times |
| Exhibitor access | Confirm with the NPA at [email protected] |
| Source | National Ploughing Association |
Treat public hours and exhibitor hours as two different things. Use any time on site before visitors arrive to restock, clean down and brief staff, and confirm exhibitor access times with the NPA.
The scale is worth planning for. The event draws more than 1,400 exhibitors and around 80,000 visitors a day, according to the NPA's own FAQs. Agricultural businesses, rural organisations, food producers, service providers and a very large general audience all turn up in the same fields.
How do I book an exhibitor stand at the Ploughing Championships?
Summary: new exhibitors complete the online exhibitor questionnaire on the NPA exhibition page, and returning exhibitors book through the online portal. The questionnaire is an expression of interest only, not a booking.
Queries go to [email protected]. It helps to have this ready before you apply:
- Business details and a clear description of what you are promoting
- The space you need, including frontage and depth
- Electricity and any other utility requirements
- Public liability and employers' liability insurance certificates
- Health and safety paperwork, including a risk assessment
- Signage details, vehicle access and anything being craned or towed in
On the 2026 outdoor rate card, exhibitors needed public liability cover with a limit of €2.6m and employers' liability cover with a limit of €13m (NPA outdoor rate card). These were the 2026 requirements, so check the 2027 rate card on npa.ie when it is published, and take stand rates and deadlines from the NPA rather than from any third party.
| Indoor stand | Outdoor trade space | |
|---|---|---|
| Weather | Sheltered, dry underfoot | Exposed to wind, rain and mud |
| Footfall | Concentrated, visitors linger | High volume, faster moving |
| Space | Usually more compact | More room for vehicles and machinery |
| Best for | Services, food, small products | Machinery, vehicles, large demos |
What should be on my Ploughing Championships exhibitor checklist?
Summary: work through admin, stand kit, lead capture and print in that order. A short list you actually tick beats a long one you skim.
- Admin: booking confirmation, insurance certificates, risk assessment, staff passes, accommodation and travel booked early, vehicle passes.
- Stock and trading: product stock, card payment device with a charged battery, cash float, secure overnight storage.
- Power and comfort: power supply confirmed, extension leads, chargers, bins, cleaning kit, first-aid items, water and food for staff.
- Stand kit: branded clothing, furniture, product displays, lighting, stationery, cable ties and weights.
- Lead generation: QR codes, enquiry forms, competition entries, an appointment diary, business cards, and a written process for recording consent and following up within a week.
For print, build around weather. Branded gazebos give you shelter and branding in one, PVC banners handle rain and wind on fencing, and branded flags lift your name above the crowd. Keep pull up banners for indoor stands or sheltered corners. If you are bringing leaflets, brochures or business cards, pack them in sealed boxes so damp does not curl them. Our farm machinery show checklist covers similar ground for agricultural audiences.
Design for a busy aisle. Short messages, large type, high contrast, and one clear call to action that a passer-by reads in two seconds. If you are working out the layout, our guide to exhibition stand design is a useful starting point.
What stalls are at the Ploughing Championships?
Summary: the line-up changes every year, so check the exhibitor information on npa.ie for the current list.
Across a typical edition, visitors can expect:
- Agricultural machinery, tractors and demonstrations
- Livestock, farm services, forestry and land management
- Energy, fuel and agri technology
- Finance, insurance, motoring and construction
- Rural organisations, enterprise supports and innovation showcases
- Retail, crafts, fashion, food and drink marquees
Only treat an exhibitor, sponsor or attraction as confirmed when it shows on the official list for the next edition.
Frequently asked questions
When can exhibitors set up and dismantle their stands?
Build-up and dismantling times are set by the NPA, so check the exhibitor information on npa.ie or email [email protected] before you plan transport and staff.
What facilities, parking and vehicle access are available for exhibitors?
Ask the NPA about parking, vehicle access, power and on-site facilities when you book, and confirm the details through [email protected].
How can I prepare my stand for crowds, bad weather and muddy conditions?
It is a working farm site, so plan for wind, rain and mud. Weight or stake every display, choose waterproof and wind-resistant materials, lay matting or flooring, raise stock off the ground, and bring spare ties, pegs and towels.
How many people attend the National Ploughing Championships?
The 2026 event drew 243,000 visitors over three days, with 75,000 on the final day, according to the NPA. Plan staffing and stock for roughly 80,000 people a day.
What should I do next to get my stand ready?
Summary: confirm the official details first, then lock in your print dates.
- Check the current exhibitor information on npa.ie, then complete the exhibitor questionnaire (new exhibitors) or use the online portal (returning exhibitors).
- Add every confirmed NPA deadline to a shared planning calendar.
- Order signage and printed materials early so there is time for artwork checks, production and delivery.
Printroom has over 20 years' experience in large-format print and display. Talk to our team for a quote on a coordinated stand package, from gazebo to banners and flags.
