2025 Funding Announcement - Press Release

The Irish Shows Association was thrilled to welcome Minister Dara Calleary to officially launch our 2025 yearbook in Athlone on Saturday 8th March 2025.
At the launch, the Minister took the opportunity to announce a funding package of €1 million for our Agricultural Shows across the Republic of Ireland again in 2025. This funding has been such a boost to our shows in recent years, allowing our member shows to develop and grow, as well as investing in future-proofing and safety standards. On behalf of all our member shows, we wish to thank the Minister and The Department of Rural and Community Development for this expression of confidence in our organistaion and what we stand for. Shows are part of the beating heart of rural Ireland and long may that continue.

From Department of Rural and Community Development 

Published on 8 March 2025

123 shows nationwide to benefit from fresh round of funding.

Grants range from €4,000 to over €11,000, depending on the size of the show.

Minister Calleary: “Agricultural shows are a key component of life in rural Ireland.”

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, has today announced an investment of over €1 million to support 123 Agricultural Shows right across the country.

As part of the initiative, each show will receive a grant of between €4,260 and €11,410 depending on their size. This funding will support the work of each of the 123 show committees as they prepare for the upcoming show season.

The funding announced today brings the total allocated to our Agricultural Shows since 2018 to over €5.3 million.

Minister Calleary made the announcement as he launched the 2025 Yearbook for Irish Show’s Association (ISA) at an event in Athlone, Co Westmeath, earlier today.

Speaking at the event in Athlone, Minister Calleary said:

“Agricultural shows are a key component of life in rural Ireland and I am delighted today to announce a further investment of €1 million to support 123 Agricultural Shows right across the country.

Although farming practices have changed, agriculture is still the backbone of life in rural Ireland and plays a vital role in our national economy. The agricultural show as we know it has so much to offer, not just in terms of the competitive element, but also as a platform for local businesses, local farmers and for local craft and artisan food producers. The local show is also one of the best days of the year for meeting neighbours and friends.

The Department of Rural and Community Development will work with the Irish Shows Association (ISA) to administer the 2025 scheme.

Minister Calleary continued:

“Community events across the country like the Agricultural Shows would not be possible without the ‘Meitheal’ that is so evident in rural Ireland. I would like to acknowledge the efforts of the show committees, the many dedicated volunteers and stewards, sponsors, local businesses and organisations that each do their bit to ensure their local show is such a success.

I would strongly encourage people to attend and support their local show. I am sure they will find the show has something to offer everyone.”

Speaking on the announcement today, Minister of State for Community Development, Charities and Rural Transport, Jerry Buttimer TD, said:

“The Agricultural show is an event that the locals very much look forward to and it is a key event in the agricultural calendar. They are a great opportunity to engage and to see first-hand the produce from the land. The Department have been loyal supporters of these shows for many years now and I would encourage young and old to go along to your local show, you are guaranteed a great day out.”

The funding provided to each show is available in the table at the following link: List of Agricultural Shows funded 2025

Notes for editors:

The Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht promotes rural and community development and to support vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities throughout Ireland.

Its focus is on strengthening community resilience and social cohesion, supporting communities so that they are empowered to face current and future challenges.

The funding is administered by the Irish Shows Association (ISA). The ISA is the official recognised body representing Irish Agricultural Shows on the island of Ireland. The list of shows to benefit from this funding are attached.