Cork Summer Show 2026 – Rules & Competition Information

This document outlines all rules, entry information, drop-off instructions, and collection procedures for exhibitors and competition entrants at the Cork Summer Show. Please read all sections carefully before attending.

General Rule for All Competitions

• Exhibitors receive free entry to the Show based on the total value of their entries:

• Entries valued at €15 → 2 free admission tickets

• Entries valued at €25 → 3 free admission tickets

• Entries valued at €35 → 4 free admission tickets

• Additional attendees must pay the standard public admission fee.

  Other general rules:

• Judges’ decisions are final for all competitions.

• Entries must be submitted online.

• No late entries will be accepted.

• Show Rules & Regulations: All competitions are subject to ISA, IPS, rules 

• Exhibitors must ensure bank details are up to date as all prize money will be paid by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT).

• Exhibitor complimentary tickets will be emailed to the registered account once entries have closed and prior to the Show.

• Please arrive early to avoid delays.

Access to the Showgrounds

• All animals must enter via Christy Gate, as marked on the Show Map.

  All livestock must access the Showgrounds from the Ballincollig Bypass (N22) / South Link – Exit 1.

  If this designated car park becomes full, all livestock entries must then enter via the Clash Road Gate (see map).

  Please note: No cars will be permitted to enter the showgrounds via Christy Gate this year.

• Exhibitors must ensure bank details are up to date. All prize money will be paid by EFT.

Competition Entry Information

• Opening Date: Monday, 23rd March 2026

• Closing Date: Friday, 12th June 2026 at noon

• Note: Late entries will not be accepted.

Drop-Off & Collection Information for Exhibitors & Competition Entrants

Please ensure you follow the specific guidelines for your category.

• It is the responsibility of each competitor to arrive in good time for their class.

• Gate B opens at 7:15am unless otherwise stated.

• Competition numbers must be collected at Livestock HQ/the Secretary’s Office prior to the start of each class.

Livestock Entries Information

The Cork Summer Show is governed by the following rules and regulations. By entering the Show, you agree to adhere to them. 

GENERAL RULES FOR IRISH SHOWS ASSOCIATION CHAMPIONSHIPS 2026

Cattle – Saturday, 20 June

• Gate B opens: 7:15am

• Classes begin: 11:00am in all rings

• Movement documentation must be completed in the Secretary’s Office / Livestock HQ

• Competition numbers collected there

• (Also listed elsewhere as Saturday, 20 June – please refer to final show schedule.)

Ponies – Saturday, 20 June

• Gate B opens: 7:15am
• Showing rings start: 10:30am sharp
• Working Hunter Ponies: begin at 10:00am

• RING Classes for Pony information available via show schedule

• Competition numbers available from the Secretary’s Office / Livestock HQ

Horses – Sunday, 21 June

• Gate B opens: 7:15am

• Showing rings start: 11:00am sharp

• RING Classes for Horse information available via show schedule.

• Competition numbers collected from the Secretary’s Office / Livestock HQ

• Stabling Contacts:

  • Brendan: 086-1524226 (10 mins from Show)

  • Alan: 087-7710970 (30 mins from Show)

  • Roisin: 085-2321831 (5 mins from Show)

  • Colman 087 941 8125 (40 mins from Show)

Equestrian Rules

• All ponies must have a current IPS showing card or SJI Passport.

• Competitors under 16 years of age may not lead ponies, except in Young Handler classes.
• The committee reserves the right to cancel or merge classes if entries are insufficient.
• The show operates under IPS rules and points earned count toward IPS Championship qualification.
• Read Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS HORSES AND OTHER EQUINES

Sheep – Sunday, 21 June

• Gate B opens: 7:15am

• Classes begin: 12:00 noon

• Movement documentation completed at Secretary’s Office / Livestock HQ

• Competition numbers collected there

Pigs – Saturday, 22 June

• Classes begin: 2:00pm

• Important: Pigs must be penned before 8:30am Saturday as no traffic will be permitted on site after this time

• Movement documentation must be completed prior to arrival

• Competition numbers collected from the Chief Steward at the Pig Display Area

Goats – Sunday, 21 June

• Gate B opens: 7:15am

• Classes begin: 11:30am

• Movement documentation completed at the Secretary’s Office / Livestock HQ

• Competition numbers collected there

Poultry – Sunday, 21 June

• Gate B opens: 7:15am

• Birds must be in cages inside the Poultry Marquee by 10:00am sharp

• Judging begins: 10:30am

• Competition numbers available from the Chief Steward

Poultry Rules

• Held under PCGB rules.

• Birds must be penned by 10:00am Sunday.

• Judging begins at 10:30am.

• Birds cannot be removed before 5:00pm; all must be collected by 6:00pm.

• Exhibitors are responsible for entering birds in the correct class.

• Competition numbers available from the Chief Steward

Pet Dog Show Rules

• Entry: On the day, 12:30–1:45pm; showing starts at 2:00pm

• On-the-Day Entry Fee: €3 per class

• Dogs must be on a lead and well-behaved

• Handlers must clean up after their dogs

• No altered dogs (docked tails, cropped ears) will be judged

• Judge’s decision is final

• All proceeds go to the Munster Agricultural Society’s chosen charity for 2026 Cork City Missing Person Search & Recovery Charity

Indoor & Marquee Exhibits

Floral Art – Friday, 19 June

• Entry via Main Gate.

• Staging: 4:00–8:00pm (Floral Art Marquee)

• Judging: Saturday, 8:00–11:30am

• Viewing: From 11:30am Saturday

• Dismantling: See Show Schedule

Arts, Crafts & Baking – Friday, 19 June

• Entry via Main Gate.

• Drop-off: 2:30–4:30pm

• Judging: Friday, 5:00pm

• Collection: Sunday, 5:00–6:00pm

• Each article may be entered in only one class

• Must be the bona fide work of the exhibitor

• Exhibits displayed at owner’s risk

• Must be the unaided work of the exhibitor

• Previously exhibited items are not allowed

• Exhibits cannot be removed before 5:00pm Sunday without Senior Steward approval

Horticulture – Friday, 19 June

• Entry via Main Gate.

• Drop-off: 4:00–8:00pm

• Collection: Sunday, 5:00–6:00pm

• All plants and produce must be grown by the exhibitor

• Stems must be in water; containers not supplied

• Viewing: Saturday, 20 June from 11:00am

• Dismantling: See Show Schedule

• By entering, exhibitors consent to images of their work being published and named