Cork Summer Show 2026 – Rules & Competition Information

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

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

• Additional attendees must pay the standard public admission fee.

• Judges’ decisions are final for all competitions.

• Entries must be submitted online; no late entries permitted.

• Access: 

  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 Overview

The Cork Summer Show features competitions across a wide range of categories:
Livestock, equestrian, farm produce, arts, crafts & baking, horticulture, inventions, and more.

Entry fees and prize funds vary by class – please check each category for details.

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 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 prior to the start of each class.

Livestock Entries

Cattle – Saturday, 20 June

• Classes start at 11:00am.

• Movement documentation must be completed at Livestock HQ; competition numbers collected there.

Ponies – Saturday, 20 June

• Showing rings start at 10:30am (Working Hunter Ponies at 10:00am).

• Competition numbers available from Livestock HQ.

Horses – Sunday, 21 June

• Showing rings start at 11:00am.

• Competition numbers collected from 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)

Sheep – Sunday, 21 June

• Classes start at 12:00 noon.

• Movement documentation completed at Livestock HQ; competition numbers collected there.

Pigs – Saturday, 22 June

• Classes start at 2:00pm.

• Pigs must be penned before 8:30am Saturday, as no traffic is permitted after this time.

• Movement documentation completed prior to arrival. Competition numbers collected from the Chief Steward at the Pig display area.

Goats – Sunday, 21 June

• Classes start at 11:30am.

• Movement documentation completed at Livestock HQ; competition numbers collected there.

Poultry – Sunday, 21 June

• Birds must be caged by 10:00am.

• Judging begins at 10:30am. Competition numbers available from the Chief Steward.

• Birds may only be removed between 5:00pm and 6:30pm.

Equestrian Rules

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

• Competitors under 16 may not lead ponies, except in Young Handler classes.

• The committee may cancel or merge classes if entries are insufficient.

• Show operates under IPS rules; points earned count towards IPS Championship qualification.

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.

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: 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, 8:00–10:00am

• Viewing: From 11:00am 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