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Thousands of visitors attended Castlewellan Forest Park on Saturday 18 July with the 2026 Castlewellan Agricultural Show enjoying one of its biggest and most successful events to date. Excellent weather and a packed programme of attractions drew huge crowds throughout the day, with families, farmers, exhibitors and visitors travelling from near and far to celebrate agriculture, food and rural life in the heart of County Down.
The show featured thousands of animals competing in a wide range of livestock classes, including beef and dairy cattle, sheep, horses and ponies, donkeys, pigs, poultry, rabbits and cavies. Showjumping, pony games, dog agility and the ever popular Dog Show also attracted large crowds and provided entertainment throughout the day. A new addition to this year's programme, the Sheep Speed Shearing Competition, proved to be a major attraction, drawing spectators eager to watch competitors demonstrate their skill and speed.
Champion at Castlewellan Show.
The Limousin Cattle National Show was also held at Castlewellan on 18 July. The overall Supreme Champion was Trevor Shields of Glenmarshal with Glenmarshal Anastasia, while the NISA Danske Bank Sheep Championship Final was won by the Rowan family of Ballintogher Cheviots.
Visitors also explored the extensive trade stands, craft marquee, Eco Village and Home Industries marquee, while younger visitors enjoyed a wide range of family attractions, including bouncy castles, inflatable slides, bumper cars and face painting. The Food Tent remained a popular destination throughout the day, showcasing some of Northern Ireland's finest local produce through live cookery demonstrations by chefs from Killeavy Castle, Hillyard House Hotel and Burrendale Hotel.
Live entertainment added to the atmosphere, with performances from Country Harmony, Box Car Brian and Lauren McCrory, while the return of the Jiving Competition with JivinGym once again proved a favourite with competitors and spectators alike.
The organising committee extended its sincere thanks to the volunteers, sponsors, exhibitors, competitors, judges, stewards, traders and everyone who attended and supported this year's show, with their continued commitment helping make Castlewellan Agricultural Show one of the north's foremost agricultural events. The show continues to celebrate the very best of farming and rural life while providing an important showcase for local businesses, food producers and community organisations, and the annual event also brings significant economic benefits to the local area by attracting visitors from the wider region.
Following the success of this year's event, preparations are already underway for the 2027 Castlewellan Agricultural Show, with organisers looking forward to welcoming everyone back to Castlewellan Forest Park for another memorable day celebrating farming, food and family fun.
