Entries for the Virginia Show on August 21 are shaping up to be an end-of-summer showcase for agriculture and rural life.

Purpose-built showgrounds make this event the envy of other counties, not to mention its crowd-pulling attraction - the Diageo Baileys Cow.

The picturesque setting, close to the shore of Lough Ramor, right in the heartland of Co. Cavan, makes this show a great day trip for farming and non-farming families alike.

The Diageo Baileys Champion Cow has been the centrepiece event at the show for over 40 years.

This year is no exception, with the island’s finest examples of the Holstein Friesian breed competing to be crowned Champion by the producers of Baileys, Diageo and its cream supplier Tirlán.

Fondly known as the ‘all-Ireland for dairy cows,’ there is much at stake for the owners of these great cows.

A win in the show-ring at ‘The Baileys’ is the ultimate form of promotion for any breeder’s herd and there’s huge pride in representing their counties.

Winning or even doing well in ‘The Baileys’ is a tremendous accolade for a Holstein Friesian breeder. 

Competition is intense and the overall title will only be won by a great cow. The title is fought with an epic intensity.

Statuesque black and white cows, groomed to perfection will be paraded in front of the assembled crowds and for the judge whose lone task will be to tap out the winners.

500 Classes

The serious business of ‘The Baileys’ gets underway at 3:00p.m. Before then, there are almost 500 classes showcasing the very best of Irish agriculture from horse, sheep, beef and dairy classes as well as stockperson contests.

In the sheep section, "style is the first thing", last year's judge explained, when asked what he was looking for.

“Then, presence", which means can they show themselves off "and a good fleece of wool”. 

The breeders take it all with a great passion and you could offer £1,000 for second prize and owners wouldn’t take it, it’s all about the red rosette.

In the cattle section, you will see white coat, halters, backcombing combs and clippers, working with such precision.

You can also up your game in the kitchen and find tasty recipes at a live cookery demonstrations throughout the day, watching delicious demonstrations led by award-winning industry professionals.

Food and fashion

This year’s show promises to have something for everyone from competitions to shopping, live music to tasty food and drinks – it’s the one place you can meet, touch, smell, taste and take home the best in the country.

In the food hall you will be spoilt with a feast for the eyes from oils; chocolates; cheese; meats and fruits to the finest pots, pans and kitchen equipment.

Don’t miss out on the largest display of honey in the country, Virginia Show has grown to the largest one-day exhibition of honey in the country, in a couple of years it has moved from a few pots on a table to taking a full classroom of honey. 

Five fun things to do at the Virginia Show

Take a selfie at the gig rig with live outdoor music;
Pick your favourite to win ‘the Baileys’ in the Baileys Cow Hotel;
Share a coffee with friends at one of our many eateries;
Visit the Baileys Cow Hall of Fame in the Tirlan tent;
Spot the most appropriately dressed person competition winner;
Check out the latest trends at our hugely popular fashion show.

If that’s not enough, expect birds of prey, dogs doing tricks, ponies prancing, sheep shearing and plus all manner of satisfying hot and cold delights to purchase throughout the show.

Parking is free and ample parking is available coming from all roads where stewards are plentiful in their famous white coats to direct cars and answer any questions.

Tickets are available to purchase online via the show website, www.virginiashow.com with an early bird €5 discount on the ticket price. Family tickets are also available on our website.

Virginia Show secretary:

Telephone: 049 8547197

Mobile number: 0860758364

Email: [email protected]

https://www.facebook.com/VirginiaShow/

https://www.facebook.com/BaileysCow