President of the Munster Agricultural Society (MAS), Gerard Murphy, said the 2026 show is shaping up to be one of the strongest yet, with increased competition entries and a broader mix of urban and rural participation.

“We’ve got massive entries into the competitions this year,” Mr Murphy told the Irish Examiner.

“I think entries in arts and crafts are up 25 to 30%... if they keep that going, we're going to have a logistical problem just exhibiting them all,” he said.

The show has also expanded its educational offering, particularly for families. Live animal demonstrations included chicks hatching on site, with visitors even able to hold day-old birds, alongside piglets, milking displays and sheep shearing, all aimed at reconnecting people with the origins of their food.

“We’re trying to educate children… that chicks and pigs don’t come from the supermarket,” Mr Murphy said.

At the Agri Aware demo farm and Marquee, visitors could meet animals up close, watch live milking sessions and sheep shearing, while a programme of talks and cooking demonstrations highlighted Irish produce and farming practices.

Education and Communications Officer, Michael Geary, said the initiative is about tackling misconceptions and connecting Ireland’s agricultural world and its growing non-farming population.

“We’re trying to bridge that knowledge gap… that milk doesn’t just come from the supermarket shelf; there’s a whole process behind it from the cow all the way to the shop,” he said.

The team saw strong engagement from visitors, particularly families, with lively crowds gathering for demonstrations and panel discussions.

“The shearing is always a highlight… being able to take home a little bit of wool. The parents mightn’t thank us for it,” Mr Geary added.

From military re-enactments to cattle showing and dressage, there was something for everyone. Mr Murphy advised visitors to “keep walking and look at everything” to get the full experience.

The mounted horse games drew teams from Cork, Wexford, Wicklow and the United States, with the American competitors flying in earlier in the week to train on loaned Irish ponies in preparation for the competition.

Elsewhere, the vintage section gleamed with polished tractors and classic cars, while the crafts, baking and horticulture tents offered colourful displays of flowers, vegetables and prize-winning treats — from lemon drizzle cakes to focaccia — each proudly marked with rosettes for the winners amongst them.

This year’s official charity partner is Cork City Missing Persons Search and Recovery, which is celebrating 25 years of voluntary service supporting families in difficult circumstances. Established in 2001, the organisation has a 23-strong volunteer team.

On display were one of the boats used in searches, alongside sonar equipment, drones and scuba gear all tools central to their work in locating missing persons.