The sun shone bright in a clear blue sky today (Wednesday) as 113,500 visitors attended Day Two of the 88th National Ploughing Championships at Ballintrane, Fenagh. This brings the total attendance so far this week to an all-time record high of 216,000 over the first two days. 

Speaking this evening, NPA Managing Director Anna May McHugh said; “We expected large crowds again today given the positive reports and great feedback received yesterday, the festive spirit was truly alive and well with rural and urban dwellers alike relishing in the joyful mood.”

Over 300 competitors are on site, almost two million feet of trade space is accommodating 1,700 exhibitors. It is estimated that the economic impact of the ploughing championships, one of the largest outdoor events in Europe, is €35 million.

The traffic plan is working extremely well for Wexford visitors, and there were thousands, on both days, and delays are kept to a minimum and is flowing well considering the large volume of traffic in the area.

The three-day event concludes tomorrow. Gardai advise motorists travelling from Wexford to travel on the N80 through Bunclody and Ballon and will be directed by Gardai to the Event Site, (Grey Car Park). 

Motorists travelling from Wicklow will travel on the N81 if travelling from Blessington/Baltinglass area to Tullow and will be directed by Gardai to the Event Site, (Orange Car Park). Motorists also have the option of travelling on the M11 and exit onto the new N80 link road at Enniscorthy and join the Wexford Route (via Bunclody and Ballon) to the Event Site, (Grey Car Park).