Tickets for the 2026 show are now available. Buy Tickets

This show couldn't happen without our sponsors

Please support local businesses – they are at the heart of our communities.

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Headline Sponsor

Serving a population of 171,500 to provide civic leadership, deliver local services and ensure that the district develops in a way that increases prosperity and quality of life for local residents.

🐎 Horses Sponsors

NFU Mutual Insurance (Mid Down) – agricultural horses
Joanne Orr Carriages, Ballyward – agricultural horses
Martin Mc Cann Accident Repair – NTB young stock
Anne Mateer & Family – 2 yo TB young stock
Englishs Bar Castlewellan – Mc Sherry perpetual trophy championship
T S Foods Castlewellan – brood mare premium class
Murdock Saddlery Drumbo – half bred breeders championship
Mount Pleasant Pony Trekking and Horse Riding – champion Irish Draught
Slaney Park Stud – champion and reserve champion brood mare with foal at foot
Botanica Cream International – champion foal of the show
Carlisle Fuels Ballynhhinch – champion of champions
Green Energy Wind – filly champion
P Turley & Sons Ballyward – champion ridden hunter
Sabbini Tiles Banbridge – young horse working hunter
Burrendale Hotel and Country Club Newcastle – open working hunter championship
Fresh Foods Castlewellan – novice working hunter
Central Garages – working hunter pony
Wadsworth of Newcastle – driving & hackney
Mossvale Riding Club – unaffiliated jumping

🐂 Cattle Sponsors

David G Rankin, Edenkennedy Agricultural Consultancy – cattle parade
Linden Foods – supreme beef championship
Drayne Family – native and any other traditional breed of cattle championship
Britmilk
Bank of Ireland – young beef heifer championship
John Thompson & Sons Ltd – beef pairs championship
Ballinaskeagh Grains Banbridge – Simmental section
Danske Bank – Simmental ‘Bull of the Year’ championship
Castle Veterinary Group Castlewellan; NI Limousin Cattle Club; A I Services Ballycraigy – Limousin classes
WD Jordan & Sons Saintfield; A I Services Ballycraigy – Charolais classes
Downpatrick Co-op Marketing Ltd; Frances Sloan, Sloan Rent a Loo – Hereford classes
O’Hares Eurospar Mayobridge, Rathfriland & Drumaness; A I Services Ballycraigy – British Blonde classes
First Trust Bank; FS Herron – Aberdeen Angus
Hilltown Attested Sales; East Down Farmers; OMC Surfacing – British Blue classes
OMC Surfacing – British Blue pairs championship
Ulster Bank; Johnston Gilpin – Saler classes
Black Berry Hill Farm – European Angus classes
Bank of Ireland; G A Allen – Beef Shorthorn classes
ABP Newry; J S Reid & Sons – crossbred commercial classes
Jubilee Veterinary Centre Newtownards; Burkes of Cornascriebe – Irish Moiled classes
Dexter Society; Transbuild Ireland – Dexter classes
Transbuild Ireland Ltd – native & traditional cattle breeds
F S Herron – junior handlers

🐄 Dairy Sponsors

Lakeland
National Milk Records
All Tech
A I Services
United Feeds
Genus
Joseph Morton Ltd

🐑 Sheep Sponsors

Danske Bank – interbreed championship
Rathfriland Farmers Co-op – breed promotions
Ulster Wools Group – fleece classes
British Wool Marketing Board – national golden fleece competition
Norbrook – pair of ewe lambs championship
Len McCoy Katesbridge – Border Leicester classes
Danske Bank – Hampshire Down classes
EDA Media; South Down Feeds Rathfriland; Texel Sheep Society; NI Texel Breeders Club – Texel classes
Milestone Rathfriland; Alpha Quarry Products – Suffolk classes
Tractormatic; Veterinary Clinic Rathfrilands; Cydectin (Joe Crawford) – Ile de France classes
F S Herron – Blue Faced Leicester classes
JA Weir & Sons Engineers Ballyroney; Co Down Sweeps – Kerryhill classes
Greenmount Country Stores; Alpha Quarry Products; Andrew E Frazer & Sons – Charollais classes
Alpha Quarry Products Seaforde – Rouge de l’Ouest classes
Hilltown Farmers Attested Sales Ltd – Perth type Blackface classes
Glen Farm Supplies Antrim; Mourne Sheep Breeders Association NI – Mourne Blackface sheep classes
Craig Wilson, Country Auction Mart, Ayr – Newtonstewart Blackface classes
J D O’Hare; Alpha Quarry Products Seaforde – Dorset classes
John McCartan Contractor Castlewellan – Beltex classes
Harts Pharmacy Newcastle; Veterinary Clinic Rathfriland – Mule classes
Sinclair Magill (Joseph Walls) Fertilizers Hilltown – Greyface classes
JA McClelland & Sons Ballymena – Lleyn classes
IMV Imaging – Zwartble classes
Francis Sloan, Rent a Loo – Vendeen classes
Alpha Quarry Products Seaforde – any other pedigree breed
Mr Eric Wright – sheep young handlers
United Dairy Feeds
Baileys Fancy Feeds

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to the most common questions about the Castlewellan Show — from tickets and parking to competitions, facilities, and what to expect on the day. If you can’t find the information you need, our team is always here to help.

What time does the Castlewellan Show open?: The show opens to the public at 9:00am, with competitions and activities running throughout the day. We recommend arriving early to make the most of everything on offer.
Is there parking available at the event?: Yes — on-site parking is available within Castlewellan Forest Park. Stewards will direct you on arrival. Accessible parking spaces are also provided for visitors with mobility needs.
Are there children’s activities at the show?: Absolutely! From funfair attractions and interactive displays to animal encounters and craft workshops, there’s plenty to keep younger visitors entertained throughout the day.
Do I need to buy my tickets in advance?: While some tickets may be available on the day, we strongly recommend purchasing in advance to guarantee entry and benefit from faster access at the gate.
Can I bring my dog to the show?: Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a lead at all times. Please clean up after your pet and be mindful around livestock and busy areas.
Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a lead at all times. Please clean up after your pet and be mindful around livestock and busy areas.: Entries can be made online ahead of the event. Simply visit the Competitions section of our website to view classes, rules and deadlines. Early entry is recommended as some categories fill quickly.

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Celebrate local, rural life and ensure Castlewellan is a special place to live and visit.

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