Coach hire for the National Ploughing Championships 2027
The 2027 National Ploughing Championships run from 21 to 23 September at Boherkill Farm, Rathangan, Co. Kildare, about 55-60 km south-west of Dublin.
A week later than usual
The 2027 event moved a week later than usual to avoid clashing with the Ryder Cup at Adare Manor, where competition runs on 17-19 September 2027. Farm groups, schools and companies that book the Ploughing on its usual week should check the dates again. If your group is going to both events, book the vehicles for both at once.
Crowds on country roads
The 2026 event at Screggan, Co. Offaly, drew about 243,000 visitors over three days. A crowd that size on rural roads means slow approaches, so leave early and build slack into the return.
Dates and venue
- 21-23 September 2027
- Boherkill Farm, Rathangan, Co. Kildare
Wait for the traffic management plan
The National Ploughing Association publishes a traffic management plan and a shuttle-bus timetable before each event. The coach parks, approach routes and any bus set-down come from that plan, so the operator finalises the route once it is out. Until then, treat pick-up times as provisional.
Showgrounds are large. Once the plan is published, agree which entrance or car park the coach will use, and give everyone a fixed meeting time and place.
Driver hours on a field day
A day at the Ploughing is long: an early start, hours on site, then slow traffic out. Drivers' limits still apply. That is 9 hours at the wheel a day (10 twice a week), a proper break once 4.5 hours of driving are done, and at least 11 hours' rest before the next day's work. Groups from the far south or north-west may need two drivers or a night near Kildare; raise it when you ask for a quote.
Coaches from north Dublin that cross the M50 between Junctions 6 and 7 pay the barrier-free toll, due by 20:00 the next day unless the vehicle has an account or tag.
Questions
When and where is the Ploughing in 2027?
21-23 September 2027, at Boherkill Farm, Rathangan, Co. Kildare.
Why is it later than usual?
It moved a week to avoid clashing with the Ryder Cup at Adare Manor.
Where will coaches park?
That comes from the traffic management plan the National Ploughing Association publishes before each event. The operator plans the route around it.
Cities
Airports
Take a group to the Ploughing
Send your day, pick-up town and numbers. A licensed operator quotes once the plan is known, and you choose whether to book.
Request a quote or call 35312659152