The road to the rosettes: Balmoral and Castlewellan Shows on RTÉ One

Castlewellan and Balmoral Shows feature in a new six-part series of Beidh Aonach Amárach, beginning on Thursday 8 October on RTÉ One at 8.30 pm.

Now in its fifth series, Beidh Aonach Amárach shines a light on the skill, passion, and fierce competition at the heart of Ireland’s agricultural shows.

Expert rider Julie Donaghy from Craigavon prepares to take to the equestrian ring during the fourth episode of the new series of Beidh Aonach Amárach at the Castlewellan Show, on Wednesday 11 March, on TG4 at 8.30pm

placeholder image — Expert rider Julie Donaghy from Craigavon prepares to take to the equestrian ring during the fourth episode of the new series of Beidh Aonach Amárach at the Castlewellan Show, on Wednesday 11 March, on TG4 at 8.30pm

Throughout 2025, cameras and crews were on the road, capturing the dedication of competitors giving everything to be crowned Best in Show.

Ireland hosts over 120 agricultural shows each year, drawing thousands of competitors and spectators alike. This series takes viewers to six of Ireland's most colourful and competitive events: Bannow & Rathangan (Wexford), Castlewellan (Down), Clonmel (Tipperary), Balmoral (Antrim), Clonmany (Donegal), and Bridgetown (South East Clare).

Friends Barra and Frankie from County Tyrone, who travel to the Castlewellan Show and feature in the second episode of the new series of Beidh Aonach Amárach on Wednesday 11 March, on TG4 at 8.30pm

From jam to cattle, jiving to sheep-shearing, we meet competitors, judges, and organisers whose commitment brings these vibrant traditions to life. Each show offers a window into rural life and the community spirit that underpins it. The series reveals the heart, heritage, and customs that have made Ireland’s country show an enduring and much-loved tradition.

The series kicks off in sunny Wexford at the Bannow & Rathangan Show, where 23-year-old Lily Celine returns to the canvas after a year away. Teens Jess (14) and Lauren (15) continue a tradition of picking wildflowers with their grandad. Photographer Louise Skelly, from Clondalkin, captures the drama of the sheepdog trials, and in Ballybro, 15-year-old Faye Gallagher puts her Valais Blacknose sheep, and cheeky ram Kevin, in the spotlight!

The second programme in the series on Thursday 15 October at 8.30pm, features the Castlewellan Show in County Down, where 11-year-old Frankie from County Tyrone deals with a lively ram in the young handlers’ ring.

Anne Quinn steps into the baking tent with the help of her friend and expert rider Julie Donaghy Simpson.

Craigavon's Julie is aiming to impress potential new clients with her performance in the equestrian ring.

And based in Cullyhanna, South Armagh, Nóra proudly displays her intricate hand-knitted blankets for the first time.

For the third programme in the series, the racecourse is busy at the historic Clonmel Show in Tipperary. Niamh Melody hopes her Connemara pony Emerald can live up to her mother’s championship title, while Kilkenny-based dairy farmer Brian Roche guides three of his kids through the cattle ring. In Carlow, Ciara O’Connell passes on her passion for the centuries-old skill of side-saddle to her daughter Charlotte. And in Waterford, the Sheehy family juggle sheep, horses and a lively foal named Rocko, all chasing those prized rosettes.

Travelling back up north for the fourth programme in the series on Thursday 29 October at 8.30pm, over 100,000 people flock to County Antrim for the Balmoral Show, one of Ireland's biggest agricultural events.

Twelve-year-old Laoise Clancy from Derry takes to the ring for her debut with pony Tessa, while the Rodgers family from Ballynahinch pin their hopes on bull Victor to impress buyers.

Students from Coláiste Feirste in West Belfast get their first taste of farm life, and Robert Wallace from Kinedale Donkeys balances behind-the-scenes work with showing off his much-loved animals.

High winds hit the coast at Clonmany Show in Donegal for the fifth programme, as the All-Ireland Sheep Shearing Championship is underway. Tom Halloran searches for Ireland’s best shearer while 16-year-old Caitlín Nic Giolla Bhuí takes to the ring for the first time with Cob Sooty. Danny and Odhran from Kerrykeel show off their Simmental cattle, and Charlotte from Monaghan hits the dance floor to defend her jiving crown!

The series concludes in South East Clare, where the Bridgetown Show makes a triumphant comeback after a year away. London-based Lisa O’Malley returns home to parade her miniature schnauzer Hugo, while Gertrude Clancy rallies her friends for their annual jam-making.

In Tuamgraney, 15-year-old Fiachra Dobson shows off his homegrown vegetables from the family polytunnel, while sister Róisín (17) competes with her Connemara pony. And Crusheen-based siblings Carina and Gerry brave the rain to show off their prized cattle!

Beidh Aonach Amárach is made by Belfast-based multi-award-winning independent production company Strident Media, with support from Northern Ireland Screen’s Irish Language Broadcast Fund, for RTÉ and TG4.

The series will also be available on the RTÉ Player.