Motorists advised to allow plenty of time for travelling to the Ploughing as delays are reported

The gates opened at the National Ploughing Championships earlier this morning with a huge turnout for the event at Ratheniska in County Laois however there are tailbacks reported enroute from Tipperary and across the region.

The difficult driving conditions, with a status yellow rain warning issued by Met Éireann for Tipperary and a number of bordering counties, is causing lengthy traffic delays on approach roads to the site.

The Championships has grown year on year and there is close to 300,000 expected to attend the National Ploughing Championships over the next three days. It is Europe's largest outdoor event in 2023. 

 Those currently on their way are asked to take extra care on the roads and follow stewards advice on arrival. 
 
Currently delays are said to be in excess of 40 minutes on the approach roads to the car parks in the area.

Gardaí parading in Ratheniska this morning ahead of taking their positions on duty around the National Ploughing Championships

Please follow your colour route to the event
Follow all instructions of Gardaí and please do not use your sat nav https://t.co/S1gONkMExh #Ploughing23 pic.twitter.com/8xGRSSbCkx

— An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) September 19, 2023

Are you headed to #Ploughing23 this week?

Check out our six colour coded traffic routes to Ratheniska, Stradbally Co. Laois depending on the location that you are approaching from.

WATCH: https://t.co/MhExZoexeM

https://t.co/jRot5i90JM

— An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) September 18, 2023