Shuttle bus your way to the ploughing in Tullamore

A number of shuttle buses will operate outside Tullamore and Portarlington railway stations taking people directly to the national ploughing championships grounds in Screggan next week.

275,000 people are expected to attend the event over three days from Tuesday September 16 to Thursday September 18.

Early morning buses from Tullamore railway station begin at 7am with four buses up to 12.30.

Times for the shuttle bus back from the grounds to the railway station are 14.40 up to 19.00.

Times from Portarlington to Screggan begin at 6.30am with six buses up to 12.15 returning from 13.30 up to 19:20. Those travelling should check with Irish Rail and Transport for Ireland.

People can book the buses while also booking their train to Tullamore. Irish Rail is recommending booking well in advance making use of the shuttle bus service.

The cost of bus tickets are €15 for adults, €10 for senior citizens and €10 for children and €30 for families. Tickets are 10% cheaper online.

With over 700 acres of exhibitions, demonstrations, and competitions to explore, and millions expected to flow into the local economy, this year's National Ploughing Championships promises to be one of the best yet.

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Hotels and B&Bs in Tullamore and surrounding areas have been booked for months and it is expected to be a bumper period for restaurants and bars in the evenings when people return from the ploughing to their accommodation.