Moynalty for Steam Threshing Festival...What's on and when!

The weekend begins on Saturday, 9th August with a preview event running from 1pm to 11.30pm This evening celebration will feature road making demonstrations, steam engines in operation, food stalls, a full bar service, and live music performances from Claire Dillon, Gavin Gribben, and Ted Nevin.

At 5pm a charity tractor run will depart from the festival field, with all proceeds going to the Bone Marrow Transplant Foundation Ireland. Organisers encourage tractor enthusiasts and supporters to take part in this meaningful fundraiser.

Organisers note that Saturday is not the full opening of the festival — there will be no vintage car or tractor displays beyond the charity run, and many main attractions will not be in operation until Sunday.

The main festival day on Sunday with gates open from 9am, 10th August will feature a full programme of traditional farming demonstrations, rural crafts, and family entertainment. The centrepiece of the day will be the steam-powered threshing demonstrations — the festival’s founding tradition — where visitors can witness working threshing mills in action, driven by over 50 operational steam engines.

Sunday will also feature:

- Cutting of the corn using horse-drawn equipment and historic methods, showcasing traditional harvesting technique

- Vintage ploughing and machinery

- Road making demonstrations using historic equipment

- A dedicated blacksmith arena where craftsmen will be forging iron chains and other pieces using cold forging techniques

- The inaugural International Farrier Competition, featuring over 50 skilled farriers from across the globe

- A large craft and trade fair will span the festival grounds, featuring handmade goods, artisan foods, serving a large range of traditional foods including pancakes, colcannon, and pig on the spit, rural tools, machinery, and lifestyle products. The always-popular dog show will also return, welcoming dogs of all shapes and sizes for a variety of judged classes.

Sunday will also be packed with music on the main stage, with performances by some of Ireland’s best-loved country and folk artists:

Derek Ryan and Band

Highstool Prophets

Gavin Gribben and Band

Tegan Nolan

Paul Kelly and Band

Matt Leavy

Live performances throughout the day, with ample seating, food options, and a great atmosphere across the festival grounds.

Tickets can be purchased at the gate or in advance via the event’s official Eventbrite page. Car parking is free of charge. There is no need to pre-register vintage vehicles.

For full event details, visit www.moynaltysteamthreshing.ie or contact the committee at office@moynaltysteamthreshing.ie or follow us on Social Media. Office can be contacted on 046 9244810.