Moynalty Steam Threshing Festival bringing traditions of past back to life

Moynalty Steam Threshing Festival marks 51 years with a celebration of rural heritage, craftsmanship, live music, with over 40 steam engines, craft fair, traditional Irish foods, and demonstrations set for the banks of the Borora on Sunday 9th August.

First held in 1975, the festival has become one of Ireland’s most iconic heritage events. It has been praised by the Irish Farmers Journal as “one of the finest displays of living history in Ireland,” while RTÉ’s Countrywide said Moynalty is “a place where the past isn’t just remembered – it’s re-lived.” The Meath Chronicle described the festival as “a much-anticipated highlight on the local calendar, bringing community spirit and old-world charm to life.”

The weekend begins on Saturday, 8th August, with a steam run leaving from Moynalty village at 1.30pm. and returning at 5.30pm, which will be led in by the Corduff Pipe Band. The village will be closed from 4pm until 11pm for all traffic. Street carnival starts at 4pm with live music performances from Claire Dillon, Jordan McPolin and Ted Nevin.

Willie’s Charity tractor run will depart from the festival field at 5pm with all proceeds going to the Blackwater First Responders. Organisers encourage tractor enthusiasts and supporters to take part in this meaningful fundraiser.

The main festival day on Sunday 9th 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 40 operational steam engines.

Sunday will also feature: Cutting of the corn using horse-drawn equipment and historic methods, showcasing traditional harvesting techniques; 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 International Farrier Competition returns 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, 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: Nathan Carter and Band; All Folk’d Up; Gavin Gribben and Band; Jordan McPolin and Matt Leavy. Live performances will run throughout the day, with ample seating, food options, and a vibrant community atmosphere across the festival grounds. The site layout being changed around, this will enable for larger area for Vintage Vehicle Display - all vehicles must be 30 years or over.

Moynalty Steam Threshing also boasts a fantastic museum of artefacts and memorabilia which will be open for viewing on the day.

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.