04 August 2023

Forest and Energy Sustainable Living Section at the Tullamore Show 2023

The Tullamore Show and FBD National Livestock Show 2023 is on Sunday, August 13. It is Ireland’s largest one-day show, averaging over 60,000 visitors in recent years.

Featuring over 700 trade stands from across the agriculture sector, home industries, farm produce, innovation and more, Liam Kenny, Teagasc Forestry Advisor, outlines what to expect from the Forest & Energy Sustainable Living Section at this year’s event.

Agricultural shows provide a nice setting for exhibitors to display their products and services, while attendees can meet and see what the agricultural and other sectors, such as forestry, have to offer. The Irish Shows Association is the official body that represents agricultural shows across the island of Ireland. There are over 130 affiliated shows, which mainly run throughout the summer and autumn. The Tullamore Show is Ireland’s premier show.

Forest & Energy Sustainable Living Section

Since all agricultural enterprises were represented at the Tullamore Show, I felt that it was important that forestry should also be featured. Following discussions with the show committee in 2005, the Forest and Sustainable Living Section was developed. This section has been an important and innovative feature at the Tullamore Show since 2005.

The Teagasc Forestry Development Department has helped coordinate this section annually since. Forestry is still a relatively new concept in the farming sector and promotion of good forest practice is important. Teagasc recognised the show as a means to promote afforestation along with good forestry and management practise.

The Tullamore Show provided an opportunity for all elements of the forest industry to exhibit at a large national show. The Forest and Sustainable Living section within the show ground provided a dedicated area for all forest and energy exhibitors to display their product or company service at a central location within the showgrounds.

The forestry element of the show has seen many changes over the years. Initially, most of the forestry emphasis was on the promotion of afforestation (still a very important aspect, especially with the new proposed Forestry programme 2023 – 2027 expected). However, in more recent years, the emphasis on forest management, thinning, harvesting and timber markets and products has grown significantly, reflecting the development and maturing of private forestry.

The energy section has promoted renewable and sustainable energy. Over the years, different components of sustainable energy have been exhibited at the show, including: biomass fuels; solar energy; wind energy; effective heat recovery systems; and efficient boiler and stove systems. As the energy sector has developed, different and advanced technologies have been on display at the show.

The Tullamore Show is promoted each year to all potential exhibitors. The forest and energy sustainable living section has its own dedicated area on the Tullamore show application form.

2023 attractions

This year, the Forest and Energy Sustainable living section is composed of over 20 individual companies and organisations. Many have taken multiple trade spaces to help promote their products or services. Over 50% of these are forestry related and each will proactively promote trees and forestry management. Once each of the stands are set up, they promise to create a wonderful overall display and exhibition.

Teagasc’s Forestry Development Department help coordinate the Forest and Sustainable Energy Living section at the Tullamore Show. We will again be prominent at the Tullamore Show, with advisory and research staff on hand to assist with all your farm forestry queries. Current details of the new Forestry Programme 2023–2027 will be available. Whether your inquiries relate to farm income enhancement, environmental benefits or climate change mitigation opportunities, a visit to the Teagasc stand will be most worthwhile. It will allow you to avail of the latest advice and cutting edge research that is on-going within Teagasc. As well as free information packs available for all visitors, there will also be free competitions for both adults and kids; so make sure to visit us at Row W (443 & 444) on the day.

Tullamore Show Map

I have helped co-ordinate the Forestry and Energy Section for many years. The Forestry & Energy Sustainable Living Section will host over 20 trade stands that will showcase the many facets of these developing sectors. It is important that forestry is seen as a mainstream enterprise like all other farm initiatives. The many opportunities provided by farm forestry will be highlighted and there will also be a big emphasis on opportunities for landowners within the new proposed Forestry Programme. The Forest & Energy Sustainable Living Section at the Tullamore Show that is definitely worth a visit.

Our location

For the last number of years The Forest and Sustainable Living Section has been located on Rows W and X of the trade and exhibitors field. The section is located very close to the Yellow carpark entrance or Yellow Catering village. (See top left hand corner of the map above).

For further details check:

My Teagasc colleagues and I are looking forward to seeing you and to welcoming you on August 13, so be sure to visit. All are welcome.

Also read: Silvopasture - farming and growing trees in the same field

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