President Higgins will officially open the event – which is biggest outdoor exhibition and agricultural trade show in Europe.
Heavy showers are expected over the coming days – and Gardaí are warning motorists to expect heavy traffic around the site.
Now in their 84th year – the National Ploughing Championships are considered the flagship event in Irish agriculture – and they'll see over 15-hundred stands cater for over 200-thousand people between now and Thursday.
Last year’s championships were the biggest yet – with over 279-thousand people visiting the 800 acre site in Ratheniska Co Laois – spending over 36-and-a-half million euro.
Almost ten million of that was spent on food – and personal shopping accounted for about 7 million.
Organisers say they have similar expectations for the three days ahead.
With a General Election on the horizon – the usual influx of politicians is expected to be even more significant – while there’ll be a heavy focus fashion, music and motoring.
Heavy traffic is expected – and Gardaí are asking all those in attendance to plan their journeys in advance.
