The countdown is on to a very special occasion in the agricultural calendar as the Royal Ulster Winter Fair celebrates its 40th anniversary on Thursday 10 December 2026. We are delighted to welcome this landmark event back to the Eikon Exhibition Centre, the home of the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS), for a day celebrating the very best of the dairy industry.
Organised by the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society in association with sole sponsor Danske Bank, the Royal Ulster Winter Fair has become a firm favourite with farmers, livestock exhibitors, agricultural businesses and visitors from across Northern Ireland, the wider island of Ireland and beyond.
Four decades of agricultural excellence
First held at the King's Hall in Belfast in 1986, the Royal Ulster Winter Fair has grown into a leading showcase for dairy farming, bringing together generations of farming families and industry professionals to recognise excellence, share knowledge and celebrate the progress of the sector.
Now established as an important date in the agricultural calendar, the Royal Ulster Winter Fair offers much more than a livestock competition. It provides an opportunity for the agricultural community to reconnect before Christmas, strengthen industry relationships, discover new ideas and look ahead to the opportunities and challenges facing the industry.
As the event marks 40 years, the focus remains firmly on the dedication, expertise and ambition of the people who continue to drive Northern Ireland's agricultural industry forward.
What can visitors expect?
The Eikon Exhibition Centre will provide the setting for a busy day of competition, innovation and networking, with two indoor halls showcasing the breadth of the dairy industry.
World-class dairy cattle and championship competition
At the heart of the Royal Ulster Winter Fair is its renowned livestock showcase, where exceptional dairy cattle compete for prestigious breed titles and the coveted 2026 Supreme Interbreed Champion award. Visitors can look forward to seeing Ayrshire, Jersey, Holstein and Dairy Shorthorn cattle take to the show ring, recognising the quality of breeding, preparation and husbandry demonstrated by exhibitors.
Discover the latest agricultural products and services
With more than 200 trade stands, the Royal Ulster Winter Fair offers an opportunity to explore the latest products, equipment, technology and specialist services designed to support modern farming businesses. From practical farm solutions to innovations that can improve efficiency, visitors can connect directly with businesses and discover ideas to take back to their own farms. 
Connect with the agricultural community
The Royal Ulster Winter Fair is also an important meeting point for farmers, dairy enthusiasts, industry leaders and agricultural businesses. Whether catching up with familiar faces, making new connections or exchanging experiences, the event provides valuable opportunities to build relationships across the sector.
With around 5,000 visitors expected, the Fair brings together a vibrant community united by a shared commitment to farming and agricultural progress.
Exhibitors – entries are now open
The 40th Royal Ulster Winter Fair is an opportunity to be part of a milestone year in the event's history.
Livestock entries opened on 28 October and close at 5pm on Friday 13 November 2026. Exhibitors planning to compete are encouraged to submit their entries before the deadline and join the celebration of four decades of dairy excellence.
For entry information and the latest event updates, visit the official Royal Ulster Winter Fair website HERE
Plan your visit
The Royal Ulster Winter Fair takes place on Thursday 10 December 2026, opening from 9am to 5.30pm at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Lisburn.
Visitors can enjoy FREE on-site parking, with catering facilities available throughout the day. Located close to the main road network at Sprucefield, the venue is conveniently situated for visitors travelling from across Northern Ireland and further afield.
Join us for a landmark celebration
As the home of the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society, the Eikon Exhibition Centre is proud to host an event that has played such an important role in celebrating and supporting the agricultural community for 40 years.
With outstanding livestock, leading agricultural businesses and opportunities to connect with people from across the industry, the 40th Royal Ulster Winter Fair promises to be a memorable occasion.
We look forward to welcoming exhibitors, farmers, families and visitors to Eikon Exhibition Centre on 10th December as we celebrate four decades of agricultural excellence, proudly supported by sole sponsor Danske Bank.
Make a date in your diary and join us for the 40th Royal Ulster Winter Fair!
