DATE
Saturday 8th August & Sunday 9th August 2026
VENUE
Cork Showgrounds, Curraheen Rd, Cork
WHEN & WHERE
The British & Irish Outdoor Tug of War Championships 2026 will take place on Saturday 8 August and Sunday 9 August 2026, hosted at the Munster Agricultural Society Showgrounds (Cork Showgrounds). This two-day outdoor championship will bring together clubs, athletes, officials, and supporters from across Britain and Ireland for one of the most significant fixtures on the annual tug of war calendar.
The championships will be contested on grass in accordance with recognised British & Irish outdoor tug of war regulations, showcasing high-level competition across senior, junior, and mixed categories.
PARTICIPATING NATIONS
The championships will feature competitors representing:
- England
- Ireland
- Northern Ireland
- Scotland
- Wales
Teams from across these nations will compete over two days of outdoor championship pulling.
WEIGHT CATEGORIES
| CLOSED WEIGHTS | OPEN WEIGHTS |
| • Senior Men 600kg & 680kg | • Senior Men: 600kg, 640kg, 680kg, 560kg |
| • Senior Women 520kg & 560kg | • Senior Women: 500kg, 520kg, 540kg, 560kg |
| • Junior Men 560kg | • Junior Men 560kg |
| • Senior Mixed 580kg | • Senior Mixed 580kg |
| • Junior Ladies 520kg | • Junior Ladies 520kg |
| • Junior Mixed 540kg | • Junior Mixed 540kg |
** Subject to entries in advance **
GETTING TO THE VENUE
Competition Venue:
Munster Agricultural Society Showgrounds (Cork Showgrounds)
Curraheen Road, Cork, Co. Cork, Ireland
Eircode: T12 AX2F
The venue is located adjacent to the N22 Motorway, providing easy access for teams and spectators.
REGISTRATION & WEIGH-IN
Registration and official weigh-in will take place at:
Talbot Hotel Cork
Ballincollig, Co. Cork, Ireland
Eircode: P31 XA02
Exact weigh-in times and procedures will be confirmed in advance.
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
The following three hotels have secured reduced bed-and-breakfast rates for the championships.
- Each individual is responsible for making their own booking
- A booking reference must be quoted
- Booking cut-off date: 10 July 2026
After this date, rooms will return to general availability.
All hotels are within easy access of the competition venue.
– Talbot Hotel Cork – Event Headquarters
€189 per person sharing – including use of Gym, Swimming Pool, Steam Room, Sauna & Jacuzzi
| 2 nights Bed & Breakfast with dinner on one evening (Friday evening) – 7th & 8th August
- Phone: +353 (21) 420 8400
- Eircode: P31 XA02
- Booking Reference: B&I232320 (must be quoted)
- Approx. 5.8 km / 10 minutes from the competition arena
- Official event headquarters
- Location for registration and weigh-in
- Venue for the Gala Dinner and medal presentations
https://www.talbothotelcork.ie
– Rochestown Park Hotel
€205 per Twin/Double room – including use of Gym, Swimming Pool, Steam Room, Sauna & Jacuzzi
| 2 nights Bed & Breakfast – 7th & 8th August
- Phone: +353 (21) 489 0800
- Eircode: T12 AKC8
- Booking Reference: B&ITUG070826
- Approx. 10.5 km / 15 minutes from the competition arena
https://www.rochestownpark.com
– International Hotel Cork Airport
| €205 B&B / room per night single occupancy – 7th & 8th August
| €220 B&B / room per night twin/double occupancy – 7th & 8th August
- Phone: +353 (21) 454 9800
- Eircode: T12 H516
- Booking Reference: B&IGA001246
- Fitness Room
- Approx. 10.5 km / 15 minutes from the competition arena
https://www.corkinternationalairporthotel.com/
GALA DINNER
The official Gala Dinner will take place at the event headquarters:
- Venue: Talbot Hotel Cork – Leslie Banqueting Suite
- Date: Saturday 8 August 2026
- Time: To be confirmed
- Cost: €50 per person
- Format: Three-course meal with coffee
- Tickets will be available online in advance of the event
The presentation of medals will take place during the Gala Dinner.
TRAVEL & DIRECTIONS
From Cork Airport / International Hotel to Arena
- Exit airport to the left
- Proceed to N22 Westbound
- Take Exit 2 – L2222 to Curraheen
From Rochestown Park Hotel to Arena
- Exit hotel to the left
- Take slip road to N22 Westbound
- Take Exit 2 – L2222 to Curraheen
From Talbot Hotel to Arena
- Exit hotel to the right
- Join N22 Eastbound
- Take Exit 1 – L2222 to Curraheen
To Talbot Hotel (Headquarters)
- From Airport Hotel or Rochestown Park Hotel
- Join N22 Westbound
- Take Exit 2 – R608 Ballincollig
Distances:
- Airport Hotel → Talbot Hotel: 16 km
- Rochestown Park Hotel → Talbot Hotel: 16 km
- Cork Airport → Rochestown Park Hotel: 10 km
ABOUT THE HOST CITY: CORK
Cork was selected as the host location for the 2026 Outdoor Championships in recognition of its long and established association with outdoor tug of war and its contribution to the sport at club, national, and international level.
Clubs and individuals from Cork and the wider Munster region have, over many decades, played a significant role in Irish tug of war, with athletes regularly forming part of national panels representing Ireland at international championships. The region has a strong tradition of outdoor competition dating back to the early years of organised tug of war in Ireland, supported by experienced clubs, officials, and administrators.
In addition to its sporting heritage, Cork offers practical advantages for a championship of this scale. Cork Airport is located close to the city and the event venue and serves a range of UK (and European) routes, while Cork Port provides ferry connections for teams travelling by sea. Combined with suitable facilities and local organisational expertise, Cork provides an excellent setting for the British & Irish Outdoor Championships.
VISITOR INFORMATION
Cork is well connected for visitors, with Cork Airport located close to the city and offering on-site car hire. Public transport links are available via Bus Éireann services, which connect the airport with Cork city, including Kent Station and Parnell Place. Ireland uses the euro (€). Visitors will find a range of nearby attractions, including Blarney Castle, Fota Wildlife Park, and Cork city centre, which offers shopping, dining, cultural venues, nightlife, and local amenities. The south coast and sections of the Wild Atlantic Way are also within easy reach for those extending their stay.
FURTHER EVENT INFORMATION
Additional updates, including entry information, venue access, parking, and spectator guidance, will be published via official association channels and the TugOfWarIreland.com website closer to the event.
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Further details on confirmed weight classes, schedules, and technical arrangements will be issued closer to the event.
ACCREDITATION AND REGISTRATION INFORMATION
To follow
