Northern Ireland’s biggest and best-loved celebration of farming, food and family fun returns in 2026 as the Balmoral Show once again takes over the Eikon Exhibition Centre from 13–16 May.
Set to be bigger and better than ever, this year’s show promises four fantastic days packed with livestock displays, local food experiences, family entertainment, agricultural showcases and much more.
To help visitors enjoy a smooth and stress-free day out, Translink is encouraging showgoers to travel by bus or train, with convenient, reliable and hassle-free services available throughout the event. Visitors are reminded of Translink’s Journey Planner app which helps making planning your journey even easier, with timetable and fare information as well as live service updates.
Visitors can take advantage of a dedicated rail timetable, along with a free shuttle bus service from Lisburn Train Station operating from 9am each day, taking passengers directly to the showgrounds. The last shuttle leaving the showgrounds at 19:00 on Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, until 18:00 on Saturday.
Selected Enterprise services between Dublin and Belfast Grand Central Station will also stop at Lisburn, making travel to the event even easier for visitors coming from further afield.
Commenting on the return of the popular event, Mark Glover, Rail Line Supervisor at Translink, said: “The Balmoral Show remains one of the most popular events in Northern Ireland’s food and agri calendar, attracting thousands of visitors every year from across the region and beyond.
“We are delighted to help the growing number of visitors get there easily with our safe, convenient and sustainable travel options. With regular rail services, frequent shuttle buses and great-value fares, Translink is making it easier than ever for everyone to enjoy a fantastic day out at the show.”
Families travelling to the Balmoral Show can make the most of Translink’s Family & Friends ticket for £24, offering unlimited day travel across all Translink services within Northern Ireland for up to two adults and four children.
In addition, all Goldliner day returns and NI Railways day returns after 9.30am benefit from 25% off, while yLink card users can enjoy half-price travel.
Contactless payment is available on all services to make it even easier to travel.
Passengers with a 60+ SmartPass or Senior SmartPass can also avail of free travel anywhere in Northern Ireland on any Translink bus or train service.
Please note that shuttle buses will have limited space for prams and wheelchairs. Customers travelling with prams are asked to ensure they are folded to help accommodate all passengers.
For more information and journey planning, visit www.translink.co.uk/balmoral-show
