WATCH: Farmers and families brave flooding on day 1 of Ploughing 2023

Attendees are braving the rain and mud on the first day of the National Ploughing Championships. 

The popular event will see upwards of 270,000 people from all corners of the country descend on Ratheniska, Co Laois from today (September 19) until Thursday September 21. 

Approximately 70,000 attendees are expected to arrive each day. 

Met Éireann has forecast damp and windy weather for today, with drizzle becoming heavier rain later in the evening. 

Meanwhile, a Status Yellow wind warning has been issued for West Galway and Kerry, with a Status Yellow rain warning for Cavan, Donegal, Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, and Connacht. 

Make sure to keep an eye on our social media (Instagram: @laoisnews) for live updates from the event.