For many, the Ploughing is about putting on a pair of wellies, embracing rural life and immersing yourself in everything Irish. However, this year, spectators are in for an international twist on farming.

Global aid charity GOAL will be providing attendees with the unique opportunity to experience the sights, sounds and smells of life on a typical African farm.

This first-hand experience of using and handling African tools and sampling some of the continent’s unusual, yet slightly exotic, produce is something we haven’t seen before and we’re excited to check it out.

Make sure to pop into the GOAL stand and immerse yourself in a new international culture. There will also be an interactive guide, which will provide further insight into the fascinating methods of African farming.

With its colourful green tent on the main thoroughfare, the FBD stand isn’t just a place to talk about your next insurance renewal, it’s where you can really put your sporting skills to the test.

The main attraction is the multi-sport simulator, where you can get competitive and win a prize if you hit the bull’s eye.

There will be social media competitions, a draw to win a €3,000 fuel voucher and talks from special sporting guests, who will be joined by the FBD Young Farmer of the Year to highlight the importance of farm safety.

FBD will also be giving out free merchandise, including Think Safety First wristbands, pens and keyrings.

Staff will also be on site to discuss any insurance queries you may have.

Enjoy a fully interactive and virtual road safety educational experience and dance along to the safe cross code at the RSA stand.

You will experience first-hand the dangers of texting while driving and driver fatigue. The RSA roll-over simulator will be there to show what it would be like if you were in a car which turned over in a collision, and how wearing a seat belt could save your life.

Every day, the RSA team will host live demonstrations, including how to correctly couple and uncouple a trailer, tractor and motorcycle safety, how to fit a child’s car seat and tyre safety.

For those who have never taken the driving theory test, but secretly wondered how they would score, make sure to give it a go at the one of the RSA terminals.

You can also improve your cycling skills on the state-of-the-art bicycle simulator, test how quickly you would react in an emergency or showcase your knowledge in the road safety quiz. Overall, an entertaining stand with plenty to do (and free high visibility gear).

The European flags will be flying high at this year’s Ploughing. The EU stand is a must for children of all ages.

Each day, there will be loads of games and quizzes testing your European knowledge and the more you know, the more prizes you win. There will also be an energy bike to test your physical energy, but if that gets tiring, make sure to pick up your complementary apple to boost those energy levels.

While the kids are being entertained, adults will have an opportunity to ask some probing questions to the European Commission officers who will be providing their expert advice on EU policies, CAP and consumer protection.

They’ll also be demonstrating Biowave, a brand new solution for pig farmers to help save costs, use renewable energy and contribute to Ireland hitting its emission targets.

The SmartAgriFood project, which provides support to entrepreneurs and VirtualVet, the drugs record app, will also be showcased.

While walking around, you might just get the sweet scent of lavender as the Wexford Lavender Farm makes its first appearance at the National Ploughing Championship.

The family-run business will be showcasing a range of beautifully fragrant purple lavender products. They will also have a number of competitions where you stand to win a voucher for the Purple Haze Café in Wexford or a selection of lavender products such as hand cream, body lotion, soap, bags of dried lavender, dried lavender bunches and lavender honey. As it is an excellent craft-making material, the Wexford family will also be showing spectators how to make a sweet-smelling lavender wreath.

If you have a skin condition that is irritating you, the Irish Skin Foundation will provide a free one-to-one consultation with an expert dermatological nurse at this year’s Ploughing.

The foundation works to improve quality of life for people with skin conditions by providing support and information on how to manage conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, acne and many others.

Nurses will be available each day to provide consultations and answer questions relating to any skin issues. Check them out in the Health and Wellness.

To learn everything about Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and to be in with a chance to win an iPad, make sure to visit the Agri Aware tent.

As part of Agri Aware’s Farm to Fork-CAPtured campaign, you will get the opportunity to hear talks on the different farming sectors and how they are affected by CAP. The team will also be there to answer all your CAP-related questions.

While you’re there, grab some goodies, including T-shirts, pens and peaked hats. All you have to do is take the basic CAP knowledge test.

All those facing decisions about their future study plans and career should pay a visit to the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science exhibit at this year’s National Ploughing Championships.

At the stand, prospective students can find out about the range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the areas of agriculture, food science and human nutrition.

Staff members will be on hand over the three days to discuss the various programmes of study. And if you are curious about the whole experience at UCD, student ambassadors will be there to tell you how they got on and give you their tips and advice on pursuing an agricultural qualification.

Visitors to the exhibit can also learn about the latest developments taking place in agri-food research and innovation. With so many opportunities nationally and internationally within the industry, studying at UCD will give students the knowledge and skills to equip them for successful careers in agriculture.

It’s the stand for socialising, meeting old friends and making new, the farming chats in the IFA tent comes complete with a hot cup of tea.

Expert IFA representatives will be on hand to discuss the topical farming issues and current agri campaigns. For those with a keen interest in forestry, there will be plenty information about future opportunities, helping farmers understand the true value of their plantations.

Throughout the Ploughing, the IFA will be showcasing a number of new initiatives, including the IFA-led Smart Farming initiative, which will help farmers improve returns and resource management.

Visitors can also sign up to Theft Stop, a theft prevention initiative run in partnership with An Garda Síochána. If crime is a key concern, also make sure to have a chat with the IFA’s rural crime prevention executive.

If you’re thinking about joining up, there will be plenty of information for prospective members, as well as advice for current ones. Find out more about the perks of membership, which include superfast broadband, great value handsets and saving money on your electricity bills.