These days it’s a weekend of proper al fresco fun.

But days before the annual Cork Summer Show in Curraheen, a fascinating video shared by the RTÉ archives shows what the traditional event was like way back in 1947.

The Cork Summer Show and Industrial Exhibition was held at the Munster Agricultural Society Grounds in Ballintemple and back then, the exhibitions had a certain sedate charm, although there’s no doubt that visitors would have been wowed by the latest domestic appliances and loos.

Edited from footage shot by Alec Day at the event on June 18th and 19th, 1947, the film shows horses galloping in the show grounds and the public visiting stands such as R. Scott & Co Ltd, where spades, forks and shovels are displayed.

At Robert Scott & Co, shoppers perused antique furniture as well as modern kitchen and bathroom furniture and appliances.

Meanwhile, two well-dressed children look on hungrily as a woman bakes up a storm using a Thermolux Cooker.

Other devices on display include lawnmowers and a paraffin-run refrigerator.

While thrilling, we’re expecting fewer spades and heaps more music, food, and entertainment at this year’s Cork Summer Show at The Show Grounds on Curraheen Road on Saturday, June 17th, and Sunday, June 18th, 2023 – book your tickets here.