1854

The North East Agricultural Association of Ireland was formed encompassing the counties of Down, Antrim, Armagh and Monaghan.

1855

The Association held its first agricultural Show at Belfast Corporation Markets on Chichester Street, Belfast and featured 506 entries.

1894

A 30-acre site on the Lisburn Road, Belfast was the first permanent asset purchased by the Association for £12.50 per acre.

1896

The Association hosted the first Balmoral Show at the new Lisburn Road showgrounds featuring 1,391 entries.

1903

The Association voted to be renamed the Ulster Agricultural Society.

1904

King Edward granted the Society with the 'Royal' prefix to create the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society.

1934

The King's Hall building was opened by HRH the Duke of Gloucester.

1967

The Society and visitors celebrated the 100th Balmoral Show.

1986

The first Royal Ulster Winter Fair was held in association with principal sponsor Danske Bank.

2000

The RUAS appointed its first female President - Margaret Collinson, OBE.

2002

HRH Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip visited the Balmoral Show as part of her Golden Jubilee Tour.

2012

The King's Hall hosted its last Balmoral Show and closed its doors after a historic vote by Society members to move to a larger space.

2013

For the first time Balmoral Show was held at the new 55-acre showground site in Lisburn.

2015

The Eikon Exhibition Centre officially opened on the Lisburn showgrounds.

2018

Visitors, exhibitors and industry leaders celebrated the 150th Balmoral Show.

2018

The first Royal Ulster Premier Beef & Lamb Championships took place.

2024

The Society celebrates 170 years of innovation and support for Northern Ireland’s agri-food industry.

1914

WW1 as the showgrounds were used by military authorities as a Remount Depot.

1939

WW2 as the showgrounds were used by the Air Raid Precautions Committee of Belfast Corporation.

2001

The outbreak of Foot and Mouth.

2020

The outbreak of Coronavirus.