An Agricultural Show has been held in Clonmel since 1865.  In 1924 Clonmel Horse and Agricultural Society was registered as a friendly society with the stated objective to promote the improvement of Agriculture and Horticulture in all its branches, including Horses, Cattle, Sheep, Swine, Goats, Poultry, Dogs, Hounds,Farm Produce, Creameries, Bee Keeping, Cottage Industries and related activities.
These objectives were reaffirmed when the society was granted charitable status in 1998.

While the methods employed in many of these disciplines have changed radically since 1924, the underlying aim of the Society remains the promotion of Agriculture, Horticulture, Equine, and related activities. This aim is primarily achieved through the organisation of the annual Show, which takes place on the first Sunday every July.

In 2011, it was decided to adopt a broader approach to the fulfilment of these core objectives with the establishment of a Bursary, and in 2016 Soilta.