The National Ploughing Championships 2026 concluded at Screggan, Tullamore, following three days of agricultural competitions, trade exhibitions and live entertainment. Organisers reported a total attendance of 243,000, including 75,000 visitors on the final day. During the closing announcements, organisers confirmed that the 2027 National Ploughing Championships will take place at Boherkill Farm, Rathangan, County Kildare. The final day began with European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Christophe Hansen taking part in the ploughing. He subsequently visited stands and met exhibitors and representatives from agricultural organisations. Competition continued across the ploughing fields, with the Senior Conventional and Kverneland Reversible Test Matches among the main events. The programme also included horse ploughing, vintage classes and the Vintage Six Nations Competition.
Dublin Bakers Win National Brown Bread Titles
The National Brown Bread Baking Competition, sponsored by Euronics in association with the Irish Countrywomen’s Association and the National Ploughing Association, reached its conclusion on the final day. Fifteen-year-old Cara Wall from Dublin won the Junior National Brown Bread Baking Championship. Olivia Nash, also from Dublin, secured the senior national title following a closely contested final. Away from the competitions, visitors attended fashion shows, cookery demonstrations and agricultural machinery displays. Livestock exhibitions, live entertainment and other activities continued throughout the site.
Strong Support for Ireland’s Rural Economy
PTSB Head of Business Banking Seán Farrell said the championships highlighted the importance of farming and rural communities to the Irish economy. “PTSB is proud to partner with the National Ploughing Championships, a celebration of the resilience and innovation of farming and rural communities across Ireland. Agriculture is one of the mainstays of the Irish economy and a deeply important sector which is a key focus for PTSB. Congratulations to the National Ploughing Association on another outstanding event this year.”
NPA Managing Director Anna May McHugh thanked exhibitors, staff, volunteers and members of the public who supported the event. “We are delighted with how the three days have gone. There has been a fantastic atmosphere across the site and it has been wonderful to see so many people enjoying everything the Ploughing has to offer. “We would like to thank everyone who helped make the event such a success and, most importantly, all those who came through the gates over the three days. We wish everyone a safe journey home.”
The National Ploughing Championships will return in 2027 at its newly announced location in Rathangan, County Kildare.
Photo: Eamonn Tracey from Carlow ploughing in the senior conventional at Ploughing 2026 in Screggan, Tullamore, on Wednesday 16th September 2026. Photo: Alf Harvey
