Preparations for Ploughing 2026 ramp up at Screggan, Tullamore
With just over three weeks to go, the countdown is on as the fields of Screggan, Tullamore, Co. Offaly are transformed ahead of the 95th National Ploughing Championships, taking place from September 15-17.
Today’s (Thursday, August 20) official launch at the site in Screggan gave a flavour of what is in store this September, bringing together machinery, livestock, food and entertainment as preparations continue for the three-day event.
National Ploughing Association (NPA) managing director Anna May McHugh said: “There is a great excitement around the site now as everything begins to take shape.
"Reaching our 95th championships is a very special milestone and we are really looking forward to welcoming everyone back to Screggan.
"There is an enormous amount of work happening behind the scenes and it is fantastic to see it all starting to come together.
"It has been a tough year for many farmers, with difficult weather and the pressures of prices and rising costs.
"Hopefully the Ploughing gives people a chance to take a day away from it all, enjoy themselves with family and friends, catch up with old faces and maybe meet a few new ones along the way," she added.
Ploughing 2026
At the heart of the three-day outdoor event is the actual ploughing, with more than 350 competitors and 34 unique classes taking place across the championships.
Adding an international dimension, the Five Nations Ploughing Competition will also take place over two days.
Meanwhile, John Whelan from Wexford and Eamonn Tracey from Carlow will represent Ireland at the World Ploughing Contest in Croatia on September 5-6.
They will be joined by Gary Simms as coach and Harry Mallon as judge, with the Irish team departing for Croatia on August 23 as they prepare to defend Ireland’s World title successes.
Machinery
Machinery is set for a particularly strong showing, with an increase in machinery exhibitors and a number of new companies attending for 2026, according to Ploughing organisers.
The motor arena is also larger this year, with more car companies exhibiting and a wide selection of cars and commercial vehicles on display.
Exhibitors will come from near and far such as: Northern Ireland; Scotland; England; France; Czech Republic; and New Zealand.
There will be a large variety of livestock across the three days, combining major competitions with an extensive selection of breeds and displays.
The Growvite All-Ireland Aberdeen Angus Finals take place on the Tuesday, while Wednesday of the Ploughing brings the Irish Simmental National Calf Finals and Certified Irish Angus Schools Competition.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore the Sheep Tunnel and Sheep Shearing Tent, alongside many other livestock attractions.
Enterprise
The future of farming will be on show at the Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena, where Irish agri-tech businesses and innovators will showcase new ideas and solutions.
Joining its established awards for 2026 is the new Young Innovator of the Year Award, putting the spotlight on the next generation of agricultural innovation.
There is a new generation taking part in another Ploughing favourite too - the National Brown Bread Baking Competition, introduces the Junior Competition for young bakers aged 12–18.
16 finalists – eight junior and eight senior – will bake live during the championships, with both 2026 winners crowned on Thursday of the Ploughing.
Irish food will feature right across the site, from traditional favourites to artisan produce and emerging food businesses.
Midlands Flavours will showcase producers from across the region, while the wider championships will offer visitors the opportunity to discover the variety and creativity of Ireland’s food and drink sector.
There will be something to attract all visitors such as fashion shows, pony games, working hunter trials, carriage driving, Tug-of-War, vintage displays, threshing, Meggers, welly throwing, a funfair, music, dancing, cookery demonstrations and the Most Appropriately Dressed Lady and Gentleman Competition.
Hourly Health and Safety Authority (HSA) demonstrations will also run throughout the event.
Once again, Agriland Media will also be at the heart of the action in Screggan as the official livestream partner, so you won't miss a thing from across the three days.
