Screggan comes to life as preparations gather pace for three action-packed days at Ploughing 2026
With just over three weeks to go, the countdown is well and truly on as the fields of Screggan, Tullamore are transformed ahead of the 95th National Ploughing Championships, taking place from September 15th–17th.
Today’s official Media Launch gave a flavour of what is in store this September, bringing together machinery, livestock, food and entertainment as preparations continue for three days that will see Screggan become the centre of Irish agriculture, rural life, enterprise and innovation.
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. The Ploughing has always been about bringing people together and celebrating the very best of ploughing, Irish agriculture, enterprise and rural life and we are looking forward to what promises to be a fantastic three days this September.”
Ploughmen Eamonn Tracey (left) and John Whelan (right) who are off to the World ploughing pictured with Anna May McHugh, NPA managing director and Minister Peter Burke TD (Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment) on site at Screggan, Tullamore for the launch of this year’s National Ploughing Championships to be held 15th-17th September.
At the heart of it all is the ploughing, with more than 350 competitors & 34 unique classes taking place across the Championships. Adding an international dimension, the Five Nations Ploughing Competition will also take place over two days, adding to what promises to be a fantastic programme of competitive ploughing.
Today’s Media Launch also provided an opportunity to wish the very best of luck to John Whelan from Wexford and Eamonn Tracey from Carlow, who will represent Ireland at the World Ploughing Contest in Croatia on September 5th and 6th. They will be joined by Gary Simms as coach and Harry Mallon as judge, with the Irish team departing for Croatia on August 23rd as they prepare to defend Ireland’s World title successes.
Machinery is set for a particularly strong showing, with an increase in machinery exhibitors and a number of new companies attending for 2026, joining many of the familiar names that visitors return to see each year. The Motor Arena has also grown, with more car companies exhibiting and a wide selection of cars and commercial vehicles on display.
The international appeal of the Championships continues to grow, with particularly strong representation from Northern Ireland, alongside exhibitors travelling from Scotland, England, France, the Czech Republic and New Zealand.
There will be a fantastic 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 Tuesday, while Wednesday brings the Irish Simmental National Calf Finals and Certified Irish Angus Schools Competition. Visitors can also explore the popular Sheep Tunnel and Sheep Shearing Tent, alongside many other livestock attractions.
The future of farming will be on show at the Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena, where Irish agritech 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, sponsored by Euronics and in association with the NPA and ICA, introduces the Junior Competition for young bakers aged 12–18. Sixteen finalists – eight junior and eight senior – will bake live during the Championships, with both 2026 winners crowned on Thursday.
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 happening around every corner, with 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 & Gentleman Competition all adding to the atmosphere. Hourly HSA demonstrations will also run throughout the event, while exhibitors across the site will host their own talks, demonstrations, competitions and entertainment, with plenty more still to be announced.
The fields of Screggan are changing by the day and the stage is being set for a very special 95th National Ploughing Championships. Tickets are available at www.npa.ie, with a special Media Launch ticket promotion running until 1.00pm on Saturday, August 22nd.
