The Ploughing Moves to Offaly: Your Guide to the 2026 Championships

The National Ploughing Championships 2026 take place from 15 to 17 September at a new site in Screggan, near Tullamore, Co. Offaly, after moving from Ratheniska. Here is what to expect and how to plan a day at one of Ireland's biggest outdoor events.

Musician Steve Wickham among visitors at the National Ploughing Championships. Photo: Trocaire from Ireland, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

By the UISC BD Editorial Desk · United Information Service Center · Published 14 September 2026 · 4-minute read

"Ploughing Championships 2026" is one of the top trending searches in Ireland this week, according to Google Trends, as hundreds of exhibitors and visitors make final plans.

Key Details

Dates: Tuesday 15 to Thursday 17 September 2026.
Venue: Screggan, Tullamore, Co. Offaly.
Change: the event has moved from its recent home at Ratheniska, Co. Laois.
Organiser: the National Ploughing Association (NPA).

What the Ploughing Is

First held in 1931, the National Ploughing Championships began as a contest of ploughing skill and has grown into one of the largest outdoor events in Europe, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors over its three days.

Alongside the ploughing competitions themselves — with horses, vintage and modern tractors — the event features:

Agricultural machinery and technology exhibitions.
Livestock displays and farming demonstrations.
Food stalls and producers from across Ireland.
Crafts, fashion and shopping.
Family entertainment, talks and live broadcasts.

Why It Matters

For farming, it is a showcase for new equipment, sustainable practices and rural innovation.

For rural communities, it brings a major economic boost to the host county, supporting local businesses and accommodation.

For everyone, it is a uniquely Irish day out that connects town and country.

Planning Your Visit

Check travel information in advance. Transport for Ireland publishes event travel details; expect heavy traffic around Tullamore at peak times.
Arrive early to beat queues for parking and entry.
Wear wellies or waterproof boots. Field sites can become muddy, especially after rain.
Pack for all weather — rain jacket, sun cream and layers.
Bring a phone charger and agree a meeting point with your group.
Use the official map to plan which exhibitors and competitions you want to see.

Only buy tickets through the National Ploughing Association's official channels to avoid scams.

More From Ireland

Irish sport had a memorable weekend: Shane Lowry won the Irish Open by a record 11 strokes, while new hurling rule trials have fans talking.

Sources

National Ploughing Association — npa.ie
"The National Ploughing Championships," Transport for Ireland — transportforireland.ie
"National Ploughing Championships," Wikipedia — en.wikipedia.org

ploughing 2026 dates (1)

National Ploughing Championships 2026: Dates, New Venue at Screggan and Tips