Strong start to the 95th National Ploughing Championships
Day Two is set to get underway at the National Ploughing Championships today, Wednesday, after the event got off to a flying start as thousands of visitors streamed through the gates in Screggan on Tuesday.
Attendance reached 77,000 on Day One, with crowds from across Ireland and further afield enjoying a packed programme of ploughing, agriculture, food, fashion, innovation and entertainment.
From cutting-edge agricultural machinery and world-class livestock to food, shopping and family entertainment, the site was buzzing, with something on offer for visitors of all ages.
Competition got underway in the ploughing fields from 10.30am, with conventional, reversible, horse and vintage classes taking place alongside Day One of the prestigious Five Nations Competition.
President Catherine Connolly officially opened the 95th National Ploughing Championships at the Grandstand, marking the beginning of three action-packed days celebrating the very best of Irish agriculture, enterprise and rural life.
The Machine of the Year Award was also announced from the Grandstand, with the Manitou MLT 625 e battery-powered compact telehandler crowned the 2026 Machine of the Year.
Elsewhere across the site, the Junior and Senior National Brown Bread Baking competitions got underway, while fashion shows, the Aberdeen Angus Championships and the Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena Awards added to a busy first day.
Reflecting on the day, NPA Managing Director Anna May McHugh said: “We are absolutely delighted with the atmosphere here today and with the fantastic number of people who have come through the gates. There is a wonderful buzz right across the site and it is great to see so many visitors enjoying everything the Ploughing Championships has to offer.”
Today
Today promises another packed programme, with Senior Conventional and Reversible ploughing, Day Two of the Five Nations Competition, the Certified Irish Angus Schools Competition, Irish Simmental National Calf Finals, fashion shows and the Most Appropriately Dressed Lady & Gentleman competition among the highlights.
The National Brown Bread Baking Competition also continues, with Junior and Senior semi-finalists taking to the ovens throughout the day. Across the site, there is so much more to see and do, with talks, celebs, family fun and activities taking place throughout the day.