April 2, 2025
The National Ploughing Championships is one of the largest and most iconic agricultural events in Ireland and across Europe. Held annually, the event attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors, uniting the rural community, agricultural professionals, and the general public in a unique celebration of Ireland’s farming traditions, innovation, and rural culture. Since its inception in 1931, the Championships have grown from a simple ploughing contest to a sprawling exhibition of modern agriculture.
The first National Ploughing Championships were held in 1931, marking the beginning of what would become a major national institution. Originally, the event was focused solely on the competitive sport of ploughing, with farmers showcasing their skill in turning the soil. Over the decades, the Championships expanded in both scope and scale, now encompassing every aspect of rural life, from technology and machinery to education, livestock, crafts, and food.
What began as a one-day contest is now a three-day event featuring thousands of exhibitors, visitors, and international participants.
One of the event’s most distinctive features is its rotating venue model. Each year, a different location in Ireland is chosen to host the Championships, bringing economic and cultural benefits to local communities. The 2024 edition is scheduled to take place in Ratheniska, County Laois, while the 2025 event is expected to return to Screggan, near Tullamore in County Offaly.
This approach ensures that the event remains accessible to various regions and showcases the diverse agricultural landscapes and traditions found across Ireland.
While the competitive ploughing remains the heart of the event—with categories including conventional, reversible, and vintage classes—the Championships have evolved into a vast outdoor trade exhibition. Visitors can explore state-of-the-art machinery, digital farming technologies, agri-services, and innovations in animal husbandry. Livestock shows, artisan food stalls, craft displays, live demonstrations, and family-friendly entertainment make it a truly multifaceted experience.
Business networking, career development, and agricultural education are also key focuses, with dedicated areas for young farmers, agri-tech startups, and sustainability initiatives.
The National Ploughing Championships are a major driver of local and national economic activity. With crowds of up to 300,000 people in attendance, the event brings significant revenue to local hotels, restaurants, transport providers, and retailers. It also offers a critical opportunity for Irish and international companies to reach a broad customer base.
Socially, the event serves as an important cultural touchpoint—connecting rural and urban communities, celebrating Irish heritage, and providing a forum for dialogue on key issues facing the agri-sector today.
The National Ploughing Championships is more than an agricultural exhibition—it’s a national celebration of Ireland’s farming roots, community spirit, and forward-thinking approach to rural development. With its rotating locations, inclusive atmosphere, and blend of tradition and innovation, it continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of Irish agriculture. As it evolves with the times, it remains a proud symbol of the resilience, talent, and ingenuity found across Ireland’s countryside.
Input your search keywords and press Enter.
