Ireland's Favourite Brown Bread Baking Competition Returns for 2026 — With a €5,000 Cash Prize and a NEFF Oven Up for Grabs
The National Brown Bread Baking Competition, sponsored by Euronics Ireland, is back and bigger than ever — and entries are now open.
The search for Ireland's best brown bread is officially on. The National Brown Bread Baking Competition, sponsored by Euronics Ireland in association with the National Ploughing Association (NPA) and the Irish Countrywomen's Association (ICA), was launched this week at Euronics ElectroCity in County Kilkenny, with the finals set to take place at this year's National Ploughing Championships in Screggan, Tullamore, Co. Offaly.
The competition, which has been a much-loved fixture at the Ploughing Championships for generations, invites home bakers from every corner of Ireland to submit their best brown bread for a chance to win a cash prize of €5,000 plus a NEFF Slide&Hide® oven worth over €2,000.
Last year's competition saw over 130 loaves submitted from across the country, and organisers are expecting an even bigger turnout in 2026.
"We are delighted to once again partner with the National Ploughing Association and the Irish Countrywomen's Association for this fantastic competition. Brown bread is baked in kitchens right across Ireland every day, and we look forward to discovering some of the country's best recipes. The standard and volume of entries last year was incredibly high, and we're excited to see what bakers will bring to the table."
— Darragh Lynch, CEO of Euronics Ireland
How It Works
Eight senior finalists will take to the stage in the Brown Bread Baking Tent at the National Ploughing Championships on September 15th and 16th, with the senior rounds beginning at 1pm each day. The overall winner will be crowned on September 17th.
Five finalists will be selected from public entries dropped off at Euronics stores around the country, with a further three finalists chosen from the ICA's national event at An Grianán on July 28th. Whether your recipe features a secret ingredient, enough seeds to feed a flock of birds, or a traditional mix passed down through the family, all styles of brown bread are welcome.
The winner takes home €5,000 in cash and a NEFF Slide&Hide® oven (RRP €2,019). The three finalists on the 17th will each receive a €500 Euronics gift card, and all other finalists will be given a €250 Euronics gift card and a NEFF hamper.
"The National Brown Bread Baking Competition has been a much-loved part of the National Ploughing Championships for generations, and we're delighted to see it continue to grow each year."
— Anna May McHugh, NPA Managing Director
"The ICA has a long and proud connection with the National Brown Bread Baking Competition, and our members always look forward to taking part. We were especially delighted to see one of our own members take the top prize last year, which was a fantastic achievement and a real testament to the baking talent within the organisation."
— Mary D'Arcy, ICA National President
"I've been baking for over 50 years but I honestly never expected to win, especially with such an amazing standard of competitors. It was a wonderful experience overall and I'd encourage anyone who enjoys baking to enter this year's competition — you've got nothing to lose!"
— Maureen Igoe, 2025 Winner
How to Enter
Entrants bake their brown bread at home and drop it off for tasting and judging at one of the locations below between 9.00am and 11.00am on the specified dates. One entry per person. Each loaf must be clearly labelled with your name, address, age, email address, and contact number. No entries will be accepted outside of the specified times and locations.
Friday 17th July — 9.00am to 11.00am
- J O'Mahonys, Downings North, Prosperous, Co. Kildare
- Grange, Unit 48G, Baldoyle Industrial Estate, Baldoyle, Co. Dublin OR Mastercare, 164 Howth Road, Killester, Dublin 3
- Heavins, Shannon Retail Park, Dublin Road, Athlone, Co. Westmeath
- BSH Home of Innovation, M50 Business Park, Ballymount, Dublin 12
Friday 24th July — 9.00am to 11.00am
- Bandon Co-Op, Kilbrogan, Bandon, Co. Cork
- Jack Fitzgerald, Howleys Quay, Limerick
- Joyce's Hardware & Home, Galway Road, Headford, Co. Galway
- Harry's Electric, Moynehall Retail Park, Cavan
- Lally's Euronics, Centery Business Park, Dundalk, Co. Louth
- Grahams of Monaghan, Coolshannagh, Monaghan
- King & Moffatt Euronics, Sligo Road, Co. Roscommon
- BSH Home of Innovation, M50 Business Park, Ballymount, Dublin 12
Friday 7th August — 9.00am to 11.00am
- Redmond Electric, WFC Retail Park, Gorey, Co. Wexford
- Keans, Mount Street, Claremorris, Co. Mayo OR Brodericks, Castlebar Road, Westport, Co. Mayo
- Callaghan's Electrical, Letterkenny Retail Park, Co. Donegal
- ElectroCity Carlow, Hanover Retail Park, Carlow
- ElectroCity Kilkenny, Ormonde Business Park, Kilkenny
- ElectroCity Waterford, Kingsmeadow Retail Park, Waterford
- BSH Home of Innovation, M50 Business Park, Ballymount, Dublin 12
All successful entrants will be contacted on August 11th and invited to attend the National Ploughing Championships Brown Bread Baking Tent.
If you think you have the recipe for success, visit our Brown Bread Baking Competition 2026 page for full details on how to enter, terms, conditions, and competition rules.
