National Brown Bread Baking Competition 2026
Sponsored by Euronics Ireland in association with NPA & ICA
Finals: 15–17 September 2026 • Screggan, Tullamore, Co. Offaly
Ireland’s Search for the Best Brown Bread is Back
The National Brown Bread Baking Competition returns for 2026, once again searching for the country’s best homemade brown bread recipe — whether that includes a special ingredient, enough seeds to feed a flock of birds, or a traditional mix passed down through generations.
Sponsored by Euronics Ireland in association with the National Ploughing Association and the Irish Countrywomen’s Association, this beloved tradition has been a cornerstone of the National Ploughing Championships for generations.
Eight senior finalists will bake their brown breads live on stage at the Ploughing Championships in Screggan, Tullamore, competing for a €5,000 cash prize and a NEFF Slide&Hide® Oven. The junior competition also returns, with eight young bakers aged 12–18 joining the action.
Senior Brown Bread Baking Competition
Ireland’s home bakers go head-to-head in the country’s most prestigious brown bread competition. Eight senior finalists will bake live on stage at the Ploughing Championships, with the winner crowned on 17th September.
Five bakers will be invited to join the three finalists from the ICA chosen at the national event in An Grianán on Tuesday 28th July 2026. Senior rounds take place at 1pm each day during the Ploughing Championships.
+ NEFF Slide&Hide® Oven (worth over €2,000)
Junior Brown Bread Baking Competition
Young bakers aged 12–18 can once again showcase their skills alongside Ireland’s best home bakers. The junior category encourages the next generation to get involved in one of Ireland’s most treasured food traditions.
Eight junior finalists will bake live on stage at the Ploughing Championships, with junior rounds at 10am each day, followed by the senior rounds at 1pm.
Junior Entry Requirements
- Entrant must be aged 12–18
- Bread must be baked in a 2lb loaf tin
- No alcoholic ingredients allowed
- Entry must be clearly marked “JUNIOR COMPETITION ENTRY”
- Label must include entrant’s school name
- One entry per person
+ €1,500 Euronics voucher for their school
Incredible Prizes for Both Competitions
Ages 18+
Grand Prize
Cash Prize
PLUS a NEFF Slide&Hide® Oven
(worth over €2,000)
All other finalists: €250 Euronics Gift Card + NEFF Hamper
Ages 12–18
Grand Prize
Euronics Voucher for the Winner
PLUS €1,500 Euronics Voucher
for their School
All other finalists: €100 Euronics Voucher + NEFF Hamper
Three Simple Steps
Bake Your Bread
Bake your best brown bread at home using a 2lb loaf tin. All ingredients allowed for seniors; no alcoholic ingredients for juniors.
Label It Clearly
Attach your name, address, age, email and phone number. Junior entrants: include your school name and clearly mark “JUNIOR COMPETITION ENTRY”.
Drop It Off
Bring your freshly baked bread to one of the collection locations below between 9am–11am on the specified date.
Where to Bring Your Bread
Terms & Conditions
Senior Competition (18+)
- To compete, you must be aged 18+
- Each participant may only submit one brown bread
- All ingredients allowed
- Successful applicants must be open to media opportunities subject to their availability
- Bread must be baked in a 2lb loaf tin
- Professional chefs are excluded from competing
Junior Competition (12–18)
- To compete, you must be aged 12–18
- Each participant may only submit one brown bread
- No alcoholic ingredients allowed
- Successful applicants must be open to media opportunities subject to their availability
- Bread must be baked in a 2lb loaf tin
- Entry must be clearly marked “JUNIOR COMPETITION ENTRY” and include school name
The National Brown Bread Baking Competition has been a much-loved part of the National Ploughing Championships for generations. We are thrilled to see it return in 2026, and delighted that the junior category will once again encourage young people to get involved alongside our senior bakers.
We are delighted to once again partner with the NPA and the ICA for this fantastic competition. The standard and volume of entries last year was incredibly high, and we’re excited to see what bakers will bring to the table.
The ICA has a long and proud connection with the National Brown Bread Baking Competition. We were especially delighted to see one of our own members take the top prize last year, a real testament to the baking talent within the organisation.
