'Huge opportunity' for Kildare as ploughing championships return
John Whelan from Wexford ploughing in the senior reversible at Ploughing 2026 in Screggan, Tullamore, Thursday 17th September 2026. Photo: Alf Harvey. No reproduction fee
The ploughing is coming back to Co Kildare. It was announced from the Grandstand that the 2027 National Ploughing Championships will take place in Boherkill Farm, Rathangan.
It was last held in Co Kildare in 2011 when Athy enjoyed a three-year stint.
Fianna Fáil Senator for Kildare South and Rathangan native, Fiona O’Loughlin, has welcomed the announcement that the National Ploughing Championships will take place in Rathangan, County Kildare next year.
The announcement comes as this year’s National Ploughing Championships draws to a close in Screggan, Tullamore, County Offaly.
Speaking following the announcement, Senator O’Loughlin said:
“This is a huge opportunity for Kildare and particularly for Rathangan to showcase everything our area has to offer.
“We have a huge farming community and a strong agricultural tradition here in Kildare. To now have the opportunity to welcome people from across the country and beyond for one of Ireland’s largest events is hugely exciting.
“Hosting the National Ploughing Championships will provide a significant economic boost to Rathangan and the surrounding area, bringing thousands of visitors to Kildare and providing an opportunity for local businesses and communities to benefit.
“It will also put Rathangan and Kildare firmly in the spotlight and give us the chance to showcase our county on a national stage.” Local Fianna Fáil Councillor for Rathangan, Brian O’Loughlin, also welcomed the announcement.
“Very few towns or counties get the opportunity to host an event of this scale. It is a huge vote of confidence in Rathangan and a testament to our local farming community, the County Council and everyone who has worked to make this possible.
“This is an opportunity not only to host a fantastic National Ploughing Championships next year, but to build on its success and demonstrate that Rathangan and the wider area are capable of hosting other major events in the years ahead."
The 95th National Ploughing Championships came to a close today after three fantastic days in Screggan, Tullamore, with 75,000 visitors attending Day Three and 243,000 attending across the three days.
Speaking on the final day of the championships, NPA Managing Director Anna May McHugh said:
“We are delighted with how the three days have gone. There has been a fantastic atmosphere across the site and it has been wonderful to see so many people enjoying everything the Ploughing has to offer. We would like to thank everyone who helped make the event such a success and most importantly, all those who came through the gates over the three days. We wish everyone a safe journey home.”
