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
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 as a junior entry
- School name must be included
- One entry per person
Incredible Prizes
Grand Prize
3 Finalists (17th Sept):€500 Euronics Gift Card each
All other finalists:€250 Euronics Gift Card + NEFF Hamper
Grand Prize
3 Finalists (17th Sept):€250 Euronics Voucher each
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 Your Entry
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 the collection location below between 9am–11am on the specified date.
Where To Bring Your Bread
Callaghan's Electrical
Date: Friday August 7th
Unit 8, Letterkenny Retail Park
Neil T. Blaney Road
Letterkenny
Co. Donegal
Terms & Conditions
Senior Competition (18+)
- -> Entrants must be aged 18 or over
- -> One bread entry per person
- -> Bread must be baked in a 2lb loaf tin
- -> All ingredients allowed
- -> Professional chefs are excluded
Junior Competition (12–18)
- -> Entrants must be aged 12–18
- -> One bread entry per person
- -> No alcoholic ingredients allowed
- -> Bread must be baked in a 2lb loaf tin
- -> School name must be included