Carlow bakers encouraged to get involved in national Brown Bread Baking competition

Carlow bakers are being encouraged to take part in the National Brown Bread Baking Competition.

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, will be decided at the National Ploughing Championships in September. 

This year sees the addition of junior baker, giving young brown bread bakers aged 12–18 the chance to showcase their skills alongside Ireland’s best home bakers.

The junior category aims to encourage the next generation of bakers to get involved in one of Ireland’s most treasured food traditions, keeping the legacy and Ireland’s brown bread baking tradition alive.

The winning young baker will receive a €1,500 Euronics voucher, with an additional €1,500 Euronics voucher awarded to their school.

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The three finalists on the 17th will win a €250 Euronics voucher, and all other finalists will be given a €100 Euronics voucher and a NEFF hamper.

The winning brown bread baker for the adult competition will walk away with a cash prize of €5,000 PLUS a NEFF Slide&Hide®oven worth over €2,000, with three finalists on the 17th of September winning a €500 Euronics gift card.

All other finalists will be given a €250 Euronics voucher 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. I am thrilled that this year we will once again have a junior baking category, encouraging young people to get involved," NPA Managing Director Anna May McHugh, said. 

Sixteen finalists (8 junior and 8 senior) will take to the stage to bake their brown breads in the National Ploughing Championships Brown Bread Baking tent in Screggan, Tullamore, County Offaly, on September 15th and 16th, with the two winners crowned on the 17th of September.

The junior baking rounds will take place at 10am each day followed by the senior rounds at 1pm.

All entrants (one entry per person) are being asked to drop their freshly baked bread to ElectroCity Carlow between 09.00am – 11.00am.

Bread will not be accepted outside of these times.

For the senior competition, five bakers will be invited to join the three finalists from the ICA, who will be chosen at the national event in An Grianán on Tuesday, 28th July 2026.

Bread has to be clearly labelled with name, address, age, email address and contact number.

For junior competitors, the school must also be listed.