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Celebrating Culture and Sport: Department of Culture, Communications and Sport unveils vibrant Ploughing lineup
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Department of Culture, Communications and Sport returns to the National Ploughing Championships in 2026
The Department of Culture, Communications and Sport has unveiled an exciting, diverse programme of events for the 2026 National Ploughing Championships. Bringing together national cultural institutions, sporting bodies, and traditional arts organisations, the Department’s marquee will highlight Ireland’s rich heritage, active living, and vibrant creative arts over the three-day event.
Visitors to the Celebrating Culture and Sport hub will enjoy an array of interactive experiences, workshops, and live performances tailored for all ages:
- National Archives: Presenting The Story of Us: Census 1926, exploring life in Ireland a century ago through historic documents, images, and census records following the release of the 1926 Irish Free State census.
- National Concert Hall: Live, high-energy traditional Irish music sessions with The Wild Turkeys running several times daily
- National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage: Westmeath and Offaly Comhaltas groups will fill the marquee with live traditional Irish music and there will be hands-on basketmaking demonstrations led by the Irish Basketmakers Association.
- Sport Ireland & Partner Bodies: Promoting participation for all across Ireland’s 29 Local Sports Partnerships. Interactive features include Cycling Ireland’s stationary roller racing challenge, Vision Sports Ireland’s VR and Meta smart glass accessibility tools, and Pitch & Putt Ireland putting simulators.
- National Library of Ireland: Featuring genealogy workshops to help visitors track their family history, talks on Ireland’s culinary traditions through historical recipe books ("Cooking the Books"), and a rare public showcase of the 200-year-old Maps of the Irish Bogs Commission.
- Arts Council: Highlights include revival performances of Sean Nós dancing, traditional lacemaking workshops, children's creative writing and visual art sessions, and folklore storytelling with Aindrias de Staic.
- National Museum of Ireland – Irish Antiquities (in Hub 5): Hands-on activities featuring replica Viking artifacts, early Bronze Age pottery making, interactive butter-churning demonstrations, and natural history skull identification sessions.
Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, TD, said:
The National Ploughing Championship is a cornerstone of Irish rural life, making it the perfect stage to celebrate our shared heritage, living traditions, and dynamic arts sector. From exploring the newly released 1926 Census records with the National Archives to experiencing our finest traditional musicians and craftspeople, this year's programme offers a remarkable opportunity for communities to connect directly with the cultural institutions that safeguard our national story.
Minister of State with responsibility for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue, TD, added:
Sport and physical activity play a vital role in the health, well-being, and community spirit of rural Ireland. Through Sport Ireland and our national governing bodies, we are thrilled to bring accessible, interactive sports experiences to the Ploughing Championships. Whether testing your speed on a cycling roller or experiencing innovative adaptive sports technology with Vision Sports Ireland, our focus remains firmly on broadening participation opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.
Members of the public attending the 2026 National Ploughing Championships are invited to visit the Celebrating Culture and Sport marquee throughout the three days to engage with staff, enjoy live performances, and participate in interactive demonstrations.
ENDS