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OPW to showcase interactive experiences at the 2026 National Ploughing Championships, Co. Offaly
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From: Office of Public Works
- Published on:
- Last updated on:
15 – 17 September 2026
The Office of Public Works (OPW) is delighted to announce that it is taking part in the National Ploughing Championships, Tullamore, Co. Offaly again this year.
Visitors to the OPW stand can enjoy a range of interactive exhibitions including LEGO flood model demonstrations, virtual reality heritage tours, property and parks zone and details on OPW career opportunities.
This year’s theme, ‘Your Government, Your Community’ reflects the OPW’s role in supporting local communities, preserving the past and protecting the future. The OPW is delighted to be part of an event that will provide individuals, groups and families with an opportunity to get a better understanding of how our work benefits their local communities, preserving the past and protecting the future.
Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Kevin “Boxer” Moran said:
‘The National Ploughing Championships is an important event that brings together people of all ages and backgrounds. I am delighted that the OPW will be in attendance to provide information to the public on what we do and to showcase the good work delivered within communities across the country. I encourage attendees to pay a visit to the OPW stand, there are lots of interactive and fun demonstrations on site from LEGO demonstrations of flood relief schemes to virtual reality experiences of our Heritage sites, there is something for everyone to enjoy”.
One of the highlights at our stand will be the OPW’s LEGO Catchment Model, which brings the science of flood prevention to life and shows how engineering and nature-based solutions can help reduce flood risk through LEGO. The model has already been used in schools in Donegal, Cavan and Meath as part of Engineers Ireland’s STEPS Young Engineers Award.
Visitors can also experience some of Ireland’s most iconic heritage sites without physically leaving the OPW tent. Virtual reality (VR) goggles will be on hand showcasing some of our sites including the Céide Fields, the Battle of the Boyne, Brú na Bóinne and Kilkenny Castle.
A new feature to our tent this year is our ‘Property Zone’. How much of the OPW is hiding in plain sight in your community? Why not check out the property zone and learn more.
Think you know what an OPW career looks like, think again! For anyone interested in working with the OPW, members of the HR team will be on hand to discuss opportunities ranging from apprenticeships and the Graduate Engineering programme to operational roles such as guides and gardeners.
Check out our OPW stand at Block 4, Row 7, Stand 139.
For more information please see https://www.gov.ie/en/office-of-public-works/campaigns/opw-ploughing-championships/
OPW spokespersons are available for interview upon request. Please contact pressoffice@opw.ie for more information and to arrange an interview.
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NOTES:
To find out what’s on across the Government of Ireland village, visit gov.ie/ploughing, or call into one of our hubs when you get there.
Recruitment - Build a Better Future
OPW have a range of exciting careers on offer from our apprenticeship programme to our successful Graduate Engineering programme. There are interesting career options in a variety of Engineering professions.
There are also a range of operational roles from guides to gardeners all who provide vital support in the running of OPW Heritage sites.
Our Guides represent the public face of the OPW, showcasing Ireland’s most important heritage sites. The Guide Service plays a vital role in conserving and presenting our heritage sites and ensuring the safety and enjoyment of the visitors.
For more information on careers at the Office of Public Works please check out gov.ie/careers.
The Global VAM VR experience
The Global VAM VR experience transports viewers to Ireland's most iconic heritage sites, offering both aerial and ground perspectives. The easy-to-use technology ensures that viewers of any age can navigate safely and comfortably. Since each experience is viewer-controlled, it can last as long as the user desires. We encourage users to take their time, as the spectacular 360-degree scenes offer complete immersion, making time feel irrelevant. For younger generations, this familiar technology provides an engaging way to explore heritage locations without revealing everything.
From an accessibility standpoint, this VR experience is invaluable for individuals with disabilities, offering them the chance to explore parts of OPW heritage sites that were previously inaccessible, thus promoting greater inclusivity.
We encourage anyone attending the Ploughing Championship with older relatives to visit our stand, where we can transport them back to historical times through VR.