National Ploughing Championships

Engineers Ireland returns to the National Ploughing Championships 2026

Engineers Ireland returns to the National Ploughing Championships this September with a new line-up of interactive exhibits showcasing engineering in action. Our theme, #EngineeringTheFuture, is designed to inspire young people to discover the possibilities of a career in engineering by making engineering exciting, engaging and accessible.

Across the marquee, visitors will follow one connected story, exploring how engineers use creativity, science and technology to understand the world around us, and design solutions that benefit people and the planet. Why not visit us at Block 4 - Row 8 - Stand 155 from 15-17 September, in Screggan, Tullamore, Co. Offaly.

Here is what to expect in 2026:

INTERACTIVE EXHIBIT

Powering the Future

Engineers are at the heart of how we generate, manage and use energy. Across 13 interactive gadgets, visitors can explore how energy underpins our everyday lives and how engineers are developing innovative solutions to power a more sustainable future. Become human heat map! Our thermal camera reveals the invisible world of infrared energy. Find out why your face is warm, your clothes are cool and snap an unforgettable thermal selfie! Get hands-on by cranking up a generator, designing a own wind turbine and exploring how electricity connects to the grid in this interactive and immersive exhibit from Glasgow Science Centre.

Watch our 2025 NPC videos

Discover our robots

Bionic Buddies

Engineers are transforming how intelligent machines work alongside people. In this area, visitors can discover how robotics engineers combine engineering, technology and creativity to develop machines that can interact, respond and perform complex tasks. Meet Harvey, an interactive humanoid robot, and see Phi-Do, our robot dog, in action. Programmed by the COMAND research team at the Faculty of Engineering & Technology in the Technological University of the Shannon, Harvey can interact with visitors, respond to voice commands and perform a range of tasks. These robots offer a glimpse into how robotics engineering is helping to make workplaces safer, more efficient and more productive.

Watch our 2025 NPC videos

Get inspired

Nature Engineers from STEPS

Engineers are designing solutions inspired by nature to help protect our environment and create more sustainable communities. STEPS, our education outreach programme, has introduced Nature Engineers, a new flagship project bringing nature-based engineering challenges to primary school children. Visitors can explore how engineers work with natural systems to address real-world challenges, including through a demonstration of sustainable urban drainage systems.

Find out more

COMPETITIONS, PRIZES AND MORE

Meet Mark the Science Guy

Meet Mark the Science Guy, who will be hosting fun competitions throughout the day with great prizes up for grabs. Mark will be promoting our stand on Ireland AM on Thursday 10 September and he will be joined by Harvey and Phi-Do – be sure to tune in!

Watch Live on 10 September