What to eat and drink at the National Ploughing Championships 2026

From time-honoured recipes handed down through generations to food innovators finding creative and sustainable ways to use homegrown ingredients, food has long been a key part of the Ploughing experience.

Once again, this year’s championship will celebrate Ireland’s rich national food and beverage heritage, with a particular focus on local production and culinary innovation.

Visitors will have the opportunity to discover and sample products from new and established producers from across the country, meet the people behind the produce and experience the story connecting Irish farming, food and rural life.

With everything from artisan cheeses and handcrafted beverages to freshly baked goods and delicious preserves, a wide range of food and beverage offerings will be on offer.

Here are some of the stalls to seek out when hunger strikes.

Tempting treats

Foodies with a penchant for crisps won’t want to miss the O’Donnells stand this year, which is set to showcase the iconic crisp producer’s launch of two limited-edition flavours developed in collaboration with chef Rachel Allen: Sea Salt & Truffle and Sunday Roast.

Both flavours have been shortlisted for the Irish Quality Food and Drinks Award 2026 and are sure to be a favourite among discerning snackers.

For more savoury treats, Keoghs Crisps will be featuring its range of crisps, with plenty of flavours to discover and enjoy.

Crossing the chasm between snack and ingredient is Blanco Niño’s Irish-made authentic tortilla chips.

If sweet baked treats are more your thing, be sure to stop by Fudgepocalypse

Produced using an Aztec cooking process called nixtamalization, these slow-cooked chips are used by leading Mexican restaurants across Europe and have to be tasted to understand the difference.

If chocolate is your weakness, your senses will likely lead you toward the Catch Chocolate, Aine’s Chocolates or J&L Chocolate stalls. And if sweet baked treats are more your thing, be sure to stop by Fudgepocalypse, the ultimate destination for gourmet Irish fudge. Other exhibitors that will help satisfy that sweet tooth are The Brownie Barn, Cookie Dó, and SOS Cookies.

Goodness on the go

Founded in 2020 by Athlone siblings Niamh and Ruairi Dooley, Bia Sol creates wholesome oat bites and granola packed with goodness and made using upcycled grains.

By giving surplus grains a second life, the brand helps reduce food waste while contributing to a more sustainable food chain. Now available worldwide, its high-fibre, additive-free snacks offer a delicious, feel-good way to snack with the planet in mind.

Stop by their stand and taste the goodness for on-the-go snacking yourself.

For those looking to stay hydrated and balanced, Solanti will be on hand with its Irish-made electrolyte sachets, combining electrolytes and seven essential vitamins and minerals with natural flavours and no added sugar.

Founded by Noel Walsh after he began using electrolytes to combat migraines, Solanti was born from a desire to create a more refined-tasting alternative to the current flavours on the market. Available in two refreshing combinations – Ginger & Clementine and Lemon & Elderflower – they’re a convenient way to stay hydrated while on the go.

For superfood fans, Feighery’s Farm Beetroot Juice will be sampling its nutrient-packed juice, made from a blend of 70% beets and 30% apples.

Produced using homegrown pesticide-free beetroot nurtured deep in the soils of the Feighery family farm in Co Offaly, the refreshing drink is antioxidant-packed, naturally sweet and bursting with goodness. Rich in iron, beetroot juice helps in the prevention of iron-deficiency anaemia, while the dietary nitrates also help to improve blood flow around the body, helping to maintain normal blood pressure.

Post-ploughing feeds

The Clonakilty Food stall is a great place to load up on supplies for your post-ploughing fry-up.

With its legacy of crafting the finest pork products and, in more recent times, its veggie sausage and pudding range, the company uses high quality, locally sourced ingredients.

Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal to round out the day, or a tasty morning-after breakfast, you’ll find it at this year’s stall.

For those who enjoy cooking but are short on time, Gousto and Hello Fresh will be showing just how quick and easy cooking from scratch can be.

Refreshing beverages

Returning this year is Sips by Tom with its range of natural syrups, created by founder Tom, to offer a cleaner, more versatile alternative to artificial cocktail mixers. Made by hand using traditional techniques and natural ingredients, the syrups contain no artificial colours, flavours, preservatives or additives.

They’re designed for everything from cocktails and cordials to coffee, matcha, baking and cooking.

For something a little stronger, Kilbeggan Brewery will be highlighting its double-distilled whiskey blends that pass through the oldest working whiskey pot still in the world.

Perfect for gifting or pure indulgence, these distinctive whiskeys offer a taste of Kilbeggan’s rich distilling heritage.

Dairy nice fare

For those who love all things dairy, Westmeath natives Barbavilla Dairy will be showcasing its artisan cheese and butter, while Ploughing veterans Irish Yogurts will be back with its dependably delicious range of creamy, locally produced yogurts.

Returning this year is the Midlands Flavours Marquee, which will celebrate the rich culinary heritage and innovation of the region by bringing together 18 local producers under one roof.

The marquee will showcase a variety of local food and drink, from artisan butter, cheese, honey, and home baking to innovative products focused on food chain sustainability, new flavours and changing tastes.

The region’s artisan and emerging food scene will be represented by An Olivia Chocolate, with its award-winning Belgian chocolate creations; and Aghaboe Farm Foods, an award-winning artisan bakery from Co Laois that specialises in traditional baking with a modern flair, inspired by the seasons and sustainable ingredients. Adding an international influence to locally produced food, Flavour Safari combines Irish ingredients with African spices to create its range of African-inspired sauces.

In addition to showcasing culinary excellence, well-known chefs Gary O’Hanlon and Yvonne Carty will also give live cooking demonstrations of creative dishes made from ingredients supplied by the participating Midlands producers.