Attention Mayo bakers - National Brown Bread Baking Competition is back
THE search for Ireland’s best brown bread is back for 2026.
Last year, Mayo woman Maureen Igoe woman stole the show and took home the top prize.
Details of this year’s National Brown Bread Baking Competition, sponsored by Euronics Ireland in association with the National Ploughing Association (NPA) and the Irish Countrywomen’s Association (ICA), were officially launched this week. And this year's also sees the addition of a Junior Brown Bread Baking Competition for bakers aged 12 to 18.
Maureen Igoe, from Bonniconlon, said of her experience last year: “I’ve been baking for over 50 years but I honestly never expected to win, especially with such an amazing standard of competitors.
“It was a wonderful experience overall and I’d encourage anyone who enjoys baking to enter this year’s competition - you’ve got nothing to lose.”
Sixteen finalists will take to the stage to bake their brown bread at the National Ploughing Championships in Screggan, Tullamore, on September 15 and 16, with the two winners crowned on September 17.
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.
HOW TO ENTER
Entrants bake bread at home and drop for tasting and judging on specified dates and locations around the country. Bread has to be clearly labelled with name, address, age, email address and contact number. For junior competitors, the school must also be listed.
No entries will be taken outside the times and locations specified.
The Mayo brown bread drop off locations, date and times are: Friday, August 7, from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m., at Keans Claremorris, Mount Street, Clare, Claremorris, and Broderick's Electrical Westport, 5 Castlebar Road, Westport.
All successful entrants will be contacted on August 11 and invited to attend the National Ploughing Championships Brown Bread Baking Tent.
Visit euronics.ie for information on how to enter, full terms, conditions and competition rules.