Every September, tens of thousands of people descend on a stretch of Irish farmland for three days of machinery, livestock, food stalls, and (for one weekend at least) the unofficial capital of rural Ireland. This year, the Irish Forest School Association is joining them.
We’re delighted to announce that IFSA will be exhibiting at the National Ploughing Championships 2026, taking place from 15th–17th September in Screggan, Tullamore, Co. Offaly.
Why the Ploughing?
The National Ploughing Championships isn’t just Europe’s largest outdoor agricultural event, it’s a gathering point for rural communities, families and anyone with an interest in the land. That makes it exactly the kind of place where the Forest School message belongs.
Forest School is about reconnecting children, and adults, with the outdoors: learning through nature, building confidence through risk and exploration, and spending real time outside rather than looking at it through a window. The Ploughing brings together thousands of people who already understand the value of the land. We’re looking forward to introducing many of them to what Forest School can add to that connection.
What You’ll Find at Our Stand
If you’re heading to the Championships this year, come find us and say hello. At our stand, you can:
- Learn what Forest School actually is and how it differs from a typical outdoor activity day
- Hear about training routes into becoming a qualified Forest School leader
- Discover the growing Forest School community across Ireland, and where your nearest provider might be
- Chat with our team about nature connection, outdoor learning and how Forest School principles can be brought into schools, childcare settings, and communities
Whether you’re a parent curious about outdoor education, an educator thinking about training, or simply someone who loves what the Irish countryside has to offer, we’d love to talk to you.
Find Us
📍 Screggan, Tullamore, Co. Offaly 📅 15th–17th September 2026
As the saying goes around Offaly this time of year, all roads lead to Screggan! We hope one of them leads to our stand.
See you at the Ploughing! 🌱