Days away from return of Hot Air Ballooning Championships to County Roscommon

The annual Hot Air Ballooning Championships and Festival makes a long awaited return to Lough Key Forest and Activity Park in Boyle this Saturday, September 20th.

The spectacular aerial event taking place in the North Roscommon town until Friday, September 26th is being run by Roscommon County Council in conjunction with the Irish Ballooning Association and Lough Key Forest & Activity Park.

This world-class championships, also known as “The Irish Meet”, is the longest-running of its kind and has not been held in Roscommon since 1991.

Now returning to Boyle after more than 30 years, the 53rd championships are among the highlights of the council’s ongoing outdoor recreation campaign, “Breathe in Roscommon”, a celebration of the county’s natural beauty, historic landscapes, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.

First established in 1971, the championships have grown from hosting a handful of hot air balloons to more than 40, featuring pilots from England, Scotland, Wales, France, Germany, Chile, and Ireland competing in weeks of challenges to determine the overall winner.

The championship has been hosted in counties including Waterford, Longford, Offaly, Kilkenny, Meath, and Cavan. 

Now, this year's championships will call Lough Key Forest and Activity Park in Boyle its home for the duration of the week long festival. 

When last held in Boyle, the event was an integral part of the cultural and social life of the North Roscommon area. It attracted many visitors to the county to marvel at the aerial spectacle, which could be viewed for miles outside the immediate Boyle area.

Those wishing to spectate the championship can do so at 7 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. for the morning and afternoon take-offs. 

While flights within the balloons are not open to the public, there are, as always, a variety of thrilling activities available in Lough Key Forest and Activity Park to participate in. 

This includes Zip It Forest Adventures; P Mac Kayaks; Cè Sauna; Boda Borg Challenge Experience; Rockingham Remembered Tour; multiple scenic, accessible walks and trails, including the Boyle to Lough Key Cycleway; The Adventure Play Kingdom playground and Lakeside Café Treats.