Hot Air Balloon Championships return to County Roscommon this week
Bird's eye view of Castle Island on Lough Key during last year's championships. Pic: Gerry Faughnan
Thousands of people are expected to converge on Lough Key Forest Park in Boyle from September 19th to 25th for the 54th Irish Hot Air Balloon Championships.
Up to 10,000 people attended the spectacular event last year.
To help manage the large number of spectators anticipated at this year's event, a traffic management plan and pre-booked parking system will be in operation throughout the championships.
Visitors are advised that parking must be booked in advance through , with access to designated parking areas restricted to those holding a valid booking.
To further ease traffic pressures, a free shuttle bus service will also operate between Boyle and Lough Key Forest Park for all scheduled evening flights.
The shuttle buses will depart from the Abbeytown side of St Joseph's Church in Boyle, with the first service leaving at 3.30 pm.
Buses will run approximately every 20 minutes, subject to demand, while the final return service from Lough Key each evening will depart at 6.50 pm.
The shuttle service is limited and will operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Passengers are being advised to arrive early, as places cannot be guaranteed.
Visitors are also being reminded that all balloon launches are weather dependent and may be subject to change.
Further information and parking bookings are available .
