Hot Air Ballooning Championships to return to the county
The Irish Hot Air Ballooning championships were a huge success. Pic courtesy of Lough Key Forest Park
The hugely popular national Hot Air Ballooning Championships will return to the county next year.
Lough Key Forest & Activity Park in Boyle said it is delighted to announce that it will once again host the 54th Irish Hot Air Ballooning Championships, taking place from September 19th to 25th, 2026.
Following the tremendous success of the 2025 championships, next year’s event is expected to be even more vibrant, memorable, and community-driven, the local amenity said.
The championships will bring together balloonists from across Ireland and abroad to compete in a series of skill-based challenges and breathtaking flights. Spectators can look forward to dawn ascents, dazzling evening balloon glows, and a wide range of family-friendly activities throughout the park.
Roscommon County Council has provided essential funding to support the return of the festival to Boyle. Director of Services Mark Keaveney said “Roscommon County Council is proud to support the return of the Hot Air Ballooning Championships to Boyle. This event reflects our ongoing commitment to strengthening tourism, empowering local businesses, and celebrating the vibrant community spirit that defines our region.”
Dermot Beggan, General Manager of Lough Key Forest and Activity Park said “The 2025 championships were an enormous success and a true spectacle—bringing back memories of the iconic ballooning days of long ago for so many in our community. We look forward to building on this year’s achievements by introducing even more supporting events, activities, and moments of colour and wonder throughout the park. The championships are fast becoming a highlight of the year for visitors, locals, and balloonists alike, and we cannot wait to welcome everyone back next September.”
Frank Meldon of the Irish Ballooning Association has said “as balloonists we were delighted with this year’s successful return to Boyle and Lough Key Forest Park. Balloonists noted the warm welcome from the local community, enjoyed the local attractions and amenities and of course the incredible flying. The balloonists are really looking forward to returning in 2026.”
The 2026 event is expected to attract thousands of visitors, providing a significant boost to tourism and hospitality in Boyle and the wider Roscommon area.
The Boyle Town team said it is proud to welcome this spectacular event back to Boyle and aims to expand public offerings and create even more opportunities for engagement with the ballooning community in 2026.
