Welcome to Irish Hot Air Balloon Championships
54th Irish Hot Air Balloon Championships 19th-25th September 2026
Lough Key Forest Park, Boyle, Co Roscommon
In 2026 the event will be celebrating its 54th year and it will take place as usual in the last week of September with flights planned morning (7am) and evening (5pm) for the week, weather permitting.
Balloons, Pilots and Crew from the US, England, Scotland, Wales, France, Germany and Ireland will participate in a week of challenges to find who will be declared the Champions.
News
Competition Winners 2026
Balloon teams from far and wide took part in the week long event
Over 30 Balloon teams traveled from far and wide to participate in the 54th Irish Hot Air Balloon Championships. Teams from Ireland, N Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, USA, Canada and as far away as Austrailia took part in the week long event in Lough Key Forest Park, Boyle.
The winners of the flying tasks were - Nick & Sarah Bettin (UK) for the Triangulation, Robin Mercer (NI) for Target Accuracy, Ian Wadey and Jordan Rivers-Scott for the Hesitation task. The overall Championship prize went to Mark O'Neill (Canada) and team. Mark is Irelands first 3rd generation pilot now lives in Canada with his wife and kids working as a professional balloon pilot and in his spare time is training the next generation of pilots!.
Perpetual trophies are awarded to the individuals and teams that best demonstrate the fun and friendship values of the event. This year the worthy winners of the Frank Barnes Trophy were Team Murray(USA) with the Achill Island Trophy going to Tracy O'Reilly (Ireland).
Congratulations to all this years winners.