The Irish Hot Air Ballooning Championships is the longest running National ballooning event in the worldThe first event was held in 1971 at Newcastle House in Ballymahon, Co Longford and was attended by a handful of balloonThe event now attracts up to 30 balloons and has been held in Boyle, Kilkenny, Waterford, Athlone, Trim, Kells, Killenkere, Drumshambo, Birr and Tullamore. 

Balloonists from UK, USA, France, Holland, Belgium, Chile, Germany and Ireland are regular attendees to the event (which is by invitation only).

For more ballooning information visit Irish Ballooning Association