Roscommon County Council, in association with Lough Key Forest & Activity Park and the Irish Ballooning Association, is proud to announce the return of the 53rd annual Hot Air Ballooning Championship and Festival to Lough Key Forest and Activity Park in Boyle this September 20th - September 26th. This world-class event, 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 championships are the latest highlight of Roscommon County Council’s ongoing outdoor recreation campaign, “Breathe in Roscommon”, which is a celebration of the county’s natural beauty, historic landscapes, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.

History of Skyward Excellence

First established in 1971, the championships have grown from hosting a handful of hot air balloons to more than 40, featuring pilots from the USA, England, Scotland, Wales, France, Germany and Ireland competing in a week 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, the championships will call Lough Key Forest and Activity Park in Boyle home for the duration of the festival. The championships, when last held in Boyle, were an integral part of the cultural and social life of the North Roscommon area. The event attracted many visitors to the county to marvel at the spectacular event, which could be viewed for miles outside the immediate Boyle area.

Wellness and Spectacular Sights by the Lough

Those wishing to spectate the championship can do so at 6:30 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
• Lakeside Café Treats.
• Whether soaking in lakeside saunas, cycling the Boyle to Lough Key Cycleway, or taking on a thrilling treetop challenge, Lough Key Forest and Activity Park offers recreation at every pace.

Celebrating a Summer of Outdoor Adventure

The return of the hot air ballooning championships is part of Roscommon County Council’s “Breathe in Roscommon” campaign, which launched in April to celebrate the county’s scenic beauty and growing investment in outdoor recreation. Throughout the summer, visitors and locals alike have enjoyed a packed calendar of events and new attractions, including the opening of the new natural playground and Sculpture Trail at Mote Park, the Gaelforce Great River Swim, the Night and Day Festival at Lough Key Forest and Activity Park, the upcoming Lough Key Triathlon (31^st August) and the conclusion of Stage One of Rás Tailteann 2025 in Boyle. The campaign has placed a strong emphasis on wellbeing, family-friendly adventure, and sustainable tourism in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.

Commenting on the Hot Air Balloon Championship, Frank Meldon of the Irish Ballooning Association, said: We are delighted to bring the Ballooning Championships back to Boyle. Lough Key and County Roscommon offer such a spectacular location for ballooning with its many waterways, lakes, woodlands and heritage sites.   The local community and Roscommon County Council have been tremendously supportive. We would also like to thank Trojan Business Solutions, Thrive Software, Thrive Cloud Accounting, Nordson Medical, Calor and Westland for their support.  The balloonists are really looking forward to experiencing the wonderful local hospitality, activities and amenities and of course, the opportunity to fly Hot Air Balloons! 

Commenting on hosting the event Dermot Beggan, General Manager at Lough Key Forest and Activity Park said, “Hosting this historic event at Lough Key is not only a wonderful boost for the area’s tourism, but it also offers a unique opportunity for locals and visitors alike to experience the magic of ballooning against the stunning backdrop of Lough Key. We look forward to welcoming attendees to the park and sharing all the benefits this event brings, supporting local businesses, creating memorable experiences, and shining a spotlight on the natural beauty of Boyle and County Roscommon."

Welcoming the festival, Lisa Joy, Tourism Officer for Roscommon County Council, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome the Irish Hot Air Ballooning Championships back to Boyle after more than three decades. It’s a powerful addition to our ‘Breathe in Roscommon’ outdoor recreation campaign and an extraordinary way for people to experience the beauty of Roscommon from a whole new perspective – literally. The spectacle of balloons rising over Lough Key is something truly special, and we invite everyone to come, enjoy the show, and explore the recreational offerings both in Boyle and Lough Key Forest Park during the championships.”
 

Information and Live Updates
For more information on Roscommon’s outdoor recreation attractions and amenities across the county, visit www.visitroscommon.ie. For live social media updates, follow @VisitRoscommon on Instagram & Facebook and @VRoscommon on X.

For more information on the Irish Hot Air Ballooning Championship and Festival, visit https://www.facebook.com/IrishBallooningChampionship for live updates and start times.