Hi Everyone!
There are moments in life that stay with you forever. For me, growing up in Boyle, one of those memories was the magical sight of hot air balloons rising above the trees of Lough Key. I can still hear the sudden roar of the burners, that deep whoosh breaking the stillness of the crisp September mornings, and the rush of excitement that followed as those colourful giants lifted gracefully into the sky. As children, we’d stand in complete awe, wondering: Would this one float over our heads or drift off into the distance?
Now, more than thirty years later, the Irish Hot Air Ballooning Championships are returning home — back to Boyle, back to Lough Key, from the 20th to the 26th of September. It feels like a homecoming, not just for the event, but for all of us who hold those memories close and for the generations who have yet to experience that same magic.
This isn’t just about balloons in the sky. It’s about community. It’s about showcasing the breath-taking beauty of Lough Key Forest & Activity Park — the lakes, the woodlands, the sweeping views — and reminding us just how lucky we are to call this place home. Boyle and the wider area have always been known for their warm welcome, and this event is another chance to show visitors what makes our corner of Ireland so special.
Of course, to ensure its success — and to give us the chance of welcoming the Championships back year after year — we need to do our part. That means supporting the event, following guidance, and using designated parking areas so that everything runs smoothly and safely for both visitors and locals. With the right spirit of cooperation, we can help make this a festival that benefits the town, the park, and the whole community.
I hope that for those who remember the Championships of old, this week in September will bring back the same joy and wonder it once did. And for those experiencing it for the first time, may it create new memories that will last a lifetime.
To see a hot air balloon rise above the trees of Lough Key is something truly special. To have it happen here, in Boyle, is something to treasure. Let’s embrace it, celebrate it, and share it — together.
Look forward to seeing you all here!
Dermot Beggan
General Manager.
To keep up to date with the latest news and flight information please visit: https://www.facebook.com/IrishBallooningChampionship
