- Irish Hot Air Balloon Championships begin in Roscommon
- Event runs from 19 to 25 September 2026
- Centred at Lough Key Forest and Activity Park
- Up to 30 teams and pilots participating
- Guinness World Record attempt with suitcase-shaped balloon
The 54th Irish Hot Air Balloon Championships are underway in Boyle County Roscommon running from 19 September to 25 September 2026. Centred at Lough Key Forest and Activity Park the gathering features up to 30 teams and pilots from Ireland, England, Europe and the US. Highlights include a Guinness World Record attempt featuring a giant 22-metre-wide suitcase-shaped hot air balloon.
Scheduled launches take place twice daily at 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM subject to calm and dry weather conditions. Alongside the competitive flights a festival programme runs through the week featuring live music, culture night workshops, markets and a championship fireworks display.
Organisers expect large crowds. To ease traffic a free evening shuttle bus is operating from St Joseph’s Church in Boyle to Lough Key from 19 September until 24 September starting at 3:30 PM. Parking within the park must be pre-booked online.
