The National Steam Rally returns to the grounds of Stradbally Hall in County Laois today, marking its 61st year as Ireland’s premier steam and vintage event. Hosted by the Irish Steam Preservation Society (ISPS) with permission from the Cosby family, the two-day festival, held over the August Bank Holiday weekend, offers a diverse programme of steam engine displays, vintage machinery, and family-friendly activities. Set in the scenic estate, the event attracts thousands, including enthusiasts and families, for a nostalgic celebration of Ireland’s industrial heritage.
The festival begins on Saturday, 2 August, with a street party at 5pm in Stradbally’s Court Square, followed by a steam and vintage parade at 7:15pm featuring steam engines, tractors, and vintage cars, accompanied by Corvenieos Entertainment. On Sunday and Monday, gates open at 10am, offering a range of attractions. Visitors can expect over 60 full-sized steam engines, a record for Ireland, alongside vintage tractors, cars, and commercial vehicles.
The Stradbally Woodland Railway, Ireland’s first volunteer-run heritage railway, provides rides on its 1km narrow-gauge track, powered by the 1949-built steam locomotive Róisín. Other highlights include lawnmower racing, sheepdog demonstrations, a pet farm, and a blacksmith’s village showcasing traditional crafts. A saw bench display and vintage road-making exhibit demonstrate historical techniques, while a craft village, trade stalls, and food tents cater to varied interests.
Children’s activities, such as bouncy castles and a dog show, ensure family appeal, with live music from artists like Cliona Hagan adding to the atmosphere. Weekend camping is available, with facilities including toilets, showers, and security. Funds raised support local charities, including Laois Hospice and Stradbally Meals on Wheels.
The Stradbally Steam Rally began in 1965, sparked by a gathering of steam enthusiasts at Harold Condell’s farm in Whitefields, Co. Laois, in 1964. Inspired by a visit to the Lowton Park rally in Lancashire, the group, led by Colonel CS Kidd, organised the first rally in Stradbally’s Market Square on St Stephen’s Day 1965, drawing an unexpected 2,000 attendees. The ISPS was formed shortly after, with founding members including Ken Graham and Ron Bramley, aiming to preserve Ireland’s steam-powered heritage. By 1966, the event moved to Stradbally Hall, where it has been held annually, growing to include the Stradbally Woodland Railway in 1969 and a Steam Museum opened in 1968 by PJ Lalor. The festival’s 50th anniversary in 2014 and 60th in 2024 marked significant milestones, with the latter featuring a record number of steam engines.
The current Rally Chairman, Dick Dunne, oversees the event, supported by the ISPS committee and volunteers. Dunne has guided the festival’s evolution, introducing initiatives like the “Sixty For 60” campaign in 2024 to gather 60 steam engines and enhancing sustainability through the use of renewable biomass fuel, making Stradbally the only steam rally in Ireland to achieve carbon-neutral status. Visitors can expect a welcoming atmosphere, with the festival’s central location behind Stradbally’s Main Street offering easy access via the N80, approximately an hour from Dublin. The combination of historical displays, live demonstrations, and family entertainment, set within the picturesque Cosby Estate, ensures a memorable experience for all.
