Roscommon is the place to be in September when Lough Key Forest & Activity Park plays host to the 53rd annual Hot Air Ballooning Championship and Festival.
Roscommon County Council, in association with Lough Key Forest & Activity Park and the Irish Ballooning Association, will host the event from September 20 to 26.
This world-class championship, 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 34 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 England, Scotland, Wales, France, Germany, Chile, and Ireland competing in weeks 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 7am and 4.30pm for the morning and afternoon take-offs. While flights within the balloons are not open to the public, there are a variety of thrilling activities available in Lough Key Forest and Activity Park, including 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, and 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 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 (August 31 ) 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.
"We are delighted to bring the Ballooning Championships back to Boyle," said Frank Meldon of the Irish Ballooning Association. "Lough Key and County Roscommon offer such a spectacular location for ballooning with its many waterways, lakes, woodlands and heritage sites. 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."
Dermot Beggan, general manager at Lough Key Forest and Activity Park, added: “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."
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 and Facebook and @VRoscommon on X.
For more information on the Irish Hot Air Ballooning Championship and Festival, visit www.facebook.com/IrishBallooningChampionship for live updates and start times. Please be advised that the championship is weather-dependent, and take-off times will be subject to change.
