The 54th Irish Hot Air Balloon Championships return to Lough Key Forest & Activity Park in County Roscommon for a spectacular week of colourful balloon flights over one of Ireland’s most scenic landscapes.

Taking place from 19–25 September 2026, the championships will bring hot air balloon pilots and crews from Ireland and around the world to Boyle for a week of flying challenges, breathtaking launches and unforgettable views across Lough Key.

Around 25–30 hot air balloons are expected to take part, creating an incredible sight as they rise above the forest, lake and surrounding countryside.

What to expect:

• Around 25–30 colourful hot air balloons

• Balloon pilots and crews from Ireland and overseas

• Spectacular launches over Lough Key

• Morning flights planned for approximately 7:00am

• Evening flights planned for approximately 5:00pm

• A full week of competitive ballooning challenges

• Beautiful photography opportunities around Lough Key

• Family-friendly atmosphere for visitors of all ages

• One of County Roscommon’s most visually spectacular annual events

• Thousands of visitors expected throughout championship week

Saturday 19 September will feature an evening flight, while morning and evening flights are planned from Sunday 20 September through Friday 25 September.

Hot air ballooning is completely weather dependent. Launches may be delayed, moved or cancelled at short notice depending on wind, visibility, rain and other weather conditions. Visitors are strongly encouraged to check the latest updates from Lough Key Forest & Activity Park or the Irish Hot Air Balloon Championships before travelling.

Public passenger flights are not available during the championships. This is a competitive ballooning event and flights are reserved for registered participating pilots and crews.

Access to the outdoor areas of Lough Key Forest & Activity Park and the Visitor Centre is free. The normal car parking charge is €6 per vehicle, paid on exit.

Due to the large crowds expected during championship week, special traffic and parking arrangements will be in place. Lough Key Forest & Activity Park may introduce a pre-booked parking system for some or all event days. Visitors should check the latest parking information before travelling.

Visitors are advised to arrive early for both the morning and evening launches, allow extra time for their journey and follow the directions of parking stewards and event staff during busy periods.

The Visitor Centre, café and park facilities are expected to remain open during their normal operating hours unless otherwise announced.

Official organiser / source: Irish Hot Air Balloon Championships / Irish Ballooning Association / Lough Key Forest & Activity Park.

Listing note: This public event listing was added by GetEvents Local Event Guide to help people discover what’s happening locally. GetEvents.ie is not the organiser of this event and does not manage balloon launches, weather decisions, parking arrangements, programme changes, updates or cancellations.

Description supplied by the event organiser.