Boyle’s Lough Key Forest Park will host the 2025 Irish Ballooning Championship.
Formal details were announced on Thursday at an event in the Park where there was a number of hot air balloons in attendance.
The spectacular event in September 2025 will feature up to 30 Hot Air balloons and their crews typically from USA, Germany, France, Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland. The event will aim to fly twice daily, morning and evening, creating an amazing and colourful spectacle for all to see as the balloons inflate and fly overhead.
Next year’s Championships make a welcome return to Boyle after a near thirty-year break since the championships were last held in the county.
The championships 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.
Dermot Beggan, General Manager of Lough Key Forest and Activity Park expressed his delight at the return of the championships to Lough Key: “I am thrilled to have played a part in the return of The Irish Hot Air Ballooning Championships to Lough Key Forest & Activity Park and the Boyle area. After many years, it is a joy to bring this nostalgic and awe-inspiring spectacle back to our beautiful region”. “Hosting this historic event once more is not only a wonderful boost for the area’s tourism, but it also offers a unique opportunity for visitors and locals alike to experience the magic of ballooning against the stunning backdrop of Lough Key”.
“We look forward to welcoming attendees 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”, said Mr. Beggan.
Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s announcement, Tourism Officer with Roscommon County Council Lisa Joy said the local authority were delighted to support the Irish Hot Air Ballooning Championships and secure Lough Key Forest and Activity Park as the launch site for the 2025 event. The news, she said, was a major vote of confidence not only for Boyle but also for the county’s tourism sector.
“The announcement is wonderful news not only for the town of Boyle, but also for county Roscommon. This prestigious event is sure to entice hot air balloon enthusiasts from across the country and indeed the world, to visit Boyle and the North Roscommon area”.
“It is fitting the event is returning to Lough Key Forest & Activity Park, one of Roscommon’s top tourist attractions, which was recently awarded just over €1million by Failte Ireland under the EU Just Transition Programme to increase capacity and expand the range of activities on offer at the park.”
“The Irish Hot Air Ballooning Championships is expected to draw considerable visitor numbers to our county which will be a major economic boost to local businesses and tourism providers. It will also considerably enhance the tourism reputation of Lough Key as a multi-purpose and family friendly destination,” said Ms. Joy.
Frank Meldon of the Irish Ballooning Association (IBA) said enthusiasts will be delighted to return to Boyle next year: “We consider Boyle to be one of our spiritual homes as the Championships were hosted in the area for many years back in the early 1990’s”.
“The incredible amenities of the park, coupled with the beautiful rolling landscape and water courses of Lough Key and the River Shannon provide a beautiful backdrop for next year’s event, will prove very popular with the general public”.
“The Hot Air Ballooning Championships is a not-for-profit activity and relies on the support and generosity of the local community and businesses. The IBA would like to thank Roscommon County Council and Lough Key Forest Park for their support”, said Mr Meldon.
The location announcement launch and photocall will take place at Lough Key Forest and Activity Park, Boyle at 2.30pm on Thursday All are welcome to attend and witness some hot air balloons lifting off from the shores of the magnificent Lough Key.
