Irish National Hot Air Ballooning Championships
There is a feast of colour planned for the skies over Longford when the Irish National Hot Air Ballooning Championships return to New Castle Hotel in Ballymahon, Co Longford. There will be 40 balloons attending this year's event making it the biggest ballooning event in Ireland for many years. There will be hot air balloons from the England, Scotland, Wales, Isle of Man, France, Holland, Italy and the USA will attend.
The Irish Championships have been held in Ballymahon on 11 previous occasions, the last event been held over 20 years ago. Even after all this time Newcastle House and Ballymahon is still fondly talked about in ballooning circles. The Irish Hot Air Balloon championships is also the longest running balloon meet in the world. Something to be very proud of baring in mind that at all times the Irish meet has been run on a voluntary basis
The public are actively encouraged to come out and see the balloons as they launch. The balloons will make a spectacular display in the skies over Longford so bring your camera.
It is not possible to provide flights to the public during the week however it is a fun, social family event for everyone’s enjoyment so get your cameras ready and record your favorite shots for the album.
Hot Air balloons will fly in surface winds of up to 10kts and safety is always the number one concern. They will have a weather check line in place during the event. This will be updated twice a day to give an indication of the possibility of flying the next slot.
Times For The Hot Air Ballooning Championships
- Sunday 19th -Newcastle House - evening flight
- Monday 20th - Newcastle House - morning flight
Hot Air Ballooning Championships Launch Sites
- They will be mainly flying from Newcastle House, however they plan to fly from other sites in the locality.
- They hope to fly from Abbeyshrule Airfield on one of the morning flights
- Other launch sites will be - Mearscourt House , Granard town and Ardagh village
View all items in the sections:
Festivals