Large crowds expected for 54th Irish Hot Air Balloon Championships 

Thousands of people are expected to converge on Lough Key Forest Park in Boyle from September 19th to 25th for the 54th Irish Hot Air Balloon Championships. File photo. Picture: Denis Minihane.

Thousands of people are expected to converge on Lough Key Forest Park in Boyle, Co Roscommon for the 54th Irish Hot Air Balloon Championships which gets under way this week. 

Up to 10,000 people attended the spectacular event last year running from September 19-25.

First established in 1971, the championships have grown from hosting a handful of hot air balloons to more than 40 participating last year. 

Pilots and crew from across Ireland, the US, England, Scotland, Wales, France and Germany are expected to travel to Roscommon to participate in the week of challenges. 

To help manage the large number of spectators anticipated at this year's event, a traffic management plan and pre-booked parking system will be in operation throughout the championships.

Visitors are advised that parking must be booked in advance through www.loughkey.ie , with access to designated parking areas restricted to those holding a valid booking.

To further ease traffic pressures, a free shuttle bus service will also operate between Boyle and Lough Key Forest Park for all scheduled evening flights.

The shuttle buses will depart from the Abbeytown side of St Joseph's Church in Boyle, with the first service leaving at 3.30pm.

Buses will run approximately every 20 minutes, subject to demand, while the final return service from Lough Key each evening will depart at 6.50pm.

The shuttle service is limited and will operate on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Passengers are being advised to arrive early, as places cannot be guaranteed.

Visitors are also being reminded that all balloon launches are weather dependent and may be subject to change.

Further information and parking bookings are available here .