Large crowds expected for 54th Irish Hot Air Balloon Championships 

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

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.