I was very excited when I heard that the hot air balloons were coming to Lough Key Forest Park, Boyle, Co. Roscommon. I remember seeing them years ago when we hadn’t long moved to Ireland. They were only in the distance, but there was something so magical about them.
The championships started at the weekend, but that didn’t suit me as I had other things on, and as it turned out the weather wasn’t on their side, so they couldn’t fly. Monday morning looked better, so I rolled out of bed early and headed to Lough Key, in the hope that they would fly.
I got there just after 7am, and there were quite a few people already there. I don’t like crowds, so I stood down by the lakeside and watched the mist rising and the swans gliding by.
It was the perfect start to the Autumn Equinox, although it was very cold. The coffee cart was open for those who wanted something warm, and there was a great buzz about the place. There’s also a hot air balloon basket just outside the centre that people can go into to get their photo taken.
The first balloon took to the sky at around 7.20am, it flew right over my head, and I even got to speak to the people in it. It was so cool, and I was like a giddy child. When the balloon touched down on the water near the castle, it was a wow moment. My favourite photo is at the top of the blog.
I had a wonderful morning watching the balloons, it was so peaceful and relaxing, even with all the people there. So many people said hello as well, the atmosphere was incredible. The championships run until Friday 26th September 2025, and flights are planned for 7am and 5pm, but there’s are weather dependent, so keep an eye on the Facebook page before you set off.
You don’t have to be in the Forest Park either, I’ve seen some lovely photos from Carrick on Shannon, and nearby. Well done to all involved in a spectacular event, the icing on the cake for me was getting a video I took on Virgin Media News, happy days!
Magnumlady Blog 
beautiful photos…. woukdnlive to see them! Next year.