Hot air balloons over Birr Castle.

Hot air balloons set for Birr return!

Hundreds of people are expected to turn out for the spectacle that is the 49th annual Irish Hot Air Ballooning Championships returning to Birr on Sunday, September 22.

Sponsored by Offaly Tourism, Grant Engineering, Birr Castle and Calor Gas, the main launch site will be Birr Castle Gardens on Sunday, September 22 at 5.30pm, kicking off the week-long flying event.


The balloons will make a spectacular display in the skies over Birr and the public are actively encouraged to come out and see the balloons as they launch, and to have a camera in hand!


Event director Carol Davis says Birr and its surrounds presents the perfect landscape for such an event but warns that each flight is completely weather dependent.


"We've been coming to Birr on and off for years and we've chosen Birr again this year as our launch site because it is so well situated - there are no major cities or big lakes nearby, or airports for that matter," she explains.


"The castle with its beautiful grounds and large telescope represents a spectacular backdrop for us taking off," Carol adds.


Up to 30 balloonists are expected to take part in the championships but every flight depends on whether it's "calm and dry" on the day.


"It is completely weather dependent so I would encourage anyone thinking of coming to check our Facebook page or the Castle page for updates before they travel.


"A full meteorological forecast just prior to each flight will tell us if it's suitable for flying. If a 'no fly' decision is made, it is done so for very good reasons and with the safety of everyone involved."


As the attraction of so many balloons flying can be mesmerizing, organisers have issued a note of caution to be mindful of traffic and road users while enjoying the spectacle.


Offaly County Council will provide be a range of infrastructural services for the event and a spokesperson for Offaly Tourism says they are delighted to welcome the Annual Hot Air Ballooning Championships back to Offaly for a second year running.


It is not possible to provide flights to the public during the week as the balloonists involved fly as a hobby, and so are not licensed to carry fare paying passengers. However it is a fun, social event for everyone’s enjoyment so get your cameras ready ahead of this year's event in Birr.


Onlookers can come along and watch the balloons airborne from the roadside, but if you want to watch them launch, you will need to be within the grounds of Birr Castle which you will need to book.


The balloons are scheduled to launch twice each day throughout the week, at approximately 7.30am and 5.30pm. The last flight is Friday evening at 5.30pm.