Thousands expected in Boyle next September for landmark air-ballooning event

Thousands of people will be in Boyle next year for the Irish Hot Air Ballooning Championships, in a major tourism boost for the area.

Experts from the US and throughout Europe will take part in the event in Lough Key Forest Park next September.

It will be the first time in almost 30 years that it will be held in the north Roscommon park.

Hundreds of people attended the launch of the event there this afternoon, as two hot air balloons went into the sky.

The director of the championships, Frank Meldon, says he’s looking forward to the contest coming back to Boyle.

Roscommon County Council’s tourism officer, Lisa Joy, says it’s a big boost to the area.