Thousands turn out in Boyle to see some of the world's best hot air balloonists.
International hot air balloonists are in Boyle, County Roscommon to take part in a festival which attracts thousands of enthusiasts and sightseers.
It is a dramatic and graceful start to the day of breathtaking flying at Lough Key Forest Park. Balloon enthusiasts are there to enjoy,
Their love affair with Ireland's silent skies.
David Partridge of Bristol Ballooning Club is very enthusiastic about the day ahead.
I think the experience of ballooning in Ireland is terrific. It's a country full of adventure. Whenever you fly, there's an adventure to be had.
Frank Barnes, based in Nairobi, does most of his ballooning in Africa and the USA but today he is in Lough Key hitching a ride alongside boatman and festival organiser Gerry Sweeney.
The Ballooning Festival has turned out to be a huge end of season tourism money spinner.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 27 September 1993. The reporter is Jim Fahy.
