Biggest ever Stradbally Steam Rally fires up in Laois for Bank Holiday weekend

Ireland's largest steam engine rally will gather in Laois this weekend, to fire up for its 60th birthday and parade together along the main street in a spectacle sure to go down in the history books.

From its simple beginning, a small gathering of enthusiastic steam engine owners in Court Square, Stradbally watched on curiously by locals on St Stephen's Day in 1964, Stradbally Steam Rally has chugged on reliably for 60 years, fuelled by the passion and love of these impressively giant intricate antique machines.

This year the steam committee have injected new thrills,  a lot of live music and a campsite, to celebrate their birthday, not least being the biggest display possibly ever in Ireland of 68 large engines and 25 model engines.

There is a new focus this year on entertainment for the public other than the machines, with tens of thousands of visitors expected daily throughout the four day festival.

The traditional parade through Stradbally continues but before it starts on Saturday evening at 7pm, there will be a street carnival with family entertainers from 5pm at Court Square. 

The biggest ever steam engine parade will then proceed up through the Main Street from 7.15pm to 8pm, also including tractors and vintage cars.

There is great music and even a dancing stage this year inside the display grounds.

Irish Country music queen Susan McCann and Cliona Hagan headline a big lineup of music names. 

It starts on Friday, August 2 with Pure Green playing for the crowds from 9.30pm to 11.30pm.

On Saturday, the great Laois band Abbeyfolk will play from 9.30pm until midnight. 

Then on Sunday, August 4 at 12.30pm, Timahoe Choir will kick off the afternoon with  a rousing hour of songs.

The official opening will be performed by Anna May McHugh, MD of the National Ploughing Association, at 1.30 pm on Sunday.

Susan McCann takes to the stage at 2pm for a two hour concert, followed straight afterwards by Cliona Hagan for two more hours.

From  6:30pm to 8:30pm the Rockabilly Rebels take over the stage, and at 9:30pm the Celtic Gypsies will kick off, playing  until midnight.

The fun rolls into Bank Holiday Monday, with Stacey Breen on stage from midday to 2pm, followed by the AJs from 2pm to 4pm.

Since 1966, all of the events have been held in the  grounds of Stradbally Hall,   by kind permission of three generations of the Cosby family, offering their fields as a venue for huge gatherings long before the Electric Picnic came to town.

There will be displays of  steam engines, vintage cars, vintage tractors and commercials.

On top of that are over 70 trade stands, a  carnival, an Autojumble, a Blacksmith Village, Steam Working Arena,  Massive Saw Benching Display with the Celtic Steamers, Truck Displays, Oil Engines, Steam Engine Rides, Live Music,  Bouncing Castles, a Kids Area, Craft Village, Pet Farm and Dog Show.

Weekend camping and caravan/camper parking is even available this year too. The campsite has security, water, toilets, a shower unit and waste disposal. Mobility scooters can also be hired for the weekend.

The society donates part of the proceeds to charities, including Laois Hospice, Stradbally Meal on Wheels, and Aoibheann’s Pink Tie. 

Book tickets and camping on www.irishsteam.nethttps://irishsteam.net/