National Steam Rally Expands to Three-Day Celebration at Stradbally
A three-day National Steam Rally event will take place in Laois this August Bank Holiday Weekend
One of Ireland’s best-loved heritage events returns to Stradbally Hall, Co. Laois, this August Bank Holiday Weekend, with the 62nd National Steam Rally taking place over three days for the first time.
Running from Saturday 1st to Monday 3rd August, the expanded programme promises an unforgettable celebration of steam, vintage vehicles, traditional crafts, family entertainment and live country music.
The weekend begins on Saturday at 3.30pm with the ever-popular Steam & Vintage Parade through the streets of Stradbally.
Steam engines, vintage tractors, classic cars, motorcycles, trucks and commercial vehicles will make their way through the town before arriving at the Rally field, where visitors can enjoy a packed programme of attractions throughout the weekend.
At the heart of the Rally is one of Ireland’s finest collections of full-size and miniature steam engines, alongside working vintage machinery, stationary engines, vintage tractors, classic vehicles and demonstrations of traditional skills such as blacksmithing and threshing.
The Heritage Village, Craft Village and extensive trade stands offer plenty to explore, while the funfair and Stradbally Woodland Railway provide entertainment for younger visitors and families.
This year also sees an outstanding programme of country music included with Rally admission.
Saturday’s line-up features Philomena Begley, Susan McCann, Shawn Cuddy and Olivia Douglas. Sunday welcomes Michael English, Jimmy Buckley, Patrick Feeney and Brendan Shine, while Bank Holiday Monday stars Declan Nerney, Louise Morrissey, Gerry Guthrie and Stacey Breen, alongside many more performers across the three days.
Organised entirely by the volunteers of the Irish Steam Preservation Society, the National Steam Rally has been preserving and celebrating Ireland’s engineering and rural heritage for more than six decades.
The move to a three-day event allows visitors even more time to experience the unique atmosphere that has made the Rally one of the highlights of the Irish summer calendar.
Tickets, camping and further information are available at irishsteam.net.