Stradbally Set for Biggest National Steam Rally Yet as Three-Day Event Gets Underway
62nd National Steam Rally returns to Stradbally Hall over August Bank Holiday Weekend
Stradbally is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors from across Ireland and overseas as the 62nd National Steam Rally returns to Stradbally Hall over the August Bank Holiday Weekend.
For the first time in its history, the National Steam Rally will run over three days, from Saturday 1st to Monday 3rd August, bringing an even bigger programme of attractions, entertainment and live music to what has become one of Laois’ most important annual events.
The weekend gets underway on Saturday afternoon with the much-loved Steam & Vintage Parade, leaving Stradbally at 3.30pm. Steam engines, vintage tractors, classic cars, motorcycles, trucks and commercial vehicles will make their way through the town before arriving at the Rally grounds, creating one of the highlights of the Bank Holiday Weekend for local families and visitors alike.
While steam remains at the heart of the Rally, there is something for everyone across the three days. Visitors can enjoy magnificent full-size steam engines, miniature steam engines, vintage tractors, classic cars, fire appliances, trucks and commercial vehicles, alongside stationary engines and working demonstrations including saw benches, threshing machinery and traditional blacksmithing.
The Rally also celebrates rural heritage through its Heritage Village, Craft Village and extensive trade stands, while younger visitors can enjoy the funfair and a host of family attractions throughout the weekend. The nearby Stradbally Woodland Railway will once again be running its popular narrow-gauge steam trains, adding another unique experience for visitors to the town.
One of the major additions this year is an expanded programme of live country music, all included with Rally admission.
Saturday’s line-up includes Philomena Begley, Susan McCann, Shawn Cuddy, Olivia Douglas, Jack Keogh, Timahoe Male Choir and The Matrimony Band. Sunday features Michael English, Jimmy Buckley, Patrick Feeney, Brendan Shine, Effie Neill, Stuart Moyles, Alistair Fingleton and the All Star Big Band, while Bank Holiday Monday brings Declan Nerney, Louise Morrissey, Gerry Guthrie, Stacey Breen, Paddy Treacy, Andy Feery and the Ryan Turner Band to the stage.
The National Steam Rally has become one of County Laois’ flagship events, attracting visitors from every county in Ireland as well as overseas. Hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, cafés and local businesses all benefit from the influx of visitors, making the Rally an important boost for the local economy as well as a celebration of Ireland’s engineering and rural heritage.
Behind the scenes, the event is organised entirely by volunteers from the Irish Steam Preservation Society, whose dedication throughout the year ensures that this remarkable tradition continues to thrive. Their commitment has helped the Rally grow from a gathering of steam enthusiasts into one of Ireland’s largest heritage festivals while remaining true to its original purpose of preserving working steam and vintage machinery for future generations.
Whether visitors come for the steam engines, the music, the vintage vehicles, the demonstrations or simply the atmosphere, this year’s expanded three-day format promises more to see and do than ever before.
The 62nd National Steam Rally takes place at Stradbally Hall, Co. Laois, from Saturday 1st to Monday 3rd August. Tickets, camping and full event information are available at irishsteam.net.