FULL STEAM AHEAD FOR THE 60TH NATIONAL STEAM RALLY 2024
The 60th event in the series will take place in Stradbally, Co. Laois, on Sunday 4th & Monday 5th August, 2024, preceded by a Steam & Vintage Rally on Saturday 3rd from 7pm in Stradbally Village. This event is considered by many to be the premier event in the calendar of steam and vintage shows throughout Ireland.
Steam Engines – Vintage Cars – Tractor Display – Commercials – Over 70 Trade Stands – Carnival – Autojumble – Blacksmith Village – Steam Working Arena – Massive Saw Benching Display with the Celtic Steamers – Truck Displays – Oil Engines – Steam Engine Rides – Live Music – Bouncing Castles – Kids Area – Craft Village – Pet Farm – Dog Show and much, much more!
The National Steam Rally is a fun-filled Family Friendly event, and we look forward to seeing you all in Stradbally,
for our Irish Steam showcase event in August 2024.
60th National Steam Rally
Stradbally in Co. Laois,
Sunday August 4th – Monday August 5th 2024
Preceded by a Steam & Vintage Parade in Stradbally VillageSaturday August 3rd from 7pm!
THE SANTA TRAIN EXPERIENCE - NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2023
Join us and set off on an exciting adventure through the magical setting of Stradbally Woodlands. Get to meet Santa and Mrs Claus and their band of merry elves. Check out our Steamin’Brews Coffee Hut and enjoy a hot chocolate while you take a wander through the stalls of our Christmas Market.
The Stradbally Woodland Railway opened in 1969 as the first volunteer-run heritage railway in Ireland. Situated in the woods of the Stradbally Hall estate, the railway stemmed from an earlier idea which saw an original Guinness Brewery steam locomotive steamed while mounted on blocks for the August 1968 National Steam Rally. A short section of 1ft 10½in track was laid for the 1968 event and the engine pulled several passenger carriages. In 1969, the line was relaid to 3ft gauge following the arrival of our steam locomotive, the pride of the fleet, 1949-built Andrew Barclay 0-4-0WT No 2/LM44 Róisín.
This year Róisín will have the very important job of hosting Santa, Mrs. Claus, lots of busy elves and lots of lucky families, as they journey through the magical setting of Stradbally Woodlands!
Weekend Camping & Caravan Park
Full Weekend Experience in 2024!
Prepare for an extraordinary weekend celebrating the 60th Anniversary Event. Exclusive weekend camping and caravan parking options will be on offer, ensuring your comfort from Friday, 2nd August at 2pm, until Tuesday, 6th August, at 11am.
Our vigilant security team will oversee the campsite around the clock. You’ll have access to amenities such as water, restroom facilities, showers, and waste disposal, conveniently located on-site.
Elevate your experience by planning an entire weekend immersed in the enchanting ambiance of Stradbally, Co. Laois. Stay tuned for booking availability.
Decarbonising Our Heritage Sector
The National Steam Rally in Stradbally is a celebration of Ireland’s rich steam engine heritage. This event attracts steam enthusiasts from all over the world, who come to marvel at the impressive displays of vintage machinery, steam engines, vehicles and enjoy a huge variety of amazing events and activities. The rally is held annually, and the 2023 event was particularly special because it was powered by carbon neutral biofuel for the very first time.
The use of this carbon tax free coal alternative at the National Steam Rally is a testament to our commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable energy practices. The biofuel used at the rally was supplied by Arigna Fuels , and is produced using sustainable methods, which minimises the impact on the environment. By using carbon tax free fuel, the National Steam Rally is setting an example for other events and industries, demonstrating that it is possible to enjoy our rich heritage while also protecting the planet for future generations.
Visitors to our 2024 event can enjoy impressive displays of steam and vintage machinery, family-friendly activities, including live music, dancing, food & trade stalls, a funfair, displays and demonstrations and so much more. The National Steam Rally is a must-visit event for anyone interested in Ireland’s industrial heritage, and this year, it is an event that is sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors.
STRADBALLY STEAM RALLY
STRADBALLY WOODLAND RAILWAY
Experience a family day out with a difference on Ireland’s oldest heritage line, operated entirely by our volunteers.
Enjoy a relaxing train journey through the woods behind our 1940s steam locomotive, Róisín, which has been based in Co Laois since 1949 and once worked on the bog railways of Bord na Móna.
The Railway runs through the grounds of Stradbally Hall and opens every bank holiday weekend and selected dates between St Patrick’s Day and August.
Santa will return to Stradbally Woodland Railway in November and December 2023, with all the details and booking information to follow !
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