The 61st National Steam Rally returned to Stradbally over the August Bank Holiday Weekend, bringing together steam, heritage, music and community for another unforgettable gathering. Across the fields and arenas, history came alive once more as engines fired up, smoke rose into the summer sky and thousands of visitors soaked up the unique atmosphere that only the Rally can offer.
This year’s event was a true celebration of living heritage. From majestic full-size steam engines and beautifully crafted miniatures, to vintage tractors, working machinery and traditional skills in action, every corner of the site told a story. Exhibitors travelled from near and far to share their passion, and their pride in these remarkable machines is clear in every detail captured throughout the weekend.
The Working Arena proved as popular as ever, with demonstrations including threshing, sawing and stone crushing giving visitors a real sense of how these machines once powered everyday life. Nearby, the Blacksmith Village and craft areas offered a hands-on connection to skills passed down through generations.
Beyond the machinery, the Rally is always about people. Families, enthusiasts and first-time visitors alike filled the showgrounds, while the Steam & Vintage Parade through Stradbally marked a special moment at the start of the weekend. On the music stages, packed crowds enjoyed a superb lineup of live performances, adding yet another layer to an already vibrant event.
This gallery captures the sights, sounds and spirit of the 2025 National Steam Rally — quiet moments before engines roared into life, candid conversations between exhibitors, and the shared enjoyment of a weekend steeped in tradition. Whether you joined us in Stradbally or are discovering the Rally for the first time, we hope these images bring back fond memories and offer a glimpse of what makes this event so special.
Thank you to everyone who exhibited, attended, volunteered and supported the Rally in 2025. We look forward to welcoming you back to Stradbally for the National Steam Rally 2026, over the August Bank Holiday Weekend, when the past will roar to life once again.
