A giant suitcase-shaped hot air balloon, dubbed “The Flying Suitcase,” is set to make its debut over Roscommon as part of a Guinness World Record attempt. The balloon, measuring 22 meters wide, was created by Send My Bag, a Northern Ireland-based luggage delivery company, to mark its 20th anniversary.
The Flying Suitcase will feature prominently at the Irish Hot Air Balloon Championships, scheduled for September 19 to 23, with flights planned from Lough Key Forest Park in Boyle. Daily flights are expected to take place around 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the event. This appearance is part of a broader campaign to set a world record for the most countries visited by the same hot air balloon within a year.
Following its time in Ireland, Send My Bag plans to take the balloon on a tour across Europe, aiming to visit 30 destinations throughout the autumn. The journey will continue in 2027 with trips planned to Australia, the Americas, and Asia.
Adam Ewart, founder and CEO of Send My Bag, highlighted the significance of bringing the balloon to Ireland. He recalled the company’s origins, inspired by a personal experience with excess baggage fees, and noted how the business has since expanded to serve customers in over 160 countries. Ewart expressed pride in the company’s growth and excitement about the world record attempt involving the balloon.
Frank Meldon, Event Director of the Irish Hot Air Balloon Championships, described The Flying Suitcase as a unique attraction for the 2023 event, emphasizing its distinctive shape and record-chasing status. Meldon suggested the balloon would draw interest from both spectators and photographers, adding a notable highlight to the annual competition.
The event organizers encouraged the public to visit Lough Key Forest Park during the championship dates to witness The Flying Suitcase in flight and participate in the festivities surrounding the ballooning event.