The Abbeyleix House & Farm Open Day that took place on Sunday 14th June once again proved why it has become a standout fixture on the Irish aviation calendar, with the Abbeyleix Fly-In 2026 attracting an impressive gathering of aircraft, pilots, and members of the public on a perfect summer’s day.
One of the defining features of Abbeyleix is that it is a private airfield that opens to visiting aircraft just once a year. This exclusivity gives the event a special atmosphere, as pilots from across Ireland make the most of the rare opportunity to land on the beautifully maintained grass strip. That sense of occasion was evident from early morning, as aircraft arrivals steadily built into a continuous stream, setting the tone for what would become a very busy and memorable day.
This year’s fly-in saw 75 aircraft in attendance, representing a broad cross-section of the Irish general aviation community. From light sport aircraft and touring types to vintage and aerobatic machines, the diversity on display highlighted the strength and vibrancy of GA in Ireland.
Among the standout visitors was Aer Lingus’ Iolar, which drew significant attention both on the ground and in the air. Adding to the vintage appeal were three Boeing Stearman’s, their presence evoking a bygone era of aviation and proving a major attraction for visitors and photographers alike. The event also welcomed several helicopters, further adding to the variety and making for a dynamic and visually engaging flightline.
A short but enjoyable air display programme added to the day’s aviation excitement. Highlights included a series of flypasts by Iolar, showcasing the aircraft in graceful passes over the airfield. Well-known display pilots delivered excellent performances, with Gerry Humphreys, Eddie Goggins, and Andrew Fenton each providing engaging and skilful displays that were appreciated by both aviation enthusiasts and the general public.
Events of this scale do not happen without a dedicated team, and Abbeyleix 2026 was no exception. The airfield itself was widely praised for being in immaculate condition, a testament to the hard work and attention to detail of Bernard Cullen, whose efforts ensured a safe and professional operating environment throughout the day. In the air and on the radio, Sé Pardy played a crucial role in coordinating arrivals and departures, managing the flow of traffic efficiently and keeping everything running smoothly during the busiest periods. On the ground, Cathal O’Connell and the team from Follow Me Aircraft Marshallers delivered a first-class service, safely parking the large number of visiting aircraft with professionalism and precision. Their work ensured that the flightline was both orderly and accessible, despite the high volume of traffic.
The success of the day was undoubtedly helped by perfect weather, which brought out large crowds and created ideal flying conditions. The sunshine enhanced both the flying programme and the ground activities, contributing to a vibrant and relaxed atmosphere throughout the estate.
The Abbeyleix House & Farm Open Day offered far more than aviation alone. A wide range of family-friendly attractions ensured there was something for all ages, including:
- A road train transporting visitors around the grounds
- Face painting and balloon animals for younger guests
- A variety of local crafts and produce on sale
- Live music from local artists, adding to the festival feel
- A display of historic cars, complementing the aviation heritage
- Exhibits from local emergency services, offering an engaging and educational element
These attractions, combined with the flying display and aircraft access, created a well-rounded and highly enjoyable experience for the general public.
Thanks to Darragh Butler who has supplied the photos below.
