The Shannon Aviation Museum will throw open its doors on Saturday, 22nd August 2026 for its Heritage Hangar Fest, a special National Heritage Week celebration designed to showcase Ireland’s rich aviation history. The event will also highlight the museum’s growing collection and its role in preserving the nation’s aviation heritage.
Running from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm, the free event promises a full day of aviation-themed activities for enthusiasts, families and visitors of all ages. Admission includes access to the museum, guided tours, live music and a range of family-friendly attractions. Organisers have described it as “an unforgettable day out” and are encouraging visitors to book early as numbers will be limited.
Located at Shannon Airport, the museum has become an important centre for aviation heritage in the west of Ireland, with exhibits spanning military, commercial and general aviation history. Heritage Hangar Fest forms part of the wider National Heritage Week programme and has received support from the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport and Clare County Council.
Attendance is free, although donations to support the museum’s activities are welcomed. Advance booking is essential, with last admission on the day at 7:45 pm.
Details to follow.
Galway Flying Club, the oldest continuously operating flying club in Ireland, will mark a major milestone in 2026 as it celebrates its 80th anniversary. Founded in 1946 and originally based in Oranmore, the Club has played a central role in the development of general aviation in the west of Ireland for almost eight decades. Since 1974, Galway Flying Club has been based at Galway Airport, Carnmore (EICM), where it continues to operate today.
At the heart of the 80th anniversary celebrations will be a Breakfast Fly‑In, planned for Saturday, 5th September 2026. Visiting pilots can expect a warm Galway welcome, with no landing fees charged for the event. All proceeds from the breakfast will be donated to Galway Hospice, continuing the Club’s strong tradition of community support and charitable fundraising. Galway Flying Club members have raised significant funds for Galway Hospice in recent years through a variety of initiatives.
The Club is currently working closely with the airport owners and stakeholders to finalise operational details for the Fly‑In which will be published on a dedicated Fly‑In page on the Galway Flying Club website. In the meantime, pilots and aviation enthusiasts are encouraged to save the date and keep an eye out for further announcements.
SATURDAY 12 & SUNDAY 13 SEPTEMBER 2026 | 10am–5.30pm
Maze Long Kesh, 94 Halftown Road, Lisburn, BT27 5RF
Probably Northern Ireland’s biggest European Heritage Open Days’ attraction is returning to the Ulster Aviation Society — and everyone is welcome.
A record-breaking 7,200+ people joined us during EHOD 2025. This year, bring your family and friends to explore our two authentic Second World War aircraft hangars and discover:
Many of our 55+ aircraft (including new Harrier jump-jet and Sea King helicopter), vehicles, with indoor and outdoor displays
7 x state-of-the-art Flight simulators and six VR headsets
Wartime Living History Association will also be on display as WWII re-enactors
A planned appearance from the Star Wars 501st Legion Northern Ireland
Rock Choir NI over the weekend
On-site food, drinks and treats
Extensive FREE car parking
Wheelchair friendly
Disabled toilets available
Baby-changing facility in the disabled toilets
Guide dogs permitted.
FREE Guest Wi-Fi on 1.6Gb Fibre Broadband
There is no need to pre-book. Just arrive at Gate 3 and enjoy a memorable family day out where history has wings.
Ulster Aviation Society
via Gate 3, Maze Long Kesh
94 Halftown Road
Lisburn, BT27 5RF
Full visitor information here.
In 2026, the event will be celebrating its 54th year, and it will take place as usual in the last week of September, with flights planned for the morning (7 am) and evening (5:00 pm) for the week, weather permitting.
Balloons, Pilots and Crew from the US, England, Scotland, Wales, France, Germany and Ireland will participate in a week of challenges to find who will be declared the Champions.
Women in Aviation – Ireland Chapter, in conjunction with Stellaer 212 and ASG, is delighted to participate in the 12th annual Girls in Aviation Day 2026 on 19th September in conjunction with WAI chapters from around the world. Kindly hosted by the Shannon Aviation Museum, the day will involve a tour of the museum and specialised activities involving female pilots (professionals, General Aviation, and Drone), air traffic controllers, aircraft engineers, aeronautical engineers, and cabin crew.
The aim of the day is to introduce aviation as a future career path to girls (aged 11-18) and to meet role models who will open their eyes to the fascinating world of flight. Places are limited so early registration is advised.
Shannon Aviation Museum strives to give people the love for aviation that they simply just haven’t found yet.
Stellaer 212 is Ireland’s premier provider of bespoke private aircraft travel. Based at Weston Airport, the offer convenient, transparent, and efficient private jet charters & aircraft management.
ASG is one of Europe’s leading aviation theory schools with a reputation for providing high-quality theoretical knowledge training and delivering student satisfaction.
Women in Aviation International is the largest nonprofit organisation that envisions a world where the sky is open to all and where aviation and aerospace dreams are possible without barriers. Membership is free for Junior Members (5-15 years) and available at a reduced rate for student members. Members of WAI – Ireland chapter can attend chapter events, apply for scholarships, partake in mentoring/mentorships, and contribute to encouraging girls and women to consider aviation as a career. To join, visit WAI | Women in Aviation International Home
For those interested in attending, registration is open, but remember that spaces are limited. You can register here.
To give you a flavour of what it’s all about, here’s a video of Women in Aviation International GIAD 2025
More details closer to the event.
More details closer to the event
Aircraft Leasing Ireland is delighted to announce the 2026 ALI Summit, taking place on 10 November at the Intercontinental Hotel, Dublin. This half-day conference will bring together key stakeholders from across the global leasing and aviation industries to ensure the sector remains fit for the future, exploring leasing’s vital role as a driver of global growth, economic development, and social connectivity. Read the full article here.
Registration is now open for the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Annual Safety Conference 2026, taking place in Dublin on 18-19 November 2026 at the InterContinental Hotel, Ballsbridge. Recognised as EASA’s flagship aviation safety event, the conference will bring together regulators, industry leaders, safety professionals and aviation stakeholders from across Europe and beyond.
This year’s theme,“Safety Together: Turning Priorities into Action”, highlights the importance of collaboration across all areas of aviation to maintain and enhance safety standards. Hosted in cooperation with the Irish Aviation Authority and held during Ireland’s EU Presidency, the conference will explore both current and emerging safety challenges facing the aviation sector.
The programme will feature keynote presentations, expert panel discussions and interactive debates covering topics such as safety management, leadership, human factors, artificial intelligence, air traffic management systems, adverse weather, supply chain resilience and future operational risks.