Sky’s the limit for Lough Derg spectacular

THE skies in Mountshannon have been the focal point for many this summer since the arrival of the white-tailed sea eagles and the seaplanes but this weekend the skies will be alive as the first air show over Lough Derg gets underway.

The Lough Derg Air Spectacular and Family Fun Day will take place over the scenic environs of Mountshannon on Sunday, commencing at 2.30pm.

The aircraft spectacular can be spotted from the shores of Mountshannon or in any town or village on and around Lough Derg, from Whitegate to Ogonnelloe and will feature aircraft from some of the best civilian acts in Ireland along with various other aircraft on the day.

The show will feature planes such as the Van RV 7, a two-seat, single-engine, low-wing plane, an XA 42, Bellanca Cruiser a high-wing, single engine aircraft. In addition, there will be a Sikorsky display and a display on the water from Watermark Ski in Portumna. Parachuting and skydiving are also proposed, weather permitting.

In addition, Mountshannon will play host to some static aircraft, which will include a R44 helicopter, Bell 206 and 407, Hughes 369, some floatplanes and seaplanes. The air ambulance and an Garda Síochána helicopters have been invited to attend, while the Irish Defence Forces will have a static display a long with the Rescue Fire tender from Galway.

In Mountshannon, family fun activities include a farmers’ market; face painting and bouncing castle. An antique car and tractors will also be on display. 

“In conjunction with the air show, invitations have gone out to seaplane owners across Ireland and the UK to attend the event. Weather and other commitments may or may not see these turn up on the day but if they do, it will be a wonderful opportunity to view other seaplanes from across Europe,” a spokesperson for the organisers said. 

A park-and-ride service will be available to Mountshannon on the day, departing from Scariff and Whitegate.
Further information is available online at www.loughdergairspectacular.com.