2023 was the 26th year for the Innishshannon Steam Rally and having followed 25 years of the Upton Steam rally, makes a community tradition spanning half a century of June Bank Holiday weekends.
The rally depends on its fantastic volunteers and the continued support of the wider community to make this a successful event, and to raise funds for such a deserving cause, The Irish Cancer Society.
The 2023 rally attracted record crowds, with many visitors from the UK, Northern Ireland, and all around the country, which the result of Crossbarry village got transformed as the focal point for the Bank Holiday weekend rally, with a fantastic atmosphere surrounding the village and rally field.
The locals and visitors enjoyed watching the steam engines puffing their way to the rally field over the rally weekend. It was a fantastic family two days out with lots of attractions for families including Pets Corners, Amusement rides, Stalls, numerous exhibits, and a chance to meet up with friends in a safe outdoor environment, in sunny conditions, ideal for the rally.
- Over 1,500 exhibits on 40-acre site
- Ecumenical Service to open the rally
- Fun Fair -Working Area
- Threshing - Wood Sawing - Pets Corner
- Fire Engine Display
- Parade of Steam Engines - Old Harvest Machinery
- Stationary Oil Engines - Rural Crafts
- Cake Sales - Book Stalls - Spinner - Butter Making
- Vintage Club Displays - Trade Stands & Stalls
- Slow Steam Engine Race - Slow Tractor Race
- Cross Barry Vintage Displays
- Vintage Auction of Old Vintage Memorabilia
- Dog Show
- Music on the Rally Field
- Stationary Oil Engines
- Sheep Shearing
The committee were extremely happy to see that the regular visitors to the rally were back in their droves.
On the 20th of Oct 2023, the Innishannon Steam and Vintage Rally committee
presented a cheque of €100,000 euro to the Irish Cancer Society (ICS), from the
proceeds of this year’s June Bank Holiday rally. The presentation was held at the
Innishannon House Hotel and attended by a large number of people. It was a very
proud moment for the rally, the community and all the supporters. It brings the overall
donation to the ICS since it started 26 years ago, closer to the 2-million-euro target.
There is no other rally like it in the country and it is driven by the dedication, hard work
from the committee and community.