IRTS Hamfest 2025 – Join us in Mullingar!

📡
Date: Saturday & Sunday, 6th (12PM - 6 PM) – 7th (10AM - 4PM) September 2025
Location: The Showgrounds, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, N91 HXH0
Hosted by: Irish Radio Transmitters Society (IRTS)


🔊
What’s Happening?
Get ready for a packed weekend of hands-on amateur radio activities, learning opportunities, demonstrations, and great company! Whether you're a seasoned operator or just curious about the world of ham radio, this is your invitation to join the fun.
On this 30-acre site, we’ll have plenty of space to set up, operate, learn, and connect. Here's what’s in store:

🛠
Live Demonstrations & Interactive Exhibits

• QO-100 Satellite Station: See live demonstrations of how we work the QO-100 geostationary satellite.
• Portable Operating (SOTA/POTA): Learn how to operate summits and parks on the air with real-world setups.
• DXpedition Gear Showcase: Discover what the EIXDG use on their global adventures.
• Vintage Equipment Display: a look back to the days of Marconi.

📚
Skill-Building & Learning Zones, workshops on :

• Portable / Field Day Station Setup
• Soldering Techniques for Beginners
• Sharing One Antenna with Multiple Radios
• Emergency Communication Systems
• Meet IRTS Experts: Ask questions and gain insights from some of Ireland’s most experienced amateur radio operators.
• Try-It-Out Stations: Ideal for new licensees or those curious about new aspects of the hobby.

🎯
Club Involvement Encouraged
Calling all amateur radio clubs! Bring your enthusiasm and set up a demo around a topic you love – satellite comms, digital modes, antennas, homebrew gear – anything that inspires. It’s also SSB Field Day weekend, so:

• Bring your club contest station and operate from the field.
• Join in the contest spirit and show others what a live HF setup looks and sounds like in action.

🏕
Stay & Socialise

• Free camping available – tents, camper vans, and caravans welcome.
• Local accommodation just 5 minutes away in Mullingar town.
• Enjoy a casual burger, chat with old friends, and make new ones.

🎫
Everyone Welcome
New licensees, shortwave listeners, hobbyists, and the just-curious – you’re all invited. Whether you’ve never keyed up a mic or just want to try something new, Hamfest 2025 is your gateway to discovery. Admission for IRTS members is free, there will be a fee for general members of the public

📍
Find Us
Mullingar Showgrounds - Spacious, accessible, and ideal for field setups – located just off the N4, with plenty of parking and facilities. Eircode N91 HXH0
Entrance is on the L5706 Culleen Beg road, Follow the signs!

📋
Get Involved
Want to run a demo or help with setup? Clubs and individuals interested in contributing to the event programme can email hamfest@irts.ie