Multiple military aircraft going over Northern Ireland for hours.

Not sure if this is in the right forum. Please move if it's not.

I live in Newry, Northern Ireland and for about 2-3 hours there was a constant stream of military aircraft, I know this as my Mrs was looking through the binoculars- not sure what the aircraft were, the aircraft were travelling East to West towards the USA from the direction of England.
Now, I am used to seeing aircraft fly over on a regular basis but this was very different they were travelling in 4's 5's and 6's. It was a fascinating site.
So, I'm just asking if anyone can shed light on this, what it may be and for what reason. I'm just very interested. I know President Obama was in the UK but surely he would not need such a MASSIVE fleet of aircraft to escort him back to the USA?

I'll look forward to hearing your theories.

a reply to: chelsealad

Thanks for the heads up.

We'll see who knows something, but if nothing comes up, could it have been a few aircraft flying in circles?

a reply to: chelsealad

It may have something to do with This

Joint Warrior (JW) 161, will take place between 11th and 23th April 2016 and will comprise of a programme of exercises conducted by land forces, warships, submarines and aircraft across the UK. The maritime element is focussed in the offshore and coastal waters to the north east, north and north west of Scotland. Further information will be provided in nearer the time.

a reply to: gortex

Yeah, that would probably nail it mate. Thanks

a reply to: chelsealad

Next time that happens head to flightradar24.com and see what's overhead.

originally posted by: Northernhollow
a reply to: chelsealad

Next time that happens head to flightradar24.com and see what's overhead.

military planes fly over me all the the time and never show up on there not once and iv checked a good few times