Pictures: Valerie O’Sullivan
The roar of the engines can already be heard in Killarney as bikers from all over the country and many parts of the world make their way to town for Ireland BikeFest – the country’s largest motorcycle festival.
Headquartered at the purpose-built Bike Village on the grounds of The Gleneagle Hotel, it will get underway this Friday and run throughout the bank holiday weekend.
Festival highlights will include guided ride-outs along Kerry’s most famous touring routes including the Ring of Kerry, the Skellig Ring, Caragh Lake and the Dingle Peninsula.
There will be plenty of activity at the Bike Village too, including four stages with live entertainment, trader stands, merchandise, the Harley-Davidson Experiential Zone, festival food and family fun.
One of the biggest attractions, the custom bike show, will take place on Sunday with prizes in various categories up for grabs, including include best in show, best Harley-Davidson, best classic, best three wheel/trike and best Streetfighter.
Comedian John Bishop will act as grand marshal for this year’s Sunday morning parade when hundreds of motorcycles will rumble through the streets of Killarney before returning to the Bike Village for an afternoon of live entertainment and more festivities.
There is also an opportunity to win a Harley-Davidson in a raffle in aid of the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Ciara Sugrue, Head of Festivals and Events with Fáilte Ireland, said Ireland BikeFest is an excellent opportunity to showcase the rich heritage and unique culture that the country has to offer.
“Developing unique and immersive visitor experiences, like Ireland Bikefest, play a key role in motivating both international and domestic visitors to choose a destination while helping drive the sustainable development of the tourism sector for the county and the wider region,” she said.
Ireland BikeFest Killarney is supported by Harley-Davidson UK and Ireland, The Gleneagle Hotel, Fáilte Ireland, Destination Killarney, authorised Harley-Davidson dealers, Kerry County Council and Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce.
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