Two wheels, one island: Ireland’s brilliant bike festivals
Ireland is rapidly emerging as one of Europe’s most compelling destinations for cycling and motorbike-inspired events. With its stunning mountain-to-sea landscape, it is a natural stage for high-energy and high-octane outdoor experiences.
This year, among its many biking events are some major festivals that will once again draw cyclists and bikers from around the globe to enjoy world-class, family-friendly competition, touring and entertainment.
Slieve Bloom Mountain Bike Festival, Laois, Offaly
Ireland Bikefest (29–31 May) takes place against the stunning backdrop of Killarney’s lakes and mountains. The three-day motorcycle and rock music extravaganza, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, is one of Europe’s premier free open‑access motorcycle festivals. Embracing bikers and non-bikers alike, it’s known for its inclusivity, friendliness and brilliant atmosphere.
The extensive festival programme features Ride Outs through the gorgeous Kerry landscape, Harley-Davidson® demo rides, competitions and a stirring parade of motorbikes through Killarney town. The festival hub is the Bike Village located in the grounds of Gleneagle Killarney hotel. The hub is a hive of activity, daytime and evening, with hospitality areas, trader stands and three stages of live music.
Ireland Bikefest is a unique motorcycle festival – a top-class weekend of entertainment for riders and families that is as much about the ambiance and camaraderie as it is about the bikes.
Bikers who enjoy track-based motorcycling should also put the Classic Bike Festival Ireland (7–9 August) into their diaries. Over 230 riders will take part in the high-speed races at Bishopscourt Racing Circuit in County Down and there will also be lots of fun activities including kiting and lawnmower racing.
2025, Ireland BikeFest Killarney, Co. Kerry
For those that prefer pedal power, Slieve Bloom Mountain Bike Festival (25–26 April) presents thrilling competitions in spectacular mountain scenery. Taking place in counties Offaly and Laois in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, the festival welcomes riders of all abilities from those seeking epic gravel rides and fast-flowing black level trails to children and novices who can enjoy competitions across a range of lengths and difficulty. This includes the beginner-friendly Coillte Biking Blitz, a mass-start cross-country event which is a great opportunity for families or friends to bike together in a fun environment. As well as the biking events there is entertainment on the Saturday evening with the Big Bike Film Night and traditional music sessions in Kinnitty village.