REVEALED: Kilkenny set to host major international sporting event

The roads of Kilkenny are set to host some of Ireland and the world's best cyclists during Ras Tailteann 2026.

News that some of the most popular cycling routes across Kilkenny are to be included in this year's international event was revealed at the recent official route presentation.

Kilkenny will star at the mid-way point of the event, on day three. 

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The stage of more than 155km will begin in Mitchelstown and finish in Enniscorthy.

Along the way riders will tackle a technical route through counties Cork, Tipperary, Kilkenny and Wexford - Kilbeheny, Skeheenarinky, New Inn, Fethard, Cloneen, Mullinahone, Dunnamaggan, Knocktopher, Jerpoint Abbey, Thomastown, Graignamanagh, Ballymurphy, Kiltealy and Jamestown.

The 71st edition of Rás Tailteann will take place from May 20 to 24, 2026. 

The 2026 edition of the race is again five stages and will cover 785 kilometres along the roads of Ireland, including 21 categorised climbs.

Ahead of the route launch, Race Director Ger Campbell said: “We are really excited to release the route for the 71st edition of Rás Tailteann. Rás Tailteann is a very special event in Irish sport and we look forward to welcoming teams, supporters and communities from all over Ireland and beyond."

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Stage 1: Portlaoise, Co Laois to Kilmallock, Co Limerick

(Distance: 161.6 KM)

Wednesday, May 20th, 2026

Portlaoise – Abbeyleix – Ballacolla – Rathdowney – Errill – Clonmore – Templemore – Borrisoleigh – Dolla – Doon – Pallasgreen – Herbertstown – Hospital – Bruff - Kilmallock

The race will get underway in Portlaoise before making its way to the historic Limerick town of Kilmallock which also hosted the Stage 1 finish in 2024 and produced a fantastic turnout of spectators.

The opening half of the stage will take place on mostly flat roads through the countryside of Laois and Tipperary. The race then tackles its first climbs of Rás Tailteann 2026, dipping into the Silvermines at Dolla. A further climb at Old Pallas on the run-in to Kilmallock is sure to shake things up.

A fast final 20 kilometres could allow things to come back together — or provide an opportunity for a decisive move.

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Stage 2: Rathmore, Co Kerry to Banteer, Co Cork

(Distance: 182.9 KM)

Thursday, May 21st, 2026

Rathmore – Barraduff – Kilgarvan – Kenmare – Bonane – Glengarriff – Ballylickey – Pearson’s Bridge – Kealkill – Coppeen – Béal na Bláth – Crookstown – Coachford – Dripsey – Nad – Lyre - Banteer

Following a transfer to County Kerry, Stage 2 will start in Rathmore, close to the home of Sliabh Luachra Cycling Club, who have made great strides since their foundation.

A long and demanding day awaits, featuring six categorised climbs. A Category 3 climb before Kilgarvan opens the action, followed by a run into Kenmare and onward into West Cork.

The race will then take in the famous Tunnel Road / Caha Pass, before descending into Glengarriff. A further Category 3 climb follows before the long ascent to Gougane Gap.

Two additional Category 3 climbs on the approach to Banteer complete the day. The village is steeped in Rás tradition having produced riders who have occupied the top four positions in the race over the years:

Dillon Corkery – 1st (2023), Paudie O’Brien – 2nd (2007), Mick Cahill (RIP) – 3rd (1973), Eddie Dunbar – 4th (2016)

A remarkable achievement, and a special welcome is sure to await the riders in Banteer.

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Stage 3: Mitchelstown, Co Cork to Enniscorthy, Co Wexford

(Distance: 155.6 KM)

Friday, May 22nd, 2026

Mitchelstown – Kilbeheny – Skeheenarinky – New Inn – Fethard – Cloneen – Mullinahone – Dunnamaggan – Knocktopher – Jerpoint Abbey - Thomastown – Graignamanagh – Ballymurphy – Kiltealy – Jamestown - Enniscorthy

Stage 3 departs from Mitchelstown and, while shorter and less mountainous on paper, history has shown that these are often the days that can turn the general classification upside down.

The route features mostly flat roads on a twisting and technical circuit, with just two Category 3 climbs along the way. However, the final challenge comes in the closing kilometre, with an uphill finish into Enniscorthy.

Seconds gained or lost here could prove vital,and it is safe to say the final 3KM rule will not apply on this stage.

Enniscorthy has hosted many dramatic stage finishes over the years and 2026 promises to be no different.

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Stage 4: Carlow Town, Co Carlow to Baltinglass, Co Wicklow

(Distance: 141.6 KM)

Saturday, May 23rd, 2026

Carlow – Tullow – Coolkenna – Shillelagh – Coolatin – Coolboy – Coolafancy – Ballyfad – Coolgreaney – Arklow – Woodenbridge – Ballinaclash – Gree nan – Laragh – Hollywood – Baltinglass 

Rás Tailteann returns to Wicklow for the first time in eight years. Much of this route was last used during the 2018 edition.

A huge and difficult day awaits, with eight categorised climbs, including the two Category 1 ascents of Drumgoff / Shay Elliott Memorial and the Wicklow Gap.

A very fast final 20 kilometres on the N81 into Baltinglass may allow some regrouping after the mountain but it is likely to be a heavily reduced peloton contesting the stage win. Baltinglass previously hosted a memorable stage finish with Eddie Dunbar taking victory there in 2016.

The Wicklow Mountains have always delivered epic Rás stages and all eyes will be on this one. 

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Stage 5: Carlow Town, Co Carlow to Dunboyne, Co Meath

(Distance: 142.4 KM)

Sunday, May 24th, 2026

(Including three laps of finishing circuit)

Carlow – Castledermot – Kilcullen – Athgarvan – Newbridge – Milltown – Kilmeague – Prosperous - Dunboyne

The grand finale starts in Carlow with a ceremonial roll-out before heading across mostly flat roads through Carlow and Kildare. The only classified climb is the Category 3 Hill of Allen, before the race heads towards Dunboyne.

After crossing the finish line for the first time, the riders will tackle three laps of a demanding and technical 15KM circuit, where the final stage winner and overall champion of Rás Tailteann 2026 will be crowned.

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The race is delighted to be returning to Dunboyne which previously hosted a very successful Grand Départ in recent years.

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