Pictures: Kilkenny bathed in sunshine for an action-packed Bike Week

Kilkenny was a hub of cycling activity in recent days as families, schools, and cycling enthusiasts of all ages took to their bikes for an action-packed Bike Week celebration.

Events were held in parks and open spaces across the county, including Ferrybank Neighbourhood Park, Dunmore Biodiversity Park, the Moate Field, Callan, Pococke Park, Castlecomer Discovery Park, and County Hall, offering something for everyone — from thrilling mountain biking to fun-filled treasure hunts and relaxed community Slow Rolls.

A central theme of the week was bringing cycling activities to our local parks. Many young children took part in ‘Learn to Cycle’ sessions, obstacle courses and grass track racing, while young families enjoyed a treasure hunt on the new cycle paths in Hebron and Pococke Park.
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In addition, there was scenic group rides through Kilkenny’s villages and greenways and more experienced cyclists explored off-road trails in Castlecomer. A highlight of the week was the Drum and Cycle in Kilkenny City on the Saturday night, where a large group of cyclists of all ages visited sites around the city, accompanied by the sound of the drums!

A packed programme of school-based events saw hundreds of students participate in bike skills workshops, safety demonstrations, and fun rides, encouraging a new generation to embrace cycling for health, fun, and sustainable travel.

Speaking about the week’s success, Mayor Andrew McGuinness said: “Bike Week has showed just how enjoyable and accessible cycling can be for everyone. From teaching children to ride to exploring our parks on two wheels, this week has highlighted Kilkenny’s incredible potential as a cycling-friendly county. I’d like to thank all the organisers, tutors, schools, artists, participants, and in particular the volunteers for making this year’s Bike Week the best yet.”

The weeklong celebration was organised by Kilkenny County Council in partnership with local cycling groups, community organisations, schools, and Kilkenny Recreation and Sports Partnership, with support from the Department of Transport.

Bike Week continues to grow in popularity each year, promoting cycling as a fun, healthy, and environmentally-friendly mode of transport — and a great way to discover the hidden gems of Kilkenny.
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