The annual 600-kilometre Tour de Munster charity cycle will pass through Killarney on Saturday afternoon.

The four-day cycle, which starts and finishes in Cork city, is marking its 22nd anniversary and is the 13th time that the event will raise money for Down Syndrome Ireland.

The tour, which features Sean Kelly as its Ambassador, takes in all six counties in Munster, travelling anti-clockwise through Cork, Waterford, Tipperary, Limerick and Kerry before arriving back in Cork on Sunday next.

On Thursday the 600 cyclists will leave Cork at 730am and make their way to Killaloe in County Clare.

Day two will cover a route in Limerick, Clare and North Kerry ahead of an overnight stop in Tralee.

The Saturday route will take in Killarney. After leaving Tralee the cyclists will cross the Conor Pass and head for Killarney via Inch and Castlemaine.

Cyclists are expected in Milltown around 2pm ahead of a rest stop at the Aghadoe Heights an hour later.

They will then stop off at the Denagh Cottage Café – operated by the Kerry branch of Down Syndrome Ireland – around 315pm before completing the Saturday leg with a run over Moll’s Gap and an overnight halt in Kenmare.

“The Munster branches of Down Syndrome Ireland are an extremely worthy beneficiary of the Tour and over the last 13 years of our partnership, we have received a huge amount of support from the six branches and families themselves who benefit from the funds raised. The amazing children and adults who rely on the services provided by their local DSI branches are the reason we put so much hard work in. Over the past 13 years, I have seen many members grow up to become wonderful young adults and to see what they achieve, big or small, spurs us on to keep the pedals spinning,” said Tour de Munster founder Paul Sheridan.

The final leg of the Tour will see the cyclists travel between Kenmare and the finish line in Cork City.

Last year saw the event raise its largest sum to date for DSI in Munster, a wonderful total of €522,201. These funds play a significant role for DSI who provide a range of vital supports and services to children and adults with Down Syndrome and their families.