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Why Ireland BikeFest is a well-oiled machine

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Biker Mike English tunes up his Harley-Davidson for Ireland BikeFest Killarney. PICTURE: DON MACMONAGLE

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Biker Mike English tunes up his Harley-Davidson motorbike as he prepares for Ireland BikeFest’s 10th anniversary festival which takes place in Killarney on the June Bank Holiday weekend. PICTURE: DON MACMONAGLE
 


 
IT’S Ireland’s biggest motorbike festival and it’s going to be attracting thousands of bike enthusiasts from across the globe during the June bank holiday weekend. The town of Killarney is about to go from 0 to 60 as it revs up to celebrate Ireland BikeFest’s 10th anniversary.

It will be zooming into action from June 3 to 6, and word on the ground is that the organisers are gearing up for their biggest and boldest festival yet.
With ten years experience under their kidney belts, the Ireland BikeFest team really know what they’re at. This festival has evolved into a well-oiled machine attracting bike enthusiasts in their tens of thousands from all over the world. It is Ireland’s only free open biker festival and the festival headquarters are located at The Gleneagle Hotel in Killarney.

Highlights will include daily ride outs around famous touring routes along the Wild Atlantic Way, marshalled by Celtic Thunder Chapter Ireland and Gaelic Chapter Ireland, free Harley-Davidson® demo rides, Waterford and Dublin Harley-Davidson® Dealers, HOG® hospitality and info, Jumpstart, Technical Area, the Custom Bike Show, Parade and lots of free live indoor and outdoor entertainment day and night.

The Bike Village is the main hub of activity throughout the weekend, featuring trader stands selling specialised biker wares including clothing, helmets, trinkets, gadgets, and gizmos. The Village offers plenty of places to eat, grab a drink at the popular Harley Bar, or simply sit and listen to the live bands and DJ’s perform over the course of the weekend.

This year’s line-up of entertainment is epic and culminates with the Saturday night gig in the INEC with Kíla followed by the Tenors of Rock. Be sure to check out The Irish Rolling Stones, Jerry Fish and festival favourites Hells Bells as well. With free entry to all Ireland BikeFest gigs you’ve no excuse not to.

Ireland Bike Fest’s support of Muscular Dystrophy Ireland will continue this year with the “Win a Harley-Davidson®” raffle which will be officially launched on Sunday, May 8. Visit www.mdi.ie for information on how to enter. And if you are an aspiring biker don’t worry! Ireland BikeFest Killarney also welcomes visitors who just want to experience the Bike Village and free live entertainment. Visitors do not even have to own a bike; they can just bask in the glory of some slick, well-built machines and enjoy the unique party and festival atmosphere of Ireland BikeFest.

Ireland BikeFest Killarney is supported by Harley-Davidson® UK, Authorised Dealers and HOG® Chapters in association with Destination Killarney Ltd and Fáilte Ireland. For further information please contact: www.irelandbikefest.com

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Gary Moynihan wins racecourse style title

Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day. Moynihan, a local neuromuscular […]

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Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day.

Moynihan, a local neuromuscular therapist, claimed Best Dressed Gentleman in a made-to-measure six-button burgundy double-breasted suit with a navy check from Saville Menswear in Cork. He completed the winning look with a shirt and paisley tie from Simply Suits Killarney and brown derby shoes from Pavers at the Killarney Outlet Centre.
Best Dressed Lady was awarded to Novak, a hospital personal assistant from Tullamore, who wore a red polka-dot ensemble and custom hat designed by milliner Rita Daly, featuring sustainable jewellery made from recycled plastic.
Canella Lane owner Ciana Aspell praised the high standard of fashion on the day, while Killarney Racecourse Manager Karl McCay thanked the sponsors and racegoers for their support.
With the summer season now wrapped up, the team at Killarney Racecourse is gearing up for the October Festival on October 4 and 5, featuring its first-ever Student Raceday with SPIN South West on the Monday. Early ticket booking is advised.

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Gleneagle Concert Band opens recruitment drive for new members

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The Gleneagle Concert Band is inviting new members of all ages to join the ensemble as it prepares for its new season starting this September.



Open to children, young people, and adults from Killarney and surrounding areas, the band offers specialist instrumental tuition starting from age nine. Beginners can take lessons in clarinet, flute, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, French horn, euphonium, tuba, percussion, and drums before progressing into the main band.

No previous experience is required for adults or children. The band also welcomes adults who already play an instrument or wish to return to music after a break.

“What makes Gleneagle special is that our musicians don’t just rehearse in a room and play the occasional concert,” said Music Development Officer Vincent Condon. “They perform at major events, festivals and community occasions, take part in film productions, travel internationally and, importantly, have fun together as a band. The band is open to everyone. We welcome young people who want to learn an instrument, as well as adults who have previous musical experience and would like to return to playing.”

For information on registration and lessons, contact 087 222 9513 or visit the band’s social media pages.

Busy summer of events


The Gleneagle Concert Band has concluded a busy 12 months featuring public performances, festival appearances, and charity work.

Highlights included the annual summer street concerts in Killarney town, along with performances at Puck Fair, the Rose of Tralee, and the Summer in Killarney Festival. Band members were also involved in the filming of Jimmy, an upcoming Hollywood biographical drama based on actor Jimmy Stewart.

Community fundraising remained a focus over the past year, with the band supporting local causes including the Kerry Stars Special Olympics Sports Club and Recovery Haven Kerry Cancer Support House alongside a sold-out Annual Concert.

Following a tour to Seville in 2025, the band has confirmed its next overseas trip to Bilbao and San Sebastián in northern Spain, scheduled for August 2027.

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