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Why Ireland BikeFest is a well-oiled machine
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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
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway
Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis inside Killarney National Park.
An Coimisiún Pleanála confirmed permission for the elevated platform project, which will complete the popular scenic loop while removing a dangerous 800-metre section along the busy N71 Killarney to Kenmare road.
Walkers and cyclists currently have to navigate narrow bends alongside heavy vehicular traffic and tour buses to complete the circuit between the Dinis and Torc car parks.
Mayor of Killarney John O’Donoghue welcomed the decision, calling it a transformative development for the region: “Since beginning in the Council in 2021, this has been one of my priorities as an issue I inherited from my predecessor Michael Gleeson, he being the first person to initially pursue the idea. I have repeatedly kept it on the agenda at Council meetings and now delighted to see we finally have positive news as this decision, which has been long overdue and eagerly awaited, will prove transformative for the area.”
Mayor O’Donoghue added: “The path, which will be on the lakeside, will offer views to rival those anywhere in the world and I have no doubt will prove very popular with locals and visitors alike. Huge credit is due to Kerry County Council and the NPWS for their co-operation on the issue. Once the decision has passed through its statutory waiting period, the design and tender stage can begin.”
The project, which will be built on a raised platform to protect the natural habitat beneath, will also be fully accessible for people with mobility issues. Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce also welcomed the green light, noting that the completed loop will create a major safe attraction showcasing Muckross Lake, Dinis Cottage, and the Old Weir Bridge.
LAKESIDE PATH: An Coimisiún Pleanála has approved planning permission for a new raised walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis in Killarney National Park.
LOCAL GOLD: Terrie O’Shea, founder and owner of Killarney-based business Sorella Berries, celebrating her Gold award win at the Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards held in Dingle last week. Her hand-crafted chocolate covered strawberries secured the top spot in national competition, earning recognition for the local food producer on the national stage.
Green light for Torc to Dinis walkway
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc...
LOCAL GOLD:
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