The 24th annual edition of the Tour de Munster will pass through Killarney again this year.

The charity cycle was officially launched by cycling legend Seán Kelly at Limerick’s Plassey House, this week.

The popular Tour which takes place from August 8 to August 11 will see amateur cyclists travel 600km across the six counties of Munster in efforts to raise vital funds for the Munster branches of Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI).

The Tour will overnight in Killarney on August 10 having made its way from Tralee via the Dingle Peninsula earlier that day. It will depart the following night for the official finish line in Cork.

The 24th Tour marks a significant occasion as the renowned charity cycle will contribute to the national charity for its 15th consecutive year. Since its inception in 2000, the Tour de Munster has raised a staggering €5 million for the Munster branches of Down Syndrome Ireland.

All of the money raised from Tour de Munster will help to provide the crucial support and services offered by DSI Munster branches to their members. Such vital services include Speech and Language Therapy, Employment Opportunity, Occupational Therapy and other life enhancing aid to people with Down syndrome and their families.

“We have been eagerly anticipating the return of the Tour to Kerry this August, there’s lots of excitement for the pedals to turn again,”said John O’Connor from Down Syndrome Kerry.

“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Tour de Munster's steadfast support over the past 15 years, and to thank all involved in this year's Tour. The Tour is really inspiring and uplifting, an event full of positive energy and I would also like to thank the cyclists for their years of commitment and wish them a safe cycle.”