Killarney will take centre stage this Easter Saturday as the town hosts the start of the second stage of the 2026 Dornan Rás Mumhan.

Cycling fans and locals are expected to gather in large numbers to witness the departure of over 170 elite riders for what is widely considered the “Queen Stage” of the international race.
The official stage start is set for the Gap of Dunloe road on Saturday morning. From there, the international peloton, including teams from Norway, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Britain, will head toward the challenging Bealach Oisín. The route will take the riders across the Iveragh Peninsula and onto the Skellig Ring, before a dramatic finish in Portmagee later that afternoon.
Race Director John Breen said that the event continues to be a proving ground for future World Tour stars, following in the footsteps of 2019 winner Ben Healy. “The unpredictability and the unforgiving terrain of these Kerry roads make it a massive test for the riders,” Breen said.
Local supporters are encouraged to come out early to the Gap of Dunloe road to support the riders before they tackle the mountain passes of South Kerry.

Killarney to host spectacular Saturday morning start for Rás Mumhan

The Gleneagle Arena is set to become a global hub of culture and competition this Easter as it hosts the An Chomhdháil World Irish Dancing Championships.

The prestigious event brings a vibrant mix of music and international talent to the town, with local dancers ready to step onto the world stage in their own backyard.

This year, Killarney is proudly represented by a dedicated troop from the Hegarty Irish Dance Academy.

Dancers Abbey O’Leary, Maria Blennerhasset, Klara Morczewska, Máire Lynch, and Isabelle Hindle have spent countless hours preparing for the tournament.

Under the expert guidance of teachers Maureen and Lisa Hegarty, these dancers now have the opportunity to compete at the highest level before an international audience.

Beyond the cultural spectacle, the championships provide a massive boost to the local economy. More than 2,500 dancers, along with their families and supporters, will travel to Killarney for the event.

Killarney talent bound for Isle of Man

The busy Easter schedule continues for the Hegarty Irish Dance Academy as they prepare for an international cultural exchange.

At the end of this week, a group of 25 dancers and musicians travelled to the Isle of Man.

The group will represent Ireland at the Shennaghys Jiu Celtic Festival, a celebration of music, dance, and folklore from the Celtic nations.

The travelling party will showcase the best of Killarney’s traditional arts, further strengthening the town’s international sporting and cultural links.