The 20th anniversary of Killarney BikeFest is set to be bigger than ever over the June Bank Holiday weekend.

As Ireland’s largest free open biker festivals, the milestone event is expected to draw record crowds to the town and the dedicated festival village.

Organisers are preparing an expanded programme of events to mark two decades of the festival, featuring a mix of live music, bike showcases, and the signature ride-outs through the scenic Kerry landscape.

The economic impact on the local region is already evident, with accommodation providers across Killarney reporting exceptionally strong demand and many hotels nearing full capacity months in advance.

The festival remains a highlight of the Killarney tourism calendar, attracting enthusiasts from across Europe.

A busy link road connecting Coolcorcoran to Cleeney via the Derreen housing estate is no longer fit for purpose according to the Mayor of Killarney.

The route, which is frequently used by motorists as a “rat run” to avoid traffic on the bypass, has seen a significant deterioration in its surface and safety standards in recent months.
The roadway serves as a vital access point for residents and hundreds of members of Killarney Legion GAA and Killarney Celtic FC.
Concerns are now mounting that the situation will become critical once construction is completed on the new multi-million euro sports centre at Derreen, which is expected to draw even larger volumes of traffic to the narrow stretch.
Mayor Martin Grady has formally called on the Killarney Municipal District to carry out emergency works to protect the safety of those using the route.
“I propose that Killarney Municipal District carry out necessary works on the road at Derreen, which is taking high volumes of traffic in the interest of the safety of motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians,” Cllr Grady said. “There is currently no footpath and the roadway is not fit for purpose for two-way traffic.”
In response to the Mayor’s proposal, Kerry County Council acknowledged that a patchwork fix would not be enough to handle the long-term demands of the area. The Council confirmed it is currently developing a large-scale road improvement project to improve access through Derreen.
A Council spokesperson stated that the project is being developed in accordance with National Project Management Guidelines and is currently in “Phase 1,” which involves the Concept and Feasibility stage.