Registration is now open for the 44th annual Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle, with thousands of cyclists expected to descend on Killarney this summer for the country’s largest one-day charity event.

Taking place on Saturday, July 4, the 170km route remains a cornerstone of the local sporting and fundraising calendar.

The cycle has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 1982, when a small group of local riders first took to the road to raise money for a dialysis centre.

In the four decades since, the event has raised an incredible total of more than €21.9 million, benefiting over 200 different charities and community groups across the region.

This massive undertaking is made possible each year by a dedicated army of over 1,200 volunteers who manage everything from food stations in Cahersiveen and Kenmare to medical and technical support along the Wild Atlantic Way.

The online registration system went live on Tuesday of this week. Participants are encouraged to sign up early via the official website to secure their place in the pack.

The entry fee of €100 (plus a 4% admin fee) ensures that the event can continue its mission of “cycling for those who can’t,” providing a vital lifeline to the numerous local and national organisations that rely on the funds raised by the participants’ pedalling.

Ring of Kerry Cycle 2026: The Beneficiaries

Main Tier 1 Beneficiaries Breakthrough Cancer Research, Brú Columbanus, Down Syndrome Kerry, Ballinskelligs Inshore Rescue, Kerry Hospice Foundation, and the Jack and Jill Foundation.

Tier 2 Beneficiaries Recovery Haven Cancer Support House, Enable Ireland Kerry, Irish Red Cross Tralee, Social Action Group Rathmore, Barnardos, Dillon Quirke Foundation, and Cycle Against Suicide.

This year’s St Patrick’s Day parade in Killarney – which promises to be one of the most colourful and imaginative in the entire country – will follow a familiar route to ensure maximum viewing opportunities for the thousands of people expected to line the streets.

While the lively festival zone on Beech Road will open from 12 noon to 6.00pm, the big parade magic will commence on Mission Road at 2.00pm sharp with the route taking in East Avenue Road, College Street, Plunkett Street, Main Street – where the parade grandstand will be located – and New Street before finishing on Beech Road.

There will be a collection point for children participating in the parade close to the finish line and parents and guardians are asked to familiarise themselves and their children with that area.

As is the case every year, there will be several prizes to be won, including best interpretation of theme, best marching group, most imaginative float, best sporting entry, most entertaining entry and most original entry.

The awards will be presented to the winners at a reception in the Killarney Great Southern on Thursday, March 19.