The Rally of the Lakes
Festivals

The Rally of the Lakes

The Rally of the lakes

In Killarney, there’s a must-see festival for car enthusiasts and lovers of roaring engines. It’s the Rally of the Lakes, an event held every first weekend of May. This rally race takes place on the roads surrounding Killarney, where crowds gather along the roadside to cheer on their favorite drivers.

The Rally of the Lakes Festival

Killarney Celebrates to the Roar of Rally Car Engines!

Fair warning: if you’re not a fan of crowds or motorsports, this might not be for you. Every first weekend of May, all of Killarney comes alive to the sound of high-powered engines! This is thanks to the legendary “The Rally of the Lakes,” a thrilling race for adrenaline junkies!

This race is one of the city’s most anticipated events. Thousands of passionate fans gather to watch top drivers compete on Irish roads. It’s a colorful competition that delivers plenty of adrenaline-fueled excitement!

During the event, many public roads are closed off for the drivers. Hotels, bed and breakfasts, and local restaurants fill up quickly, and Killarney can experience significant traffic jams.

Still, none of this dampens the festive weekend atmosphere, where locals and visitors unite to celebrate their love of cars. The vibe is electric, lively, and friendly: Irish pubs are packed, and Killarney truly pulses to the rhythm of the races!

Our tip if you want to attend: book your accommodation well in advance. Places fill up fast, so it’s best to reserve 6 to 8 months ahead to have a good choice of where to stay!


Practical Guide

The Rally of the Lakes

Essential information to help you plan your visit, including key landmarks, access information, and booking options.

Address

Killarney

GPS coordinates

52.05951245988289, -9.518071490870245

Location

The Rally of the Lakes on the map