On June 13th -15th, RETRO Cannonball rolls once again featuring 100 classic cars, free family live entertainment and that unique festival atmosphere that Cannonball is renowned for. The event will commence this year in Little Island Cork taking in The Rebel County and then coming up through Counties Tipperary, Offaly Westmeath, Tyrone and finishing at The Cooley Peninsula in Co Louth. Spectators and families can get up close, see some rare classic cars, take photographs, meet the drivers and enjoy the timeless allure of vintage automobiles.
Cannonball has already raised €1,946,432 for Irish children’s charities and this year are raising funds for the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation. Featuring cars from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s & 90’s from vintage Mustangs to sleek Corvettes, an impressive array of iconic automobiles will rumble together, creating a nostalgic symphony as they roll through picturesque landscapes.
Classic cars are all about the experience, style, exclusivity and craftsmanship, all of which are universal and timeless. Retro Cannonball is a two-day odyssey and on day one Friday June 13th, the classic convoy will depart from the Radisson Blu Hotel in Little Island Cork at 10.30am and then roll through the picturesque landscapes of Cork, Tipperary, Offaly and Westmeath with a delicious lunch alng the way in Kilshane House in Tipperary followed by a coffee stop in Kinnitty Castle in Offaly and the first overnight stay and finish line at The Sheraton Hotel in Athlone.
On day two, the Retro Cannonball convoy travels through the lake county of Westmeath and on to the sprawling hilly county Tyrone with magnificent scenery. Cannonballers will have lunch at Corick House in Tyrone before crossing on the ferry from Greencastle to Greenore. The second overnight stay and overall finish line is coming to the Cooley Peninsula for the first time and takes place at Ballymasconlon house just 20 minutes from the bustling medieval town of Carlingford.
The classic car convoy will include rare cars such as the Lamborghini Diablo, Jaguar E-Type, Ferrari 348 GTS, Mercedes-Benz SL Classics, Lancia Beta, BMW 635CSI, Porsche 911 Carrera and Targa, MG Midget, Ford Escort Cosworth, Chevrolet Corvette, VW Beetle, Ford Thunderbird, mini cooper and many more. Spectators can get up close, view the cars and take photographs at each of the start and finish lines, pitstops and lunch stops.
“We are welcoming cars from the golden era of the 60’s,70’s, 80’s and early 90’s to take in stunning drives and many famous Irish landmarks.” said Cannonball founder Alan Bannon “Classic cars not only appeal to car lovers, but also to lovers of engineering, design, art and history. They retain an incurable romance and that is the reason why people do, and always will, love classic cars.”
Registration is also now open for Cannonball Ireland, the supercar event, taking place on September 12-15th this year and a firm favourite with both drivers and spectators with proceeds to the Jack and Jill. RETRO Cannonball is an altogether more laid-back experience but drivers and spectators still enjoy one of the most unique motoring fraternities in the world with breath-taking driving routes, luxurious hospitality and that rare ‘camaraderie’ that makes Cannonball a truly unforgettable experience. See www.cannonball.ie for details of all events.
