Cannonball is preparing to roar back onto Irish roads this September, bringing more than 200 supercars, hypercars and novelty vehicles on a three-day journey across the country, all in support of Ronald McDonald House. Taking place from September 11th to 13th, Cannonball 2026 will travel through Meath, Kildare, Offaly, Westmeath, Clare, Limerick, Cork and Kilkenny, once again combining some of the world’s most spectacular cars with the festival atmosphere that has made the event a firm favourite with spectators around Ireland. Irish motorsport star Alex Dunne joined Cannonball Ireland to officially announce Ronald McDonald House as the event’s charity partner for 2026. The 20-year-old Offaly driver was pictured alongside a striking orange Lamborghini Aventador as preparations continue for this year’s event.
Dunne is currently competing in the FIA Formula 2 Championship with Rodin Motorsport and is a member of the Alpine Academy. Having rapidly progressed through the international racing ranks, he is regarded as one of Ireland’s brightest young motorsport prospects. His involvement will help shine a spotlight on the fundraising efforts at the heart of Cannonball. Since its inception, the event has raised €2,281,871 for Irish children’s charities, with this year’s fundraising supporting Ronald McDonald House and the families who rely on its services. Ronald McDonald House provides accommodation and support for families whose children are seriously ill and receiving treatment away from home, allowing them to remain close to their child for as long as necessary. Since opening its House in November 2004, the charity has supported 5,413 families and provided more than 117,000 nights of accommodation.
Fuelled by miles+ from Circle K, Cannonball 2026 will feature more than 200 cars, with machinery from Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Porsche, Aston Martin, Bentley and Maserati among the marques expected to take part. The action gets underway before the official start, with participants arriving at The Johnstown Estate in Enfield for registration on Thursday, September 10th. From approximately 7pm, spectators will be able to see the cars arriving throughout the evening ahead of the following morning’s departure. Following the official safety briefing on Friday, September 11th, the Cannonball convoy will leave The Johnstown Estate at approximately 11am. The route takes the cars past Enniskerry and through Ireland’s Ancient East before reaching The K Club in Straffan for lunch at approximately 1pm.
From there, the cars will regroup at Circle K M9 Kilcullen at around 3.15pm before continuing through the Midlands. The opening day concludes in Tullamore, Co. Offaly, where the first cars are expected to reach the finish line from approximately 6pm. Saturday sees Cannonball heading west, with the convoy departing Athlone and regrouping at Circle K M6 Athlone at approximately 10.30am. The cars then make their way towards County Clare and The Falls Hotel in Ennistymon, arriving for lunch at approximately 1.30pm. An afternoon regroup follows in Bunratty at around 3.30pm before the convoy heads for Limerick City. The first cars are expected to arrive in Limerick from approximately 5pm, where another free finish-line festival will welcome competitors and spectators.
The final leg gets underway in Limerick on Sunday, September 13th, with the cars departing at approximately 11am. The convoy will travel south towards Circle K Fermoy for a fuel stop at approximately 12.30pm before continuing to the Radisson Blu Hotel in Cork for lunch at around 1.30pm. From Cork, Cannonball heads towards Kilkenny City for the 2026 grand finale, with the first cars expected to arrive from approximately 5.30pm. As always, Cannonball is about considerably more than the cars themselves. Host towns will feature DJs, live entertainment, giant screens, Brazilian dancers, street performers and children’s entertainment, creating a carnival atmosphere around each of the major stops. Participants traditionally get into the spirit of the weekend too, with elaborate fancy dress adding another element to the spectacle. Spectators are encouraged to join in, with prizes on offer for some of the best costumes.
Founded by Kildare businessman Alan Bannon, Cannonball estimates that the event generates an economic benefit of approximately €2.5 million for the towns and communities it visits each year, while continuing to raise significant funds for Irish children’s charities. Cannonball 2026 is fuelled by miles+ from Circle K, with Treacy Solar as Tour Sponsor. Official partners include McDonald’s, Jade Insurance, Snap Fitness 24/7, Viova, Monster Energy, Karl Goodwin Motors, Task Security Systems, AB Signs and Majestic Ireland Road Trips. The cars begin arriving at The Johnstown Estate on Thursday, September 10th, before Cannonball 2026 officially gets underway at 11am on Friday, September 11th. The event concludes in Kilkenny City on Sunday evening.
