The Killarney Classic Tour, a new two-day heritage motoring event celebrating the rich rally history of Kerry and the Beara Peninsula, has been announced for 26 and 27 June 2026. Based at the Gleneagle Hotel in Killarney, long recognised as the home of the Rally of the Lakes, the event will bring together historic rally cars, former competitors and motoring enthusiasts for a unique journey across some of Ireland’s most iconic rally routes.
For generations, the roads around Killarney, Kenmare and the Beara Peninsula have played a defining role in Irish motorsport. From the early days of the Circuit of Ireland and Circuit of Munster to the enduring legacy of the Rally of the Lakes, these stages have challenged drivers and machines alike. The Killarney Classic Tour offers participants the chance to experience these legendary roads once again, this time at a more relaxed pace that allows them to fully appreciate the scenery and heritage.
The event is open to a wide range of vintage and historic cars, with a particular emphasis on classic rally machines and period-inspired recreations that reflect the golden eras of Irish rallying. It is designed as a non-competitive tour, with cars setting off at timed intervals on the Saturday morning. The route will include a scheduled lunch stop in Castletownbere before returning to Killarney later that evening. The weekend will conclude with a gala dinner at the Gleneagle Hotel, where participants can enjoy guest speakers and an evening dedicated to sharing stories and memories from decades of rallying.
The Killarney Classic Tour has been created by two well-known figures in Irish motorsport, Mike Marshall and Micheál O’Mahony, whose friendship and shared passion for rallying span many years. As a founding member of the Rally of the Lakes and Clerk of the Course for over twenty years, Mike Marshall has an exceptional knowledge of the region’s roads and has played a key role in shaping many of the stages that have become synonymous with the sport. For this event, his aim is to present those same routes in a more accessible and enjoyable format.
Micheál O’Mahony has also been closely involved in rallying over the years as both a supporter and enthusiast. Through his work with Rentokil, he has supported a number of leading drivers and events, while also maintaining his own collection of historic rally cars. Together, their vision for the Killarney Classic Tour is simple. It is about bringing people back to the roads that defined Irish rallying and creating an opportunity to enjoy them in a more social and reflective way, celebrating the cars, the stories and the shared passion that continue to define the sport.
More information can be found on www.KillarneyClassicTour.ie
