The official route for Retro Cannonball 2026 has now been revealed, with 100 classic and vintage cars set to travel through some of Ireland’s most scenic roads and towns from June 5th to 7th as the popular motoring event returns with its signature mix of nostalgia, style and festival atmosphere. This year’s event will see the Retro Cannonball convoy journey from Dún Laoghaire through Wicklow, Wexford, Carlow, Tipperary and Waterford, bringing a spectacular celebration of classic motoring to towns and villages across the Sunny South East.
Featuring an impressive collection of iconic cars from the 1960s, 70s, 80s and 90s, spectators can expect to see everything from Lamborghini Diablos and Ferrari 348 GTS models to Jaguar E-Types, Porsche 911s, Ford Escort Cosworths, Corvettes, MGs, Volkswagen Beetles and beautifully restored Mercedes-Benz classics. Cars will begin arriving at the Royal Marine Hotel in Dún Laoghaire from 5pm on Thursday, June 4th, ahead of the official start on Friday morning at 10am.
The opening day route will take participants south through Wicklow and Wexford, with a lunch stop at the Mount Wolseley Hotel in Co. Carlow from 1pm to 2.30pm, where the cars will be on public display. The convoy will then continue with a fuel stop at Circle K Gorey at approximately 3.30pm before arriving at Whites Hotel in Wexford Town at around 5.15pm.
On Saturday, drivers will tackle the famous Vee route, widely regarded as one of Ireland’s most scenic mountain drives. Lunch will take place at the Talbot Hotel in Clonmel, where the cars will be on display from 12.30pm until 2pm. The event will then conclude in spectacular fashion in Waterford City Centre with live music, big screens and free family entertainment creating a festival atmosphere for spectators and participants alike.
At every stop along the route, members of the public will have the opportunity to get up close to the cars, meet the drivers, take photographs and enjoy the unique atmosphere that has made Cannonball one of Ireland’s most loved live motoring events.
Speaking about the 2026 route, Cannonball Ireland founder Alan Bannon said: “Retro Cannonball is about far more than cars. It’s about the experience, the people, the scenery, the music, the atmosphere and the incredible sense of camaraderie that follows the event everywhere it goes. This year’s route is one of our most scenic yet and we cannot wait to bring the Retro Cannonball experience back to the Sunny South East.”
Retro Cannonball 2026 will also raise funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities Ireland. To date, Cannonball Ireland has raised more than €2.27 million for Irish children’s charities. Ronald McDonald House Charities Ireland provides accommodation and vital support for families whose children are seriously ill and undergoing treatment far from home, helping parents remain close to their child during extremely difficult times.
While Retro Cannonball delivers a more relaxed and nostalgic motoring experience than its supercar counterpart, the event still promises the same premium hospitality, unforgettable atmosphere and iconic road-trip spirit that Cannonball has become known for. Registration for Cannonball Ireland 2026, the main supercar event taking place later this year, is also now officially open.
For route updates, spectator information and event details, visit Cannonball Ireland
