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| (L-R) Cllr Michelle Hall, Ged Nash TD, Sarah Taaffe of Love Drogheda BIDS, Kevin Leech of Drogheda Wheelers, Cllr Declan Power, Mayor Paddy McQuillan, Cllr James Byrne, Race Director Ger Campbell, Senator Alison Comyn, Gearóid Campbell of Cairde Rás Tailteann, Cllr Debbie McCole, Cllr Anne-Marie Ford and Cllr Eric Donovan at the launch of Drogheda’s start of Rás Tailteann 2025. (Pic Colin Bell0 |
The 70th edition of the Rás Tailteann will take place from May 21st to May 25th, 2025.
The event will start in the cycling stronghold of Drogheda, Co Louth on Wednesday, May 21st heading westwards to finish in Boyle, Co Roscommon. A transfer to Charlestown for the start of stage two where the riders will take on the infamous Windy Gap and Maumtrasna climbs in the longest of the 2025 Rás Tailteann stages. Another transfer to Co Mayo for the start of stage three, where Cong will welcome the Rás Tailteann. After setting off from Cong, the riders will take in breathtaking scenery along the Wild Atlantic Way before they face the fast finish towards Miltown Malbay in County Clare. The penultimate stage will kick off from Ennis, Co Clare and take on 2 x category three climbs before crossing the category one Wolftrap climb with less than 15KM remaining – will there be enough time to regroup before the finish in Mountrath, Co Laois? The final stage of Rás Tailteann 2025 will kick off in Kildare Town heading across the plains of ‘The Lilywhite County’ before entering Co Meath where again, the winner of Rás Tailteann will be crowned in Bective. The 2025 edition of the race is again five stages and will take on over 760KM along the roads of The Emerald Isle, including 13 categorised climbs.
Drogheda to host start of 70th edition of Rás Tailteann
Drogheda will proudly host the opening stage of the 70th edition of Rás Tailteann on Wednesday, May 21st – a major sporting moment for the town and a chance for locals to be part of Irish cycling history.
The event's base on the morning of the race will be St Nicholas’ GAA Club on Rathmullan Road, with the race build-up starting from 8:30AM. The public is warmly invited to come down, meet riders and teams, and soak in the pre-race buzz. The peloton will leave St Nick’s at 11:20AM, before the official ceremonial start on West Street at 11:30AM.
From there, the riders will head out the Donore Road, turn right at Frank’s Country Cottage, then left along the canal and over the Obelisk Bridge. The racing proper begins on the main Slane Road, where the journey to the first finish line in Boyle begins.
This year is particularly special for Drogheda, with four of the six members of the Rás promotions group hailing from the town. It's a true homecoming for one of Ireland’s most iconic races.
“Bringing the Rás back to our hometown means a huge amount to all of us involved” said Race Director Ger Campbell.
“We’re thrilled to have the support of St Nick’s GAA, the community, Louth County Council, Visit Louth, local councillors and Love Drogheda BIDS – and to see such strong local involvement behind the scenes and in the race itself.”
That local pride continues on the road, with Drogheda cyclist Kevin Leech lining up at the start. A respected and powerful rider, Leech’s presence gives locals someone to roar for as the race rolls through familiar streets.
Mayor Paddy McQuillan is also urging schools and the wider community to get out and show their support. “It’s a special thing to welcome an international event of this scale to Drogheda” he said. “Let’s give these cyclists a send-off they’ll never forget.”
With 145 riders from 29 teams representing Ireland, the UK, USA, Germany, the Isle of Man, Mexico, and beyond, Rás Tailteann promises top-level competition and unforgettable atmosphere.
On Wednesday, May 21st, all roads lead to Rathmullan, West Street, and beyond. Let’s line the streets, wave the flags, and make Drogheda proud!
