John Breen, Dan Curtin, Angie Curley, Donal Hogan, Daragh McGee, Isibela wojtaszek, Sinéad Moriarty, Anthony Kenneally and James Quilligan, Cycling Ireland CEO.

As surely as night follows day, the easing of winter’s grip brings the 2026 Dornan Rás Mumhan ever closer marking the beginning of what promises to be another exceptional season in Irish cycling. Enthusiasts from across the country and beyond are preparing for one of the standout events on the Irish domestic calendar, set once again against the breathtaking landscapes of Kerry, Cork, and now Limerick.

Race Director John Breen commented: “Rás Mumhan has long been a showcase for both emerging talent and seasoned riders, and we take great pride in providing a platform for the very best in the sport. The 2026 edition will again highlight the future stars of cycling. With teams already registered from Norway, the Netherlands, Portugal, Britain, and Ireland, our roster is already at 75% capacity—a testament to the race’s growing reputation. We look forward to hosting over 170 riders once again this year.”

2026 Route Overview

The 2026 Dornan Rás Mumhan retains its established four?day, five?stage format:

Stage 1A – Team Time Trial: Ballybunion to Asdee
The race opens with a fast, technical TTT along the North Kerry coastline.

Stage 1B (Road Race) – Asdee to Knockanure
Later that afternoon, riders depart Asdee, taking in sweeping views of the Atlantic and the Shannon Estuary via Ballylongford, Tarbert, and Glin, before tackling two loops of the Athea–Knockanure circuit and finishing in Knockanure village.

Stage 2 – Killarney to Portmagee
A return to Killarney brings riders to the mythical Bealach Oisín, crossing the Iveragh Peninsula and joining the spectacular Skellig Ring. The stage includes the notorious Cuam an Easpaig, finishing with speed and drama in Portmagee.

Stage 3 – Millstreet to Clondrohid
A fast and aggressive stage offering two high?speed circuits around the Macroom area before turning toward Millstreet and concluding on top of the brutal climb to The Kerryman’s Table, a decisive test for the general classification.

Stage 4 The final day begins in the historic town of Killorglin—home to cycling legends including the Mikie Breen winner of 1978 Ras Mumhan and 1972 Rás Tailteann champion John Mangan. The route includes the rapid Beaufort loop and continues over the iconic McKenna circuit before finishing in the famed Killorglin town square, delivering a dramatic conclusion to this Easter weekend tradition.

In the last 4 editions the rule book has been discarded with regards to the defining stages that the race could be won or lost, the unpredictability and the inability for the larger teams to control the race makes it even more interesting. Roscommon man Daire Feeley winner of the Ras Tailteann in 2022 and ranked as Irelands top domestic rider has been knocking hard on the door this last couple of years, could this be his year? The wealth of Junior Irish riders breaking into the top ranks of international cycling, the likes of Seth Dunwoody have all used the race as a platform and a place to display the talent to the baying public. The design of the stages by Race Director John Breen, ensures it showcases national domestic talent as well as elite and development teams, ensuring fair but challenging routes. The riders know that preparation and the winter miles are a prerequisite as well as form and ability. Any shortcomings will be immediately exposed, very few places to hide in such unforgiving terrain.

New Memorial Trophies for 2026

The 2026 edition introduces two new memorial trophies honouring individuals whose dedication and spirit left a lasting imprint on the Irish cycling community:

• C2 Blue Jersey Trophy – In Memory of Tomás Walsh (Comeragh CC)
Tomás, who tragically passed away in July 2025 at the age of 25 a proud Waterford, Déise and Comeragh CC man who held the Blue Jersey during the 2019 edition while guesting for Killorglin CC the same year Ben Healy won overall. The trophy, donated by his parents Bernie and Frank Walsh, will be presented during the final stage in Killorglin.

• U23 Jersey Trophy – In Memory of Oliver McKenna
A stalwart of Irish cycling for over 50 years and a long-standing member of Balbriggan CC, Oliver’s remarkable legacy will be honoured through the presentation of the U23 memorial trophy.

Though Dornan Rás Mumhan has grown into a prestigious international event, it remains deeply connected to the cycling family. The race will continue to honour the memory of Tomás Walsh and Oliver McKenna, ensuring their contributions endure as part of the Easter weekend festival of cycling for many years to come.

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