Mitchelstown, Co Cork to host Rás Tailteann Stage Three Start!

Picture: Members of Mitchelstown GAA are pictured ahead of welcoming Rás Tailteann to the town for the stage three start of the 2026 race.

Cairde Rás Tailteann is delighted to confirm that Mitchelstown, Co. Cork will host the stage three start of the 2026 Rás Tailteann on Friday, May 22nd, as Ireland’s most historic and prestigious stage race continues its journey across the country.

Following two demanding opening stages, riders will gather at Mitchelstown GAA Club before making their way through the town’s Georgian Quarter to New Square for the ceremonial start. From there, the race will head out on the road to Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford for a fast and technical stage covering 155.6 kilometres.

The route will take the riders through Cork, Tipperary, Kilkenny and Wexford, with mostly flat roads but a twisting and technical profile that could still play a major role in the overall race. Two Category 3 climbs feature along the way, while an uphill finish into Enniscorthy is expected to provide a dramatic conclusion to the stage.

Cairde Rás Tailteann would like to thank the local community in Mitchelstown along with Cork County Council and all local partners for their support in hosting the stage start. Significant preparations are underway across the town, with Mitchelstown Tidy Towns, the Community Council, Business Association and local schools all playing a key role in welcoming the race.

A range of activities are planned in the lead-up to the event, beginning with Bike Week on May 11th, while Cycling Ireland will provide skills sessions for local primary school children on the morning of the race. Additional community initiatives include cycling promotion through local businesses, art competitions and community engagement projects centred around the event.

Race Director Ger Campbell said: “We are delighted that Mitchelstown will host the stage three start of the 2026 Rás Tailteann. After two tough opening stages, this is the kind of day that can still catch riders out, with fast roads, technical sections and a difficult uphill finish waiting in Enniscorthy. Mitchelstown is a great location to send the race on its way, and we are looking forward to seeing the community come out and support the riders.”

Ciara O’Brien, stage start organiser, added: “It is a great honour for Mitchelstown to host a stage start of Rás Tailteann. There is huge excitement locally with so many groups and organisations coming together to prepare for the event. We are looking forward to welcoming the riders, teams and supporters and giving them a memorable send-off from the town.”

Anne Finn, Chairperson of Mitchelstown GAA, said: “The committee and players of Mitchelstown GAA are delighted to welcome the teams participating in stage three of the Rás Tailteann. Our location overlooking the Galtee Mountains will give riders a great introduction to this stage as they travel towards the Galtee Vee Valley.”

With a fast and technical stage ahead and a strong community effort behind the start, Mitchelstown is set to provide a warm welcome and a fitting send-off as stage three of the 2026 Rás Tailteann gets underway.

Enniscorthy, Co Wexford to host Rás Tailteann Stage Three Finish!

Picture: Riders leaving Enniscorthy during Stage 2 of the 2006 Rás Tailteann - the last time the race visited the town - Photographer: Lorraine O’Sullivan (courtesy of rastailteann.com)

Cairde Rás Tailteann is delighted to confirm that Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford will host the stage three finish of the 2026 Rás Tailteann on Friday, May 22nd, as Ireland’s most historic and prestigious stage race continues its 71st edition.

Having started in Mitchelstown earlier in the day, the riders will take on a 155.6 kilometre route through Cork, Tipperary, Kilkenny and Wexford before arriving into Enniscorthy for what promises to be a fast, technical and hard-fought finale. The stage features mostly flat roads on a twisting course, with two Category 3 climbs along the way. The final challenge comes in the closing kilometre, with an uphill finish into Enniscorthy that could create a dramatic conclusion to the day and prove important in the battle for the general classification.

Cairde Rás Tailteann would like to sincerely thank Slaney Cycling Club, Wexford County Council, District Manager Claire Lawless, local councillor John O’Rourke, Enniscorthy Rugby Club, the Enniscorthy Showgrounds Committee, Enniscorthy Gardaí and the many cycling clubs from across Wexford who are supporting the event. Their combined efforts and cooperation are playing a major role in bringing the race to the town. Special thanks are also extended to Enniscorthy Rugby Club and the Enniscorthy Showgrounds Committee for the use of their facilities, while local councillor John O’Rourke, who lives close to the finish line, has also been heavily involved in supporting preparations for the stage finish.

Enniscorthy has hosted many dramatic Rás stage finishes over the years, with 2026 marking the first time the race has finished in the town since 2006. Locals and supporters are encouraged to come out, line the streets and give the riders a strong welcome as they race into Enniscorthy.

Race Director Ger Campbell said: “We are delighted to bring the stage three finish of the 2026 Rás Tailteann to Enniscorthy. This is a fast and technical stage, and the uphill finish into the town should make for a very exciting finale. Enniscorthy has a proud history with the Rás, and we are looking forward to seeing another great atmosphere as the riders arrive.”

Liam Ruth, stage end organiser, said: “It is a great honour for Enniscorthy to host a stage finish of Rás Tailteann. The race has a special place in Irish sport, and it will be fantastic to welcome the riders, teams, officials and supporters to the town."

John Butler, Chairperson of Slaney CC and stage end organiser added: "We would encourage people to come out, enjoy the occasion and help create a memorable finish in Enniscorthy.”