Carlow to host Rás Tailteann Stage Four & Five Start!

Pictured at the launch of Carlow’s hosting of the stage four and stage five starts of Rás Tailteann 2026 was Michael McCarthy, ESF+ Social Innovation Officer; Cllr. Paul Doogue, Mayor; Linda Culleton, Economic Development Officer; Deborah Foley, Coordinator; Gerard Bonner, Programme Manager; Jack Woods; Mike O’Donaghoe, Rás Tailteann Winner 1973; Ger Campbell, Race Director; Teresa O'Meara, Sport Inclusion Development Officer; Caroline Shanahan, Community Sport Development Officer; Eddie Dawson; Cllr. Ken Murnane, Cathaoirleach Carlow County Council.

Cairde Rás Tailteann is delighted to confirm that Carlow will host both the stage four and stage five starts of the 2026 Rás Tailteann.

The 2026 event will see riders depart from Carlow Town on consecutive days, with stage four travelling to Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow on Saturday, May 23rd before the final stage heads from Carlow to Dunboyne, Co. Meath on Sunday, May 24th.

Speaking at the official launch, Cllr Ken Murnane, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, highlighted the significant economic and promotional benefits the race is expected to bring to the county. With teams, officials, media, sponsors and supporters all based locally across the weekend, it is estimated that the event will deliver an economic boost of approximately €250,000 to the local economy.

Cairde Rás Tailteann would like to sincerely thank Carlow County Council, Carlow Municipal District and all local partners for their support in bringing two race starts to the county. Special thanks are extended to Kieran Comerford, Linda Culleton and the Economic Development team, along with all council staff and volunteers involved in preparations for the event.

Race Director Ger Campbell said: “We are absolutely delighted to have Carlow hosting two stage starts for Rás Tailteann 2026. From an organisational point of view, the support we have received from Carlow County Council has been exceptional. The roads, terrain and local facilities make Carlow a fantastic base for the race, while the enthusiasm locally has been brilliant to see. These stages will be hugely important in shaping the outcome of the race and we know the riders will receive a tremendous welcome in Carlow.”

Cllr Paul Doogue, Mayor of Carlow Municipal District, added: “Carlow is very proud to welcome Rás Tailteann to the county. We look forward to showcasing not just our roads and scenery, but also the warmth and hospitality of the local community. We would encourage people to come out and support the race and enjoy what promises to be a fantastic weekend for Carlow.”

The launch event was also attended by two well-known figures from the history of the Rás — Mike O'Donoghue, winner of the 1973 Rás Tailteann, and former Assistant Race Director Eddie Dawson. O’Donoghue finished runner-up in 1972 before claiming overall victory in 1973 and securing nine stage wins during his Rás career, while Dawson has been involved with the race for more than five decades as both a rider and organiser.

Baltinglass, Co Wicklow to host Rás Tailteann Stage Four Finish!

Picture: Ronan O'Connor, then riding for Skyline USA, wins the 2025 Shay Elliott atop Glenmalure. Riders in Rás Tailteann 2026 will have approximately 50 kilometres remaining in stage four when they reach the summit - Photographer: Sean Rowe

Cairde Rás Tailteann is delighted to confirm that stage four of the 2026 Rás Tailteann will finish in Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow on Saturday, May 23rd, as the race returns to the Wicklow Mountains for the first time in eight years.

Bringing one of the race’s most important days to a close in the town, the stage is set to be a major moment in the final weekend of the 71st edition of Ireland’s most historic and prestigious stage race.

Having started in Carlow earlier in the day, the riders will take on a 141.6 kilometre route before arriving into Baltinglass for what promises to be one of the most important finishes of the week. The stage will bring the race through Carlow and Wicklow, with a demanding route that could have a major impact on the overall standings. Stage four is set to be one of the toughest days of the 2026 Rás Tailteann, with a series of categorised climbs before the race reaches Baltinglass. Major ascents including Glenmalure and the Wicklow Gap will provide a serious test for the riders, while the final kilometres into Baltinglass are expected to set up a hard-fought finish.

Cairde Rás Tailteann would like to sincerely thank Wicklow County Council, local councillors, Edward Timmins TD, Liam Cullen and all members of Wicklow County Council for their support and assistance in bringing the stage finish to Baltinglass. Thanks are also extended to An Garda Síochána, local volunteers, community groups and everyone assisting with stewarding, traffic management and preparations for the event.

The riders are expected into Baltinglass between approximately 2:00pm and 3:00pm, depending on race speed. Locals and supporters are encouraged to come out, line the streets and give the riders a strong welcome as they complete one of the most challenging stages of the race.

Race Director Ger Campbell said: “Baltinglass is a fantastic setting for such an important stage finish in this year’s Rás Tailteann. This is a major day in the race, with some of the toughest climbing of the week before the riders arrive into the town. The climbs through Wicklow will provide a serious test, and we expect a great atmosphere in Baltinglass as we reach a crucial point in this year’s race.”

Tommy Doyle, stage end organiser, added: “It is a huge honour for Baltinglass to host the finish of such an important stage of Rás Tailteann. There is great excitement locally ahead of the race returning to Wicklow, and we are looking forward to welcoming the riders, teams, officials and supporters to the town. We would encourage everyone to come out and enjoy what promises to be a fantastic day for Baltinglass and the wider area.”

With the Wicklow Mountains expected to play a major role in shaping the final general classification, stage four promises to be one of the defining days of the 2026 Rás Tailteann before the race reaches its conclusion in Dunboyne the following day.