Cycling Ireland to Host Cycle Fest in Dublin Docklands
Cycling Ireland, in partnership with the Lord Mayor of Dublin Ray McAdam and Dublin City Council, has announced Cycle Fest, a vibrant festival of cycling that will take place in the heart of Dublin’s Docklands on Sunday May 17th.
Rounding off National Bike Week which runs from May 9th to 17th, the family friendly festival will offer a full programme of family friendly events around Grand Canal Square.
The programme includes a family and inclusive cycle on the closed city centre streets, a balance bike race for younger participants, and a Brompton folding bike race. Spectators can also enjoy an event village showcasing leading bike brands, interactive activities, free bike stencilling for children, as well as BMX and bike polo demonstrations. Vendors in the village include Orbea, Scott Bikes, Specialized Ireland, Cycle Ways and Decathlon.
The day will also offer visitors the opportunity to witness one of the most exciting formats in road racing.
Cycling Ireland’s Cycle Fest is centred around the National Criterium Championships, with cyclists from across the country descending on the capital to compete on a closed-road circuit through the Dublin Docklands, offering a unique opportunity to experience high-speed racing up close on a spectator-friendly circuit between Hanover Quay and Sir John Rogerson’s Quay in the heart of the city.
A criterium race, often referred to as a ‘crit’, is a short-course road race where riders complete multiple laps at high speed, typically culminating in a dramatic sprint finish. Known for its intensity and spectator appeal, the format is expected to draw strong crowds throughout the day.
A schedule of the day can be found below:
10:15 – Masters Race Start
11:15 – Balance Bike Fun Race
11:30 – Family Cycle, Para Cycling & Inclusive Bikes
12:00 – U12 Boys & Girls Race
12:20 – U14 & U16 Mixed Girls Race
13:00 – Elite Women’s Race
14:20 – Brompton Folding Bike Fun Race
15:00 – U14 Boys Race
15:30 – U16 Boys Race
16:20 – Elite Men’s Race
Click here for registration for the free event.
Lord Mayor of Dublin Ray McAdam, said:
“Cycling is one of the best ways to experience Dublin. It is clean, healthy, accessible and, above all, it allows people to see our city at street level, through its neighbourhoods, along its quays, through its parks and in the heart of its communities.
As Lord Mayor, my theme is Celebrating Dublin, and this festival does exactly that. It celebrates movement, sport, family fun, community spirit and the simple joy of being out in our city together.
I am delighted to join Cycling Ireland in launching this fantastic festival of cycling on May 17th. Free to all, it will bring the excitement of elite racing together with a brilliant programme of family friendly activities. My hope is that young people who come along on the day will not only enjoy the spectacle, but discover a lifelong love of cycling, one that benefits their health, their confidence, their communities and our city.”
Ciarán Cannon, Cycling Ireland President, said:
“Cycle Fest is a brilliant way to showcase cycling at every level. From elite racing to family-friendly activities, this event in the heart of the Dublin Docklands reflects the growing enthusiasm for cycling across Ireland.
It’s a fantastic opportunity to bring communities together, highlight the accessibility of the sport, and celebrate the many ways people can get involved. We’re looking forward to an exciting and memorable day for riders and spectators alike.”