Rás Tailteann Cycle Race 2025

Get ready for a wild spin around the Emerald Isle as the 70th edition of the Rás Tailteann roars out of the traps from May 21st to May 25th, 2025!

Commencing in cycling hotbed Drogheda, Co. Louth, on Wednesday, May 21st, the riders will head west, battling it out all the way to Boyle in scenic Co. Roscommon. But that’s just the beginning.

Stage one covers 155.5Kms from Drogheda – Slane – Kilberry – Kells – Drumbaragh – Ballinlough – Oldcastle – Mountnugent – Kilnaleck – Ballinagh – Crossdoney – Arvagh – Carrigalen – Mohill – Carrick-on-Shannon – Boyle.

Stage two departs from Charlestown, with riders tackling the legendary Windy Gap and Maumtrasna climbs in the longest stage of the 2025 race. After Mayo’s challenging hills, the action then moves to Cong, where breathtaking scenery along the Wild Atlantic Way is ridden side by side by the peloton prior to a frantic sprint finish in Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare.

On the penultimate day, the race leaves Ennis, Co. Clare, to tackle two category three climbs before tackling the vicious category one Wolftrap climb with just 15 km to go. Will the peloton have time to re-group before the action-packed finish in Mountrath, Co. Laois?

The grand finale begins in Kildare Town, speeding over the flat plains of ‘The Lilywhite County’ and into Co. Meath, where the 2025 Rás Tailteann winner will be crowned at the historic Bective finish line.

This year’s event consists of five thrilling stages and over 760 km of racing with 13 categorized climbs. It’s set to be an epic showcase of speed, endurance, and sheer determination.

Save the date for this, and come along and join us in cheering on the riders as they bike through Ireland’s picturesque countryside!

All photos courtesy of Lorraine O’Sullivan, with route map courtesy of Emmet Roche.