2025 Rás Tailteann To Start In Drogheda

Louth County Council will sponsor the opening stage of this year’s Rás Tailteann Cycle Race, which gets underway in Drogheda on Wednesday, 21st May.

Now in its 70th edition, the Rás will take place across five days, winding its way from County Louth to County Roscommon across five stages and 760km of Irish countryside before ending in Bective, County Meath on Sunday, 25th May.

With a total of 145 riders from 29 teams representing Ireland, the UK, USA, Germany, the Isle of Man, Mexico, and beyond, Rás Tailteann promises top-level competition and an unforgettable atmosphere.

The build-up to the race begins at 8:30am on Wednesday, when the public is invited to meet the riders and teams and soak up the pre-race buzz at St Nicholas GAA on Rathmullan Road.

The peloton will leave at 11:20am before the official ceremonial start on West Street at 11:30am. From there, the riders will head out the Donore Road, turn right at Frank’s Country Cottage, then left along the canal and over the Obelisk Bridge. The racing proper begins on the main Slane Road, where the journey to the first finish line in Boyle begins.

“Rás Tailteann provides a brilliant opportunity to welcome people from near and far to experience Drogheda’s hospitality and to showcase the many visitor sites around the town and area,” said Thomas McEvoy, Director of Services, Louth County Council.

“Events like this bring a real buzz to the area and provide a welcome boost for local businesses, especially in tourism and hospitality. We’re proud to play our part in making it a memorable occasion for everyone involved.”

Cllr Paddy McQuillan, Mayor of Drogheda, said: “It’s a special thing to welcome an international event of this scale to Drogheda, and it would be great to see as many people as possible coming out to give these cyclists a send-off they’ll never forget.”

Four of the six members of the Rás promotions group hail from Drogheda, while local cyclist Kevin Leech will also take part, making it a true homecoming for one of Ireland’s most iconic races.

“Bringing the Rás back to our home town means a huge amount to all of us involved,” said Race Director Ger Campbell.

For more information on Rás Tailteann, visit www.rastailteann.com