Kilkenny BikeFest returns this year bigger than before on the 18th & 19th of May 2024! Growing to a multi-discipline festival, there are more things to experience, leisure cycles, test bikes, sustainability talks, bike maintenance, food, music and so much more!
Cycling Ireland and Kilkenny County Council have teamed up for this free action-packed, fun-fueled programme of events and activities, for the passionate and casual pedalers of all abilities with Sunday festival supplying activities that the whole family can enjoy together. The festival allure can best be described by broad smiles and good humour as everyone soaks up the atmosphere in and around Kilkenny.
Don’t miss our May Countdown Events – Click here to view the full list
*Booking is required on some events.
Saturday 18th May
LEISURE CYCLES
6 Bridges Cycle*
The Parade @11.30am
Embark on an easy 20k social spin suitable for riders of all levels guided by Community Bike Ride Leaders. We’ll journey through the streets of Kilkenny, traversing its six iconic bridges and soaking in the mediaeval city’s sights. The ride starts and finishes at the Parade, where we’ll indulge in some coffee and scones at the local market.
Specialized Ireland demo fleet of hybrid city e-bikes available to the first 12 individuals who book their spots. Please remember to bring a photo ID on the day to avail of this.
Secure your spot! Book Here or book your place on the Link My Ride App.
BOOK one of 12 Specialized city ebikes.
City Laneways Cycle*
Starts at The Parade @6pm and ends in Billy Byrnes
Discover hidden cycle routes in City Laneways, uncovering secret paths amidst the urban bustle. Hear tales of recent cycling adventures, from sunny road trips to the French Alps. Join us at The Parade, ending at Billy Byrnes. Suitable for all riders. Following the cycle, Stephen Murphy, elite endurance athlete, Nikki Taggart, a life coach and former track cyclist and Larry Cotter, touring cyclist, will share their stories. Secure your spot! Book Here.
Stephen Murphy, an Endurance Cyclist – Ultra Runner – Trail Runner – Ironman, from Co. Kilkenny, clinched victory at the Connemara 100 Mile road race in September 2023, completing the nonstop 163km distance in 13hrs 32mins (5:01/km). Stephen completed a solo, self-supported 3,700km cycle around the coast of Ireland, raising funds for local charities. He conquered a 450km bike race to London, completed a 10hr 30min Ironman triathlon, secured a top 10 finish in the 200km Kerry Way Ultra, and seized 4th place in the Mondello 24hr race last year. Later in September, he will take on the grueling Spartathlon, an ultra-marathons, covering a non-stop 250km route from Athens to Sparta, Greece, amidst temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees.
Nikki Taggart, a Chartered Work and Organisational Psychologist specialises in leadership development, culture change and workplace wellbeing. Her passion lies in enabling leaders to create inclusive workplace cultures that unlock the collective potential of individual employees. Her talk will focus on the ups and downs of competitive sport across different stages of life and work.
Larry Cotter is a passionate secondary school English teacher in Kilkenny and an avid cyclist who has established one of the first school bike hubs in Ireland in St. Kieran’s College. Earlier this year, Larry’s students built an adapted bike for a local disability service. Larry passes on his passion for cycling to students in the school and has introduced Cycle Champions and cycle training within the school curriculum. Larry will also share his experiences of touring cycles, including King Alfred’s Way in the UK and a trip to Bonn last summer.
Sunday 19th May
BIKEFEST FAMILY DAY
Kilkenny County Hall will be transformed into a cycling haven and a celebration of sustainability. For people of all abilities and ages. So don’t let the kids have all the fun!
*Booking is required on some events. For events requiring booking Click Here
CYCLING
9.15am – Moth Trap Reveal
Embark from County Hall and enjoy a scenic cycle to Dunmore Biodiversity Park for the eagerly awaited Moth Trap Unveiling. Kilkenny’s newest park is located just 5km north of Kilkenny City.
12pm – 1pm Slow Roll – Weird and wonderful bikes are welcome!
Our Slow Roll will open Bike Fest, a leisurely cycle for all departing from County Hall, through the city streets. Ring your bell, chit chat and enjoy the experience! Bring along your weird and wonderful bikes to share the joy! Return to County Hall to join in the Bike Fest celebrations. Suitable for all ages!
1pm – 3pm Mountain Biking Tasters and Coaching
Enjoy the ups and downs of a Mountain bike track while developing your technical biking skills. A selection of bikes will be available for use on the day.
1pm – 3pm Mini Obstacle Course
The obstacle course will be available all day, test your skill on the slalom course, bike limbo and snakes.
1pm and 2.30pm Cycling Stunts Workshop
Your opportunity to get familiar with cycling tricks, and coaches on hands to demonstrate and teach wheelies, bunny hops, & Endos.
1pm – 4pm BOLT E-Bike Display and Demo
E-bikes will transform your daily commute, try out for FREE.
1.30pm – 3.30pm Learn to Cycle / Balance Bike Games / Scooter Fun
This is an ideal opportunity for children moving from a balance bike or stabilisers. Learn to cycle with Cycling Ireland coaches through fun and games! Balance bikes are small, pedal-free bikes that are taking over from training wheels! This track gives your child a safe place to train, have fun and further develop their coordination skills.
3pm E-Bike Spin W/ Jason*
Trial an E-Bike through the streets of Kilkenny visiting all of the main tourist attractions as well as some hidden gems with Kilkenny Cycle Tours.
3pm – 4pm Grass Track Bike Racing
Races will run for all age groups and abilities, from balance bike riders to thrill-seeking mountain bikers.
3pm Get back on your bike – Cycle With Confidence*
Embark on a delightful spin along the serene canal, where you can explore the joys of cycling at any age while building confidence in a secure environment.
OTHER FUN ACTIVITIES
11.30, 12.30 and 1.30pm
Join Wild Adventure Ways for a nature walk along the banks of the River Nore, discover and learn more of nature’s secrets.
1pm – 1.30pm The Wobbly Circus Show
Prepare for the unexpected and prepare to be involved with the new circus show! For children of all ages!
1.30pm to 2.30pm – Wellness Circle with Jennifer Van Uffelen*
Step into a warmly welcoming space. Connect with your breath, unwind amidst the beauty of nature, and delve into guided meditation.
1.30pm – 2.15pm, 3pm – 3.45pm Drumming with Rhythm Makers
An easy and fun way to express your inner creativity. Explore the different elements used in active music-making using pulse, tempo, and tones on prepared instruments and also homemade instruments. Learn about basic composition and arranging rhythms into finished pieces.
2pm – 3.20pm The Wobbly Circus Workshop, 7 years +
A circus skills workshops for all ages: Juggling, Tightwire, Hat Manipulation, Plate Spinning, Diabolo, Flowersticks, Hula Hoops and more …
ALL DAY ACTIVITIES
Watt Bike Challenge
How much power can you generate on a watt bike? How long can you balance your bike for the track stand? How many bottles can you pick up while staying upright? Where will you place on our leaderboard of challenges?
Bike Maintenance Workshop
Learn all about maintaining your bike including tyre pressure, puncture repair and adjusting brakes with Ian Bergin from The Kilkenny Cycle Clinic.
