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, bike skills, 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.
Countdown Events – May
1st, 2nd & 3rd May
Learn To Cycle – The Watershed
Discover the joy of cycling with Cycling Ireland’s expert coaches! From balance bikes to adaptive models, our sessions cater to all ages and abilities. Join us in a safe, inclusive environment to enhance coordination skills while having a blast. Book your spot now! Click the link to reserve your place.
● 4 to 5pm – Children aged 5 to 7 years +
● 5 to 6pm – Children aged 8 years +
● 2.45pm to 3.45pm – Adults with additional support needs.
2024 KRSP Learn To Cycle Programmes Bike Week | Kilkenny Recreation & Sports Partnership
8th May
Bike Breakfast for Workplaces – Location: TBC from 8am – 10:30am
Join us to discuss how you can encourage employees to embrace cycling. Learn more about the BOLT bike scheme for employers. Breakfast and morning coffee to kickstart your day!
11th May
Pop-Up Bike Maintenance – The Market, The Parade from 10am – 2pm
Ensure your safety on the road with our essential bike maintenance tips and M-Check guide. Learn how to keep your bike in top condition and perform quick safety checks before each ride.
Introduction to Mountain Biking – Castlecomer Discovery Park from 10am – 11:30am
Discover mountain biking with our 1.5-hour beginner session at Castlecomer Discovery Park. We provide bikes and helmets. Learn bike basics in a gravel area, then hit beginner trails with guided supervision. Join us for an adventure!
Maintenance Workshop – Market Cross Shopping Centre from 1pm – 3pm
Join our hands on class to master bike maintenance and repairs in association with trailbikebody.ie. Anyone aged 16+.
FREE TRIPS ON Bolt Bikes
Kilkenny County Council, in partnership with Bolt, will provide discount codes that will allow new or existing users to take up to two 20-minute journeys on the 11th of May.
12th May
Kilkenny Historic Cycle Tour – Sullivan’s Tap Room from 2pm – 3pm
Come and take a spin through historic Kilkenny with a brilliant tour guide filling you with great information! Suitability: Adults or teenagers who are comfortable cycling. For more information, click this link.
FREE TRIPS ON Bolt Bikes
Kilkenny County Council, in partnership with Bolt, will provide discount codes that will allow new or existing users to take up to two 20-minute journeys on the 12th of May.
Mondays starting from 13th May – 3rd June
Women On Wheels – TJ Reid’s, Cillín Hill @ 7pm
Women on Wheels is a programme aimed at beginner women where cyclists are brought through the various skills and techniques involved in cycling. The focus of the programme is on learning and meeting new people with the group cycle a prominent feature. The programme will be 4 weeks in length, with a celebratory spin for the group to finish. Depending on group ability this could be anything between 20k – 50/60k.
14th May
Basic Bike Maintenance Workshop – Sullivan’s Tap Room from 7pm – 8pm
Join our hands-on workshop for an introduction to bike maintenance and repair, perfect for beginners with no prior knowledge. Learn essential skills such as fixing punctures (tubeless and tubed), repairing chains, basic brake bleeds, and more. Our aim is for you to leave feeling confident in basic bike repairs and maintenance to keep you rolling smoothly. All materials are provided for a hands-on experience. For more information, click this link.
Tuesdays starting from 14th May – 11th June
Bike For Life Level One (Adults course) – County Hall @ 11am
Join our 5-week course perfect for those needing to brush up on cycling skills, recovering from injury or illness, or feeling nervous about road cycling. Booking required. Click the link to reserve your spot.
BOLT The Very Basics – Loughboy Library @ 11am
Join our hands-on workshop for an introduction to bike maintenance and repair, perfect for beginners with no prior knowledge. Learn essential skills such as fixing punctures (tubeless and tubed), repairing chains, basic brake bleeds, and more. Our aim is for you to leave feeling confident in basic bike repairs and maintenance to keep you rolling smoothly. All materials are provided for a hands-on experience. For more information, click this link.
16th May
Pop-up Bike Maintenance – The Market, The Parade from 10am – 2pm
Ensure your safety on the road with our essential bike maintenance tips and M-Check guide. Learn how to keep your bike in top condition and perform quick safety checks before each ride.
17th May
Introduction to Cycling – Castlecomer Discovery Park from 6pm – 7:30pm
Introducing cycling for absolute beginners! Our session offers a supportive environment with gravel paths at Castlecomer Discovery Park. With bikes and helmets provided, you’ll receive instruction on bike operation, safety, and comfort. Then, enjoy a leisurely ride around the park’s gentle paths. Join us for a 1.5-hour introduction to cycling!
18th May
Introduction to Mountain Biking – Castlecomer Discovery Park from 1:30pm – 3pm
Discover mountain biking with our 1.5-hour beginner session at Castlecomer Discovery Park. We provide bikes and helmets. Learn bike basics in a gravel area, then hit beginner trails with guided supervision. Join us for an adventure!
19th May
Basic Bike Maintenance Workshop – Castlecomer Discovery Park from 1:30pm – 4:30pm
Join our hands on class to master bike maintenance and repairs in association with trailbikebody.ie Anyone aged 16+.
24th May
Wild Flower Cafe Cycling Conversation – Butler Gallery @ 11:30am
Join us for coffee and conversations, reflecting on Bike Week and planning for the future. Connect with fellow cyclists and share your experiences and ideas in a relaxed atmosphere.
Look out for…
Kilkenny Library Services Events
Exciting news! Kilkenny Library Services has a lineup of events for Bike Week, with details to be announced in the coming days. Stay tuned for more information on the exciting activities planned!
Look out for…
Our School Programmes
Join us for mountain bike sessions at our pop-up course in County Hall off Johns St throughout Bike Week. Contact us for more information, especially if you’re interested in organising sessions for your school. Let’s ride!
Please keep an eye on our social @cycle_kilkenny @kilkennycoco. Events are free but may require booking.
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 via the Link My Ride App.
City Laneways Cycle
The Parade @ 6pm, finishing at Bridie’s Bar
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 the Pembroke Hotel. Suitable for all riders.
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! Full list of events coming soon.
CYCLING
9:15am – Moth Trap Reveal
Depart County Hall and cycle to Dunmore Biodiversity Park for the Moth Trap Reveal.
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 BikeFest celebrations.
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.
2pm and 3pm E-Bike Spin with Jason*
Trial an E-Bike on some nice off-road routes, cycle through the streets of Kilkenny and enjoy an E-Bike tour with Jason, our knowledgeable tour guide and owner of Kilkenny Cycle Tours.
3pm – 4pm Grass Track Bike Racing
Races will run for all age groups, from balance bike riders to thrill-seeking mountain bikers. Levels for all ages and abilities, come and have a go.
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.
WELLBEING
11:30am, 12:30pm & 1:30pm – Wild Adventure Days Walks
Join Wild Adventure Days for a nature walk along the banks of the River Nore, discover and learn more of nature’s secrets.
1:30pm – 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.
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.
