Schedule of Events

Bike Week runs from Friday 8 May to Sunday 17 May 2026. A wide range of free cycling events are taking place across Kilkenny for children, adults, schools, workplaces and communities.

Contact

Email: activetravel@kilkennycoco.ie

Download Bike Week 2026 Event Schedule 

---

Friday 8 May

Critical Mass School Cycle

• Time: 11:00am
• Location: Kilkenny City

Primary schools across Kilkenny City are invited to join a Critical Mass cycle to officially launch Bike Week. The group meets at The Parade at 11:00am and returns to Canal Square at 12:00pm.

---

Sunday 10 May

Bike Fest at Junior Parkrun

• Time: 9:45am to 11:45am
• Location: Kilkenny Countryside Park

A Bike Fest for all ages immediately after Junior Parkrun. Activities include grass track racing and fun cycling challenges. Bikes are provided.

Brompton Meet Up

• Time: 12:00pm to 2:00pm
• Meeting Point: The Parade, Kilkenny City

A guided group cycle for Brompton bike enthusiasts with local guide Charlie. The ride finishes with refreshments at Sullivan’s Brewery.

Booking: Contact Charlie on 087 632 1007. Supported by Cycling Ireland.

Intro to Mountain Biking

• Location: Castlecomer Discovery Park
• Adults: 12:30pm – 1:30pm (bike and helmet provided)
• Teens (12–17): 1:30pm – 2:30pm (bike and helmet provided)
• Children (7–11): 2:30pm – 3:30pm (own bike required)

A free introduction to trail riding for all ages.

---

Monday 11 May

River Barrow Cycle with the Brandon Belles

• Time: 11:00am
• Location: The Waterside, Graiguenamanagh

A relaxed riverside cycle for women of all ages with local guide Brian Roberts. Bikes are available on request and refreshments are provided.

Contact:graigwomensshed@gmail.com

---

Tuesday 12 – Thursday 14 May

Pop-Up Mountain Biking and Grass Track Racing for Schools

County Hall is transformed into a mountain biking and grass track racing venue. Local schools are invited to take part in coached sessions throughout the week. These sessions are supported by Cycling Ireland.

---

Friday 15 May

Shorts & Shades City Cycle

• Time: 7:00pm
• Location: Kilkenny City

A fun, relaxed summer evening cycle organised by Kilkenny Cycling Campaign. Dress for summer with bright colours, shorts, shades and good vibes. The cycle finishes with refreshments.

---

Saturday 16 May

Bike Fest for Kids

• Time: 12:00pm to 3:00pm
• Location: Ferrybank Neighbourhood Park

A free Bike Fest for children of all ages with grass track courses and fun challenges. Bikes are provided.

---

Sunday 17 May

Slow Roll and Bike Fest

• Slow Roll: Meet at The Parade at 11:00am
• Bike Fest: County Hall, 12:00pm to 3:00pm

A family-friendly Slow Roll cycle through Kilkenny City, followed by a Bike Fest at County Hall with mountain biking, grass track racing, obstacle courses and learn-to-cycle activities. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Spin for Your Bling – Virtual Cycling Challenge

A free virtual cycling challenge for all abilities. Complete 40km by 17 May, either in one ride or over multiple rides, using any cycling app.

Register for Spin for Your Bling

---

Events Throughout Bike Week

Community Bike Rides

Social group rides led by trained volunteer Ride Leaders. Open to adults aged 18 and over. Each ride has a maximum of 10 participants.

Join via the Cyql app: Join Community Bike Ride Club

In Schools

• Bike maintenance clinics
• Bike hubs in secondary schools
• Escorted cycles in primary schools
• Bike Week in a Box – Teacher’s Toolkit

In Workplaces

• Workplace cycles
• Bike repair days
• Local bike shop showcases

Organisations can join the Smarter Travel programme for ongoing support: Transport for Ireland – Smarter Travel