A look back at last weekend’s BikeFest in Killarney with dozens of photos by Valerie O’Sullivan

Ireland BikeFest made a welcome return to Killarney after a two-year hiatus last weekend.

In excess of 35,000 visitors passed through the purpose-built Bike Village over the June bank holiday weekend to partake in the festival activities, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the free entertainment. The number of international attendees was up on previous years, with visitors travelling from as far afield as South Africa and the US as well as from right across the UK and mainland Europe.

Over the Blackstone Bridge at Caragh River as Riders enjoying the ride out as part of Ireland BikeFest – the country’s largest, free open motorcycle festival. The Bike Village located on the grounds of The Gleneagle Hotel. Bikers from around the world has descended on Killarney. Ireland BikeFest Killarney is supported by Harley-Davidson® UK & Ireland, The Gleneagle Hotel, Fáilte Ireland, Destination Killarney Ltd., Authorised Harley-Davidson® Dealers and is funded by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Local Live Performance Programming Scheme with support from Kerry County Council. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan/FREE PIC/

“We are delighted to report that Ireland BikeFest 2022 was a resounding success,” said Breffní Ingerton, Chairperson of Ireland BikeFest. “It contributed to a bumper weekend for the whole of Kerry and further afield.”

“We had a fantastic programme of motorcycle events, experiences and tours combined with an outstanding line-up of free entertainment; the friendly, laidback atmosphere of the bike village and the opportunity to get up close and personal with one of the world’s most iconic brands Harley-Davidson® once again proved key to Ireland BikeFest’s success and wide appeal.”

Along Caragh Lake, Glencar. as Riders enjoying the ride out as part of Ireland BikeFest – the country’s largest, free open motorcycle festival. The Bike Village located on the grounds of The Gleneagle Hotel. Bikers from around the world has descended on Killarney. Ireland BikeFest Killarney is supported by Harley-Davidson® UK & Ireland, The Gleneagle Hotel, Fáilte Ireland, Destination Killarney Ltd., Authorised Harley-Davidson® Dealers and is funded by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Local Live Performance Programming Scheme with support from Kerry County Council. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan/FREE PIC/

“Special thanks to all who power Ireland BikeFest Killarney – Harley-Davidson® UK & Ireland, The Gleneagle Hotel, Fáilte Ireland, Destination Killarney Ltd, Waterford Harley-Davidson®, Dublin Harley-Davidson®, Celtic Thunder Chapter Ireland, Gaelic Chapter Ireland, Belfast Chapter Northern Ireland, Ladies of Harley, Wild Atlantic Way, An Garda Síochána Killarney and the local businesses that supported the festival. Special thanks also to the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media’s Local Live Performance Programming Scheme with support from Kerry County Council.”

Save the date for the 15th anniversary Ireland BikeFest 2023 in conjunction with the Harley-Davidson® 120th anniversary celebrations when Ireland will once again welcome all brand riders, enthusiasts and fans from all over the world to come together in Killarney in celebration of motorcycle culture, scheduled for next year’s June bank holiday weekend 2-5 June.

Along Caragh Lake, Glencar, as Riders enjoy the ride out as part of Ireland BikeFest – the country’s largest, free open motorcycle festival. The Bike Village located on the grounds of The Gleneagle Hotel. Bikers from around the world has descended on Killarney. Ireland BikeFest Killarney is supported by Harley-Davidson® UK & Ireland, The Gleneagle Hotel, Fáilte Ireland, Destination Killarney Ltd., Authorised Harley-Davidson® Dealers and is funded by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Local Live Performance Programming Scheme with support from Kerry County Council. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan/FREE PIC/

Ireland BikeFest Killarney is supported by Harley-Davidson® UK & Ireland, The Gleneagle Hotel, Fáilte Ireland, Destination Killarney Ltd., Authorised Harley-Davidson® Dealers and is funded by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Local Live Performance Programming Scheme with support from Kerry County Council.