Success of Killarney Tour of the Classics sparks 2027 plans
MOTORSPORT BY Sean Moriarty
The 2026 Killarney Tour of the Classics concluded on Saturday, with organisers immediately shifting focus to next year’s event due to the success of this weekend’s run.
The tour allowed rally competitors, former competitors, and enthusiasts to drive 210.26 kilometres of classic southwestern rally stages at a leisurely pace. The non-competitive event ran without timing, with cars dispatched at one-minute intervals in a mixed order of makes and models to celebrate the history of the roads.
By utilising an open-road touring format, the event bypassed the modern stage-rallying logistical issues of massive service parks and refuelling areas, allowing participants to access iconic stages that are now difficult to include in standard timed rallies.
The route took in four classic stages across the region, deliberately omitting sections like Ardgroom to ensure no inconvenience to local residents on the open roads.
Following the positive reception to the event, event officials Mike Marshall, Cian Murphy, and Michael O’Mahoney have confirmed that plans are already underway for the follow-up. The final page of this year’s official road book revealed that the 2027 tour is set to return to Moll’s Gap, alongside planned visits to Caragh Lake and Ballaghbeama. Full details will be released as planning progresses.
Just as newspapers and magazines are paid for, digital editorial content will also have to be paid for.
Please subscribe and help us keep this machine running!
It’s only €50 per year – subscribe now
Subscribe to get access
Read more of this content when you subscribe today.
Kerry Motorsport News 