Great pictures from this week’s Great Gathering
The sun shines as 50,000 bikers break records
Over 50,000 people headed to Killarney in south west Ireland last weekend for Ireland Bikefest, the largest free motorcycle gathering to grace the Emerald Isle. Now in its 12th year, it featured a packed programme of events over the three days, including the HarleyDavidson Experiential Zone, demo rides, a custom bike show, live bands, great food and a familyfriendly atmosphere. “Ireland BikeFest is a fantastic way to meet other bikers,” says BMW 650 rider Emma Philips, who lives in Killarney. “I was here for year one and have been to every festival since. Every year we make new friends.”
One of the festival’s highlights was the BikeFest parade. The fund-raising rideout saw 1500 bikes thunder through the town centre. The local community really get behind this charity run, which this year is expected to raise in excess of €10,000 for Muscular Dystrophy Ireland. For those who wanted to explore further afield there were daily rideouts to take in incredible scenery of the Wild Atlantic Way. Breffni Ingerton, General Manager of the Killarney Convention Centre and organiser of Ireland Bikefest, told MCN. “The sun is shining and there’s an amazing atmosphere. Although BikeFest is run in partnership with Harley-Davidson, a key sponsor of the event along with Fáilte Ireland and Destination Killarney, all makes and models are welcome.” Pauline Lucas hosts the Ladies of Harley event, designed to get more women riding bikes. “So many women want to ride now, so we try to help them get started.”
“It’s a brilliant festival,” said Barry Littleford from Birmingham. “They’ve got the combination of entertainment and ambiance just right. What a great event.”
‘Balance of bikes and atmosphere is always spot on’