BIKEFEST ROLLS INTO KILLARNEY
OVER 40,000 ATTEND THE THREE-DAY SHOWCASE
THE SUN came out and the Harleys were gleaming, as were the Royal Enfields, Triumphs, Hondas and more as the eighth edition of Ireland Bikefest rolled into Killarney.
It’s a tried and tested formula with outdoor and indoor stages, custom bike shows, ride-outs, trading areas and more and bike fans gave the thumbs up in even bigger numbers this year with over 40,000 visitors estimated to have attended over the three-day showcase.
“It’s a free event so numbers aren’t exact but we estimate over 40,000 turned up as the weather was a big help too,” Gleneagle Group MD Patrick O’Donoghue said afterwards.
“It’s probably our biggest Bikefest to date and, in addition to the Harley Owners Group (HOG), this year we had Fáilte Ireland on board to promote the Wild Atlantic Way which was a big factor in its success. We had bikers from across Ireland, the UK, mainland Europe and Scandanavia, as well as several US visitors who were returning, so we’re already planning ahead for the ninth Ireland Bikefest,” Mr O’Donoghue added.
Three stages over the three days featured bike-friendly acts including The Unusual Suspects, Sin Iad, The Waxies, Audio Circus, Deuces Wild, Straight From The Crate and an impressive set from Waterford based band KODAKID, while DJ Donal made sure the music ticked over.
Also performing were Na Buachaillí Dána, AC/DC cover band Hells Bells, Children of The Son and The Guns N’ Roses Experience who wrapped up proceedings with a blistering performance on the main stage.
It was a family event too with a helter skelter, merry go rounds and other child friendly activities proving increasingly popular.
Biking regalia was available in a range of stalls, there were custom bike shows, Harley demo rides and ride-outs across the county to help promote The Wild Atlantic Way making the event a winner for Kerry tourism.
Meanwhile, Muscular Distrophy Ireland were the big winners too as over 6,000 tickets were sold for the cause thanks to a Harley Davidson being up for grabs - it was eventually won by a lucky County Clare biker. Sunday’s 11am bike parade through Killarney was also in aid of the charity which raised close to €30,000 as a result.
Elsewhere in The Gleneagle, The second Kerry International Tatoo Convention proved a hit with tatooists working overtime to meet demand.