{"id":10326,"date":"2026-03-31T10:43:11","date_gmt":"2026-03-31T09:43:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/gb\/?p=10326"},"modified":"2026-03-31T10:43:11","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T09:43:11","slug":"what-to-look-forward-to-at-ireland-bikefest-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/gb\/what-to-look-forward-to-at-ireland-bikefest-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"What to look forward to at Ireland BikeFest 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"intro wp-block-paragraph\">Celebrating two decades of the iconic calendar highlight with exclusive Ireland BikeFest offers for H.O.G. members<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Words by Wendy Brooking<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each year, the emerald green fields of Killarney, Ireland, roar to life with the reverberations of motorcycle engines as riders descend on the otherwise quiet and idyllic tourist spot. This is the sound of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.irelandbikefest.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Ireland BikeFest<\/a> which, in 2026, is celebrating 20 years of bringing bikers together in the heart of County Kerry for an unforgettable weekend. Its reputation extends far beyond the British Isles, attracting riders and Harley Owners Group<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> members from more than 30 countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" hcb-fetch-image-from=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/1176129207?share=copy&amp;fl=sv&amp;fe=ci\" title=\"Ireland BikeFest 2026\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/1176129207?dnt=1&amp;app_id=122963\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The birth of Ireland BikeFest<\/strong><br>While this festival is open to all marques, Harley-Davidson has shared close ties to the event since its inception. Back in 2006, Killarney played host to the European H.O.G. Rally. Overnight, the town was filled with thousands of motorcycles and a whole new atmosphere. \u201cThe sound of the bikes, the colour, the camaraderie \u2013 it was electric,\u201d recalls Festival Director Patrick O\u2019Donoghue. \u201cTo be honest, at the start the town didn\u2019t quite know what to expect, but it didn\u2019t take long for people to realise something special was happening.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe riders were fantastic visitors, the energy was incredible and the whole town got swept up in it,\u201d he continues. \u201cBy the time the weekend was drawing to a close, the conversation had already shifted from, \u2018Well, that was something\u2019 to, \u2018How do we get them back?\u2019 As I often say, Killarney didn\u2019t just host the bikers that weekend, we fell for them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first Ireland BikeFest was held the following year. Today, every kind of motorcycle imaginable can be spotted joining the celebration, from adventure bikes and tourers to caf\u00e9 racers. \u201cThat\u2019s the beauty of it,\u201d smiles Patrick. \u201cIt\u2019s grown into a gathering for bikers of every kind and, 20 years on, that same feeling is still there every time the bikes roll into Killarney.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>BikeFest Village<\/strong><br>While Ireland BikeFest takes place at the very edge of Europe \u2013 next stop US to the west! \u2013 its out-of-the-way location has become part of the appeal. For many riders, it\u2019s a proper adventure, with the opportunity to travel and explore on the way, so by the time they arrive it\u2019s already a great trip. \u201cWhen you reach the south-west of Ireland, the riding only gets better,\u201d Patrick reveals. \u201cWithin a short distance you have some of the most spectacular routes anywhere in the world \u2013 the Ring of Kerry, Beara Peninsula and miles of the Wild Atlantic Way. And, at the end of each day, you roll back into Killarney, which is buzzing with bikes, music and stories from the road.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the heart of the event is BikeFest Village at Gleneagle, packed with traders, food stalls, music, the custom bike show and the starting point for demo rides. This year, Kenny and Ben from HOG-POD will be broadcasting live from the Gleneagle Arena, bringing the atmosphere of the event to listeners around the world. The weekend is rounded off with a spectacular parade on the Sunday, as thousands of riders take to the road together, cheered on by locals lining the streets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"732\" src=\"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/gb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ireland-BikeFest-Killarney-2025_Dialogue-13-1024x732.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10322\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/gb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ireland-BikeFest-Killarney-2025_Dialogue-13-1024x732.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/gb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ireland-BikeFest-Killarney-2025_Dialogue-13-300x214.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/gb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ireland-BikeFest-Killarney-2025_Dialogue-13-768x549.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/gb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ireland-BikeFest-Killarney-2025_Dialogue-13-1536x1097.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/gb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ireland-BikeFest-Killarney-2025_Dialogue-13.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"732\" src=\"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/gb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ireland-BikeFest-Killarney-2025_Dialogue-25-1024x732.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10323\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/gb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ireland-BikeFest-Killarney-2025_Dialogue-25-1024x732.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/gb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ireland-BikeFest-Killarney-2025_Dialogue-25-300x214.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/gb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ireland-BikeFest-Killarney-2025_Dialogue-25-768x549.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/gb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ireland-BikeFest-Killarney-2025_Dialogue-25.jpg 1184w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>H.O.G. presence<\/strong><br>Both Celtic Thunder Chapter and Gaelic Chapter support the rally and assist in the weekend\u2019s activities, from demo rides and traffic control for the parade, to setting up the bike show and taking ride-out registrations. Celtic Thunder Chapter plans and leads the first ride-out on the Friday, taking riders on a tour to Carragh Lake and back. Then, on the Saturday, they ride the Ring of Kerry, taking in its famously spectacular scenery. Meanwhile, Gaelic Chapter helps out with the demo rides on the Friday and leads a ride-out to Dingle on the Saturday, which includes the Conor Pass, Slea Head and Inch Beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe majority of the chapter will be there; it\u2019s a solid fixture in our calendar,\u201d says Celtic Thunder\u2019s Chapter Director, John Power. \u201cThere\u2019s a genuine appreciation for bike riders in Killarney and a mutual respect. The locals come and enjoy the free entertainment in the festival village and the streets are filled for the parade. We always get a warm reception for BikeFest.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Robert Miller, Gaelic Chapter\u2019s director, concurs: \u201cWe\u2019re always made to feel welcome and so many line the streets for the parade, which shows great community spirit. I\u2019m also looking forward to catching up with friends and family, while listening to the music outside the Harley Bar.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A H.O.G. member exclusive<\/strong><br>For the 2026 edition, H.O.G. members can enjoy the option of a private space, offering an escape from the throng of the crowds. \u201cH.O.G. members will have a number of dedicated experiences during the weekend,\u201d reveals Valerie Steinbeck, marketing director of Ireland BikeFest. \u201cTo mark 20 years since the European H.O.G. Rally that started it all, we\u2019re celebrating \u2018The First Crew\u2019 \u2013 the riders and chapter members who travelled to the original rally and helped spark Ireland BikeFest. Many of those riders are returning this year and will receive a special \u2018First Crew\u2019 commemorative flag to mark the anniversary and their role in the story of the event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe\u2019re also introducing \u2018The Iron Lady\u2019 \u2013 the H.O.G. members\u2019 VIP area, open exclusively to members on presentation of their card,\u201d she adds. \u201cIt will give H.O.G. riders a dedicated place to gather, relax and meet fellow chapter members at the heart of the festival. The name is a nod to Harley-Davidson\u2019s legendary iron engines, plus the strength and loyalty of the community that has helped to shape Ireland BikeFest from the very beginning.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chapters taking part in the parade this year can also collect a special commemorative flag featuring their chapter name. This can be arranged and collected by the chapter director or a nominated member.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Riding route highlights<\/strong><br>There are some famous roads in the surrounding area \u2013 here are Patrick\u2019s recommendations\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Moll\u2019s Gap: gives you incredible views as you climb through the mountains.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Caragh Lake: a beautiful, peaceful stretch, perfect for a relaxed ride.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ballaghbeama Gap or Ballaghisheen Pass: more adventurous passes which really feel like you\u2019ve discovered something hidden in the mountains.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Conor Pass: always unforgettable \u2013 it\u2019s one of the highest mountain passes in Ireland and the views over the peninsula are something every rider should experience at least once.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThat\u2019s the beauty of this part of the world. You can set out from Killarney in almost any direction and within half an hour you\u2019ll find yourself on a road that feels like it was made for motorcycling,\u201d he concludes. \u201cFor 20 years, Ireland BikeFest has been bringing people together through a shared love of riding. What makes us proudest is that riders keep coming back. They return for the roads, for the music, for the people and for the welcome. And, if you\u2019ve never been before, my advice is simple: <em>put Killarney on your riding list.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"732\" data-id=\"10320\" src=\"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/gb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ireland-BikeFest-Killarney-2025_Dialogue-3-1024x732.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10320\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/gb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ireland-BikeFest-Killarney-2025_Dialogue-3-1024x732.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/gb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ireland-BikeFest-Killarney-2025_Dialogue-3-300x214.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/gb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ireland-BikeFest-Killarney-2025_Dialogue-3-768x549.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/gb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ireland-BikeFest-Killarney-2025_Dialogue-3-1536x1097.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/gb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ireland-BikeFest-Killarney-2025_Dialogue-3.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"732\" data-id=\"10324\" src=\"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/gb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ireland-BikeFest-Killarney-2025_Dialogue-36-1024x732.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10324\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/gb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ireland-BikeFest-Killarney-2025_Dialogue-36-1024x732.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/gb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ireland-BikeFest-Killarney-2025_Dialogue-36-300x214.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/gb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ireland-BikeFest-Killarney-2025_Dialogue-36-768x549.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/gb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ireland-BikeFest-Killarney-2025_Dialogue-36-1536x1097.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/gb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ireland-BikeFest-Killarney-2025_Dialogue-36.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"732\" data-id=\"10321\" src=\"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/gb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ireland-BikeFest-Killarney-2025_Dialogue-8-1024x732.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10321\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/gb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ireland-BikeFest-Killarney-2025_Dialogue-8-1024x732.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/gb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ireland-BikeFest-Killarney-2025_Dialogue-8-300x214.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/gb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ireland-BikeFest-Killarney-2025_Dialogue-8-768x549.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/gb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ireland-BikeFest-Killarney-2025_Dialogue-8-1536x1097.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/gb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ireland-BikeFest-Killarney-2025_Dialogue-8.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"731\" data-id=\"10325\" src=\"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/gb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ireland-BikeFest-Killarney-2025_Dialogue-37-1024x731.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10325\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/gb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ireland-BikeFest-Killarney-2025_Dialogue-37-1024x731.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/gb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ireland-BikeFest-Killarney-2025_Dialogue-37-300x214.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/gb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ireland-BikeFest-Killarney-2025_Dialogue-37-768x548.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/gb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ireland-BikeFest-Killarney-2025_Dialogue-37-1536x1096.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/gb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ireland-BikeFest-Killarney-2025_Dialogue-37.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Celebrating two decades of the iconic calendar highlight with exclusive Ireland BikeFest offers for H.O.G. members.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":10319,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[10],"class_list":["post-10326","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-stories","tag-riding"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10326","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10326"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10326\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10330,"href":"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10326\/revisions\/10330"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10319"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10326"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10326"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10326"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}