Offaly prepares for Bike Week 2026 with packed programme

A wide range of events will take place across Offaly for Bike Week 2026, which runs from Saturday, May 9, to Sunday, May 17.

The highlight of the week is the fourth annual Grand Canal Greenway Cycle Relay, organised by Offaly Sports Partnership.

The 65km relay will take place on Wednesday, May 9, along the Greenway from George’s Bridge in Edenderry to Shannonharbour.

The event is split into seven stages throughout the day. The first group will leave George’s Bridge at 9:30am, with cyclists joining and finishing at different points along the route as the relay moves through Rhode, Daingean, Tullamore, Rahan, Pollagh and Ferbane before finishing in Shannonharbour at 3:45pm.

Refreshments will be available at several along the route, including Cappincur, Pollagh and Shannonharbour. Participants must pre-book by Wednesday, May 6, through Eventbrite. Ride leaders will be present to support families and less experienced cyclists, and a limited number of bikes will be available to hire.

In addition to the relay, Offaly Sports Partnership is working with Cycling Ireland to provide a “Bike Week in a Box” toolkit for primary schools from May 11 to May 15.

On Tuesday, May 12, a cycling session for people with additional needs will run from 10am to 1pm. Later that day, the Offaly Traveller Movement will host a youth cycle event from 4pm to 6pm.

The purpose of Bike Week to encourage new, occasional, and seasoned cyclists to make cycling part of their lifestyle.

For more information, go to: https://www.transportforireland.ie/getting-around/by-bicycle/bikeweek/