Over the next few days leading up to this years June Bank Holiday weekend one will notice a host of festivals and events taking place nationwide that all provide a variety of entertainment and fun days out for families and people of all interests. From Bloom to the Cat Laughs and everything in between there is something for everyone to savour in the many festivals currently starting this bank holiday weekend. Whilst Dublin’s garden festival Bloom and Kilkenny comedy festival The Cat Laughs are festivals high on many peoples list, one festival also happening this weekend that mightn’t score so high but one which is just as worthy to note would be Ireland’s BikeFest taking place in in the beautiful surroundings of Killarney.
Starting from the 30th May and running till Monday the 2nd June, the festival is Ireland’s largest free open biker festival; an international festival dedicated to bringing motorcycle industry experts, bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts who make the trip to Ireland from around the world to gather in one place for a celebration of everything related to the motorcycle community. Over the four days of the festival every aspect of the motorcycle industry and community will be showcased to the general public. Expect to see trade fairs showcasing the latest motorcycles, wares and accessories, a series of special custom bike shows and a parade showcasing every make of motorcycle from classics to the latest models amongst other things of note. There will also be food and drink venues and live outdoor entertainment for the crowds in the festivals specially set up Bike Village located 1.5 km from the town centre and on the grounds of the Gleneagle Hotel, The Brehon Hotel and the River Apartments.
A must see event for bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts, the highlight for many bikers are the ride outs, the Killarney base opening up a wealth of opportunity to explore the world famous landscape on the back of a motorbike on the festivals noted guided and self-guided motorbike ride outs. Here bikers of all levels get to rev their motor engines and take to the roads off Killarney with many options of riding out into the magnificent scenery of Kerry. The roadways leading to the famous scenery of the Ring of Kerry, the Dingle Peninsula and Slea Head regions and beyond making the motorbike ride outs that extra special.
Whilst it is a festival dedicated to all things related to bikes and a calender highlight event for anyone with an interest in motorbikes, one doesn’t have to be a biker or motorbike enthusiast to enjoy the event. The ordinary person who has no interest in bikes, will find many things of interest over the four days.
Opening up the world of motorcycles to the general public this festival has a broad appeal, the trade shows, parades, outdoor entertainment and selection of bikes and biker paraphernalia providing a host of attractions. Non bikers can revel in the live music emanating from the three music stages in the bike village with live bands and DJ’s playing daily from midday to the early hours of the morning providing a celebratory atmosphere and a chance to meet new people. And children and adults will be kept happy with a family fun zone to keep the children occupied. With the live music and entertainment and a selection of food and drink venues set up in the man made bike village overlooking the scenery of Killarney and the wider surrounds of County Kerry, there is ample opportunity to relax and take in all that this unique festival has to offer.
So broad and appealing is the selection of free events and attractions lined up for the festival that Ireland’s BikeFest is noted as a family friendly and popular festival for people of all ages and interests. So whether you be a biker or not, Ireland’s BikeFest in the world famous surrounds of Killarney is yet another festival happening this June Bank Holiday weekend to note on ones vacation in Ireland.