Katie Crowley and Aideen O”Sullivan from Killarney pictured with bike Tony Murphy at the 10th annual 10th Ireland Bikefest in Killarney on Sunday. Photo: Don MacMonagle
IRELAND BikeFest celebrated its tenth anniversary with its biggest festival yet at the weekend where an estimated 50,000 visitors passed through the bike village in Killarney.
Motorcycle owners and enthusiasts, from over twenty countries including Ireland, the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, France, Poland, Denmark, Norway, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Slovakia, Lithuania, Latvia, The Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Belgium, Canada, New Zealand and the United States gathered at the festival headquarters – The Gleneagle Hotel.
The thousands of visitors were able to partake in the festival activities, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the free entertainment.
Accommodation providers throughout the county reported full houses such was the influx of visitors to the region as a result of the 10th anniversary celebrations.
“Ireland BikeFest 2016 was a resounding success,” said Patrick O’Donoghue, Managing Director of The Gleneagle Group, “and contributed to a bumper weekend for the whole of Kerry and further afield.”
“The weather added to the camaraderie among all festival goers which was fantastic,” said Breffni Ingerton, Chairperson of Ireland BikeFest . “Record numbers visited the Bike Village over the weekend to check out the bikes, enjoy the free entertainment and get up close and personal with one of the world’s most iconic brands Harley-Davidson®. The key to its success is its wide appeal and the incredible atmosphere, everyone attending just wants to have fun. ”
Hair Stylist Sean Taaffe was the lucky winner of the Harley-Davidson Street 750® motorcycle in the “Win a Harley-Davidson®” raffle in aid of Muscular Dystrophy Ireland.
Commenting on social media, Sean said “Still in complete shock! Can’t believe it. Thank you so much to BikeFest and Muscular Dystrophy Ireland, a great cause. Thank you so much to everyone that has sent messages and comments congratulating, can’t wait to get hold of it.”
Ireland BikeFest is supported by Harley-Davidson® UK & Ireland in association with The Gleneagle Hotel, Destination Killarney Ltd, Fáilte Ireland and the Wild Atlantic Way.
For further information on the festival check out www.irelandbikefest.com Tel: +353 (0)64 6671549, Email: info@irelandbikefest.com, Web: www.irelandbikefest.com
Mary and Liam Buckley from Killarney pictured at the 10th annual 10th Ireland Bikefest in Killarney on Sunday. Photo: Don MacMonagle
SUNDAY JUNE 5TH 2016: Biker John Flintoff from North Yorkshire pictured at the 10th annual 10th Ireland Bikefest in Killarney on Sunday. Photo: Don MacMonagle
Cutting the celebration cake at the 10th annual 10th Ireland Bikefest in Killarney on Sunday pictured were Breffní Ingerton, Chairperson, Ireland BikeFest Killarney, Marjorie Rae, Harley-Davidson® Consumer Experience Manager, UK & Ireland, Dave Hackshall Harley-Davidson® , Country Manager UK & Ireland, Patrick Flanagan of MDI and John Bennett, CEO, MDI. The Harley Davidson Motorbike competition in association with MDI was won by Killarney haridresser Sean Taaffe. Photo: Don MacMonagle
Gianna O’Donoghue and Evan Hayes from Firies, Killarney with biker Pawel Hecko from Czech Republic pictured at the 10th annual 10th Ireland Bikefest in Killarney on Sunday. Photo: Don MacMonagle
Noel Connolly from Athenry, County Galway who won the Best Bike In Show award for his home made electric motorbike at the 10th annual 10th Ireland Bikefest in Killanrey on Sunday pictured with Breffní Ingerton, Chairperson, Ireland BikeFest Killarney, Marjorie Rae, Harley-Davidson® Consumer Experience Manager, UK & Ireland, Dave Hackshall Harley-Davidson® , Country Manager UK & Ireland, Lenny Burns Harley-Davidson® Waterford and Deputy Michael Healy-Rae, TD.
Photo: Don MacMonagle
