Organisers of Donegal International Rally proud to deliver one of Ireland's biggest racing events

Irish Independent

20-06-2025

The Donegal International Rally is now underway, starting on Friday morning until Sunday afternoon, when the winner will be crowned at the renowned ramp in Letterkenny.
The Donegal Motor Club, along with Donegal County Council and An Garda Síochána have been working hard to make sure it's a weekend to remember for competitors and fans.
Over the years, the Rally has become one of the biggest events in the country.
Brian Brogan, Chairman of Donegal Club, said there is over 200 entries to this year's rally with another 40 plus in reserves.
'There is probably nowhere with as big a number of entries as we have here in Donegal.
"This has happened historically and it is a very important thing for us.
"It happens on the third week in June and it takes place in various parts of the county so it is beneficial for the entire county,' said Mr Brogan.
The race travels around Donegal covering 270km with different routes incorporated each year.
"We work with the Council to determine the routes,' said Mr Brogan.
"There might be different tarring programmes in place so we don't always get to use the same stages all the time.
"It is important to work with the council and the local residents too.
"We have a good working relationship with a lot of people and understandably, there can be a lot of movements to different places,' said Mr Brogan.
With the large crowds coming to the county for the weekend, Mr Brogan has urged everyone attending to act responsibly on and off the roads.
"Donegal Motor Club promotes motor sport in a safe environment on closed roads.
"Everything we do is done very professionally and every plan is in place to benefit the competitor who is competing in the event.
"In regards spectators, all we can do is ask them to abide by the rules of the road and keep the race in its place so everyone gets home safe after the weekend,' said Mr Brogan.
An Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland have launched a Cross-Border Traffic Management Plan for the event while additional resources will be in place to ensure the safety of people attending the rally and visiting Donegal over the weekend.
This includes increased checkpoints, high-visibility patrols and additional marked and unmarked vehicles, Garda motorcyclists and the Garda Air Support Unit.
Mr Brogan said Donegal Motor Club is extremely grateful for the support of the gardaí, PSNI, Donegal County Council and other agencies who assist in the safe running of the rally.
"We are meeting with these agencies for the past four months and we get around the table every year and we all share measures that need to be shared.
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"We work very well together in relation to road closures and correspondence over the weekend on how we can help each other,' said Mr Brogan.