15-05-2025
First stage of world-renowned Rás Tailteann to finish in County Roscommon town
The 70th edition of the famous cycling race will see competitors begin with a 150-kilometre-plus trek from Drogheda, Co Louth, to Boyle on the first day of the race.
The peloton is expected to arrive in Boyle between 2.30pm and 3.00pm, depending on racing speeds, with the finish line located outside An Craoibhín Bar in the heart of the town centre.
Spectators are encouraged to line the streets early for the event. The best viewing points will be along the approach roads into Boyle and at the finish line at An Craoibhín.
Boyle has a proud connection to the Rás through Daire Feeley, who famously won the overall title in 2022.
This marks the first time since 1994 that the Rás will finish a stage in Boyle.
Rás Tailteann Race Director Ger Campbell said: 'Boyle has such strong sporting traditions and a real passion for cycling. We can't wait to showcase the energy and excitement the Rás brings to every town it visits.'
Local stage end organiser Noel Feeley said it is 'a huge privilege to welcome such a prestigious event to Boyle'.
'The whole community has pulled together to prepare a real celebration, and we're encouraging everyone to come out, enjoy the day, and make it one to remember,' he said.
Co-organiser Carmel Regan said the town is 'ready to roll out the red carpet for the riders and visitors'.
'We hope everyone will come and experience the magic of a Rás finish in our town,' she added.
The first stage of the 70th Rás Tailteann will arrive in Boyle on Wednesday, May 21. Sunny weather with temperatures of up to 20 degrees have been promised for the town.
Stage two of the event will start in Charlestown Co Mayo, before riders take on the infamous Windy Gap and Maumtrasna climbs in the longest of the 2025 Rás Tailteann stages.
Another transfer to Co Mayo will see the third stage of the race begin in Cong, where the riders will take in breathtaking scenery along the Wild Atlantic Way before they face the fast finish towards Miltown Malbay in Co Clare.
The penultimate stage will kick off from Ennis, Co Clare and finish in Mountrath, Co Laois.
The final stage of Rás Tailteann 2025 will begin in Kildare town before entering Co Meath where the winner of Rás Tailteann will be crowned in Bective.
The 2025 edition of the race will again involve five stages and stretches over 760 kilometres, including 13 categorised climbs
