Laois town set for historic Rás Tailteann finale

The 70th edition of the Rás Tailteann will roll into Laois in 2025, with Mountrath set to host a stage finish for the first time in the race’s history.

The prestigious five-day cycling event, which takes place from May 21 to May 25, will see some of Ireland’s top riders battling it out across 760km of road, culminating in a dramatic stage finish in the heart of Laois. Rás na mBan has also previously finished in the Laois town.

Stage four, which departs Ennis, County Clare, on Saturday, May 24, will test the riders with multiple climbs before the decisive ascent of the Wolftrap in the Slieve Bloom Mountains. With just 14km remaining after cresting the summit, the battle for the coveted yellow jersey could be shaped by the punishing climb and the fast-paced run into Mountrath.

Stage 4: Ennis, County Clare to Mountrath, County Laois (Distance: 128.1KM) Saturday, May 24

Ennis – Clooney – Bodyke – Tuamgraney – Scarriff – Mountshannon – Whitegate – Portumna – Riverstown – Kinnity - Mountrath

Stage four will depart Ennis on route to a first ever Stage finish in Mountrath, County Laois. The riders will make their way along the west side of The Shannon River and Lough Derg facing 2 x category three climbs. Once the race crosses The Shannon River in Portumna, it is heading for Birr which has produced several Rás Tailteann highlights in recent years.

The final section of the stage is sure to create some fireworks when the category one Wolftrap Climb in the Sliabh Blooms Mountains is crested by the riders with just 14KM remaining to the finish in Mountrath. This climb could create a real last-ditch opportunity for the general classifications riders to jostle in the race for the coveted yellow jersey. 

Ahead of the route launch, Race Director Ger Campbell said: “We are really excited to release the route for the 70th edition of Rás Tailteann. 

I am super proud of the event we managed to get back on the road in 2022 and have grown from strength to strength each year since. Being able to start the 70th edition of the race in my hometown is very special to me. It is also great to return to some traditional cycling strongholds along the way. 

Each stage has its own twist which some suiting climbers, sprinters or punchers. I think stage four into Mountrath is going to be very telling with a very difficult category one climb just 15KM out from the finish – that very well could decide the race. 

Again, I just want to thank all our sponsors, supporters and volunteers who help to make this possible. Planning is at a very advanced stage, and we will be releasing entry details in the very near future. 

This is a very special event, and we hope that 2025, recognising the 70th edition, is a chance for everyone who has any connection with the event to come out and see the 2025 ‘Men of the Rás’. 

We can’t wait to see you all on the start line in Drogheda on May 21st – just over three months to go!”

The arrival of the Rás Tailteann promises to bring a festival atmosphere to Mountrath, with cycling fans from across the county set to witness the high-speed finish firsthand. 

The final stage of the 2025 Rás will set off from Kildare and conclude in Bective, County Meath, where the overall champion will be crowned. However, with the Wolftrap climb likely to shake up the general classification, all eyes will be on Mountrath on May 24th to see who emerges as the strongest contender heading into the final day.