Lough Derg RNLI announces the return of popular charity cycle to Clare

The Lough Derg Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has announced it is bringing back the Lap of the Lake charity cycle following the success of the first event last year.

In what organisers hope will be a popular decision for the 2023 fundraising event, cyclists may choose between a 120km route or a shorter 65km one.

The longer route will take participants on a full circuit of Lough Derg, giving entrants the chance to cycle through three counties, Tipperary, Clare and Galway.

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The shorter route will take cyclists to just beyond Killaloe, to a turnaround point at the Twomilegate lakeside amenity park.

Whichever route participants chose, they will have the opportunity to delight in the outstanding beauty of the lake and the River Shannon.

Riders' safety and well-being is a priority, with First Aid providers, out-riders, marshals, and bike maintenance stops along the route, as well as comfort and refreshments stations.

Speaking on the decision to bring back the event for a second year, Chairperson of the Lough Derg RNLI fundraising committee Niamh McCutcheon said: ‘We are delighted to be bringing back this event, due to the huge success of last year’s Lap of the Lake cycle.

“Our location on Lough Derg provides a natural route for cyclists, bringing them on a loop through some of the most breathtaking scenery.

“We welcome cyclists of all abilities and this year we hope our shorter route will attract those who were worried the full lap of the lake, might be a bit too long for them. The event is about raising funds for our local lifeboat and it gives people the opportunity to do something for a great cause while also getting out and seeing a beautiful part of the world,” she said.

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Details on how to register for this year’s Lap of the Lake are available here.

Tickets are €65 for the 120km route and €50 for the 65km route and will include a goody bag.

The RNLI is a search and rescue charity, reliant on the support of the public to continue its lifesaving work. Fundraising events such as Lap of the Lake enable the charity to provide the best safety kit and training for volunteer crews and to build and develop lifeboat capabilities as it also continues its international drowning prevention programmes.

The event will take place on Saturday, May 6 and will raise funds for the RNLI’s local lifeboat station, which is operated by volunteers on Lough Derg.