Boxty and Bicycles: Leitrim village gets ready to welcome the 10th Leitrim Cycling Festival

More than a cycling event, the Leitrim Cycling Festival is a celebration of community, connection and creativity. This year marks its 10th year of working with communities across Leitrim to create a weekend of free festival activities for all ages.

Rooted in a love of cycling, the festival creates space for joy, imagination and togetherness, while gently inviting people to reflect on how we move through the world. By combining local traditions, opportunities to explore on two wheels, wonderful silliness and good conversation, it allows us to imagine new ways of being in community and even new possibilities for the future.

This year’s programme is packed with activities including learning about the delicious boxty Cloone is famous for and exploring the beautiful trails and amenities Cloone Village has to offer.

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What to Expect at the 2026 Festival

• Bothar na Naomh, a community created off-road trail, will be the perfect base for the scavenger hunts, the celebratory launch cycle and bicycle orienteering.

• Cloone Community Centre will transform into a buzzing hub for film screenings, a kids bikepowered disco, art workshops, storytelling sessions and shared meals - from curries and pizza to cake and the famous boxty breakfast, complete with workshops on how to make it.

• Outdoor spaces will offer opportunities to try accessible bikes, balance bikes for little ones, and an obstacle course for the more adventurous.

• Music and social gatherings include a traditional music session in Creegan’s Pub on Friday night and a céilí with Rise the Dust on Saturday evening.

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• A wellness morning featuring yoga and a sound bath.

• The return of festival favourites like the annual slow bicycle race plus a brand new sleeping bag challenge.

• A leisurely cycle to Keeldra Lake for those who want to enjoy Leitrim’s scenery at an easy pace and self-led cycles who want to explore more of the area.

• Camping, two pubs, a coffee cart, an art table, off-road cycling, and plenty of space for kids to spin around on their bikes.

Now in its tenth year, the Leitrim Cycling Festival continues to grow as a welcoming, creative and inclusive event, making cycling joyful and community-centred. Entry is free, thanks to the generous crew in Cloone Community Centre and the support of the festival’s sponsors Leitrim Sports Partnership, Bikeweek, Leitrim County Council, Irish Environmental Network, Irish Cycling Campaign and Reset your Rhythm. 

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8–10 May, Cloone Village, Co. Leitrim

Find out more and register for your free place on www.leitrimcyclingfestival.com

Event details:

Dates: 8-10th May 2026

Location: Cloone Village, Co. Leitrim

Cost : Free

Website : www.leitrimcyclingfestival.com