Ready to roll? The iconic Retro Cannonball two-day road trip around Ireland is just around the corner.
The largest organized road trip in Europe is now in its eleventh year! Millions of excited fans have witnessed the crazy Cannonball convoy of cars pass through their town, city or bend in the road with over 190 supercars, wacky fun cars and monster wheels every year. For the 450 Cannonballer’s that take part in the event, the experience is unforgettable.
This year, the Retro Cannonball event is happening between May 24th-25th, going through Limerick, Westport and Westmeath. It will feature cars from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, all travelling down the Wild Atlantic Way and towns and villages in the Hidden Heartlands of Ireland, showcasing the very best Ireland has to offer as only top-quality hotels are chosen. So, what are you waiting for? Visit Cannonball.ie to register or express interest.
The Route
Day 1 – 24th of May
Retro car enthusiasts from all over will meet for the beginning of this thrilling journey at the Thomond Park Stadium. They will then make their way to the Wild Atlantic Way and they will have lunch in Fiddle and Bow Hotel in Co. Clare, a truly authentic experience in the heart of Doolin with world class hospitality and a mouthwatering menu.
The route will continue along the Wild Atlantic Way with its mesmerizing tapestry of rugged coastline, dramatic cliffs and untamed beauty to arrive to the overnight stay at the vibrant town of Westport, Co. Mayo in the beautiful 4* Westport Plaza Hotel and 4* Castlecourt Hotel.
Day 2 – 25th of May
After a hearty breakfast at one of their luxury hotels, they will make their way across the country to lunch in Kilronan Castle, Co. Roscommon and then to a quick coffee stop in the renowned Drumcoura City in Co. Cavan. After the coffee stop and regroup they will arrive into Mullingar, Co. Westmeath for an exciting finish line and final overnight stay and dinner at The Mullingar Park Hotel.
Each pit stop promises a festive ambiance filled with camaraderie, shared tales of restoration, the spirited exchange of retro automotive expertise and, of course, those unique and hilarious moments that are always at the heart of a Cannonball event.
The Cannonball History
The origins of Cannonball Ireland date back a decade ago, when the founder, Alan Bannon, participated in a memorable European road trip. What struck him afterwards was the great sense of camaraderie that pervaded the trip. As a supercar fanatic and possessing a great sense of community, he vowed to create an Irish version of the Cannonball Run.
He set out with the task of bringing to Ireland’s roads everything that added up to the unique spirit he had witnessed on the European trip: the sophisticated style, the glamour of the supercars, the fun and comradeship on the road, the colours and joy of the carnival-style masquerade.
Still, there was a missing ingredient. He wanted the Irish Cannonball to be special; different to anything that had been done before. Then it struck him. The event had to have a noble cause, something to elevate it from simple innocent fun to something more meaningful. By supporting a respected children’s charity each year, Alan found the cause that was missing, that special ingredient that would make Cannonball Ireland different and unique. Since then, Cannonball Ireland has been partnering with children’s charities to raise money during their events, raising a total of €1,638,432 thus far.
This means that you get to experience luxury, unforgettable experiences, breath-taking drives and incredible cars, all while supporting a noble cause. The Retro Cannonball charity partner for 2024 is The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation.
For more information and registration, visit Cannonball.ie.
