Ireland's Charity Cycle Events in 2025
Five charity rides worth entering in 2025, among them the Ring of Kerry, the West Clare Challenge and the Galway Cycle. Training and fundraising notes.
Introduction
Ireland’s charity ride season runs from May through to the end of August, and the big events book out. The Ring of Kerry took 8,000 riders in 2024. Most are non-competitive, nearly all come with a fundraising page attached, and entry fees run from €40 to €500 depending on whether a bed and dinner are included.
Five events cover most of what is on offer, from a 65 km coastal loop in west Clare to a three-day mountain weekend in Wicklow. What follows is the cost, the distance and who each one suits.
Why Ride for a Cause?
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Physical health | Regular training improves cardiovascular fitness, strength and mental wellbeing. |
| Community connection | Ride with colleagues, friends and fellow supporters, building lasting friendships. |
| Fundraising impact | In 2024 charity rides across Ireland generated over €10 million for health, education and environmental projects. |
| Scenic exposure | Routes take in the Ring of Kerry, Wild Atlantic Way, Wicklow Mountains and more. |
| Corporate CSR | Companies can meet CSR targets, boost employee morale and gain positive brand exposure. |
Ireland’s Best Charity Cycle Events in 2025
1. Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle
- Date: Saturday 5 July 2025 (43rd edition)
- Distance: 170 km circular route starting and finishing in Killarney.
- Participants (2024): 8,000 cyclists, covering 1,360,000 km.
- Fundraising goal: Historically over €20 million raised for 200+ charities; 2025 target > €1 million.
- Entry fee: Approx. €45 (includes rider pack, route map and support).
- Key features:
- Non-competitive, ride at your own pace.
- Coastal views, Killarney National Park, and the Gap of Dunloe.
- Dedicated fundraising platform (iDonate) with team pages and corporate matching.
Why it’s a top pick: It is the biggest by a distance, and 2025 is the 43rd edition, so the organisers have the logistics down. There is no clock, road closures and marshals are in place, and the field is large enough that you will always have wheels to follow. It is still 170 km.
2. West Clare Challenge
- Date: Saturday 30 August 2025
- Routes:
- 65 km: e-bike friendly, suitable for all levels, looping the Loop Head peninsula.
- 100 km: more demanding, includes the Loop Head Lighthouse climb.
- Entry fee: €40 plus a small booking charge (same for both distances).
- Charities supported: The Lighthouse Project (mental-health) and the West Clare Bike Track Development Fund.
- Key features:
- Fully sanctioned by Cycling Ireland.
- Coastal scenery of the Wild Atlantic Way, with optional “bike-track” off-road sections.
- Volunteer opportunities for road marshals, food stops and registration.
Why it’s a top pick: The shorter route is e-bike friendly and open to anyone who can sit on a bike for a morning. The money stays local, and the event runs on volunteers, so there is usually a job going if you would rather marshal than ride.
3. Galway Cycle 2025
- Date: Weekend 23-24 May 2025 (in aid of Oscar’s Kids).
- Distance: Multiple route options ranging from 60 km to 120 km across the Galway countryside.
- Entry fee: €70 (increase from €60 in 2024).
- Fundraising impact: Over €1 million raised to date, with 12,000 km cycled in 2024 alone.
- Key features:
- Family-friendly atmosphere with music, food stalls and a “craic” vibe.
- Dedicated fundraising pages on iDonate, with corporate sponsorship packages.
- “Collector” programme allowing non-riders to raise funds by collecting pledges.
Why it’s a top pick: A weekend rather than a day out, with a choice of distances so a mixed-ability group can ride together and meet at the end. Non-riders can still raise money through the collector programme.
4. IGBF Tour de Grocer Charity Cycle
- Date: Wednesday 18, Thursday 19 June 2025
- Routes: Two scenic loops, Day 1 Carlow → Wexford, Day 2 Wexford → Waterford, returning to Carlow.
- Entry fee: €160 per cyclist (covers accommodation, meals and support).
- Beneficiaries: Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund (supports grocery-industry employees facing hardship).
- Key features:
- Two-day event with overnight stay in comfortable hotels.
- Professional bike mechanics, transport options for continental riders, and a post-ride gala.
- Strong corporate participation from major retail chains, offering matching-gift schemes.
Why it’s a top pick: Two days with hotels, meals and mechanics included in the fee, which takes most of the planning off your hands. It is a trade event as much as a ride, so expect to spend the evening talking shop.
5. The Big Ride (Street Child)
- Date: 18-20 June 2025 at Russborough House, County Wicklow.
- Routes: Three cycling options, Blue (≈60 km), Red (≈100 km), Black (≈150 km); plus a 10 km hike and a 10 km/half-marathon run.
- Entry fee: €500 per participant (non-refundable).
- Late-cancellation fee: €850 after 20 May 2025.
- Fundraising record: 2024 participants raised €1.8 million for 18,000 children in education.
- Key features:
- Mountainous terrain with significant elevation gain, the most challenging of the Irish charity rides.
- Full logistical support: bike transport from mainland Europe, on-site mechanics, camping facilities.
- Corporate partnership with Liberty Global, Virgin Media Ireland and Infosys, offering extensive networking.
Why it’s a top pick: The hardest of the five, and the dearest. The Black route climbs a lot for its length, and the entry fee is non-refundable, so decide early. Not a first event.
How to Choose the Right Charity Ride for You
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Assess Your Fitness Level: - Beginner: 60-80 km, mostly flat (e.g., Galway Cycle’s shorter routes).
- Intermediate: 100-130 km with moderate climbs (West Clare 65 km or Ring of Kerry’s “mid-point” options).
- Advanced: 150 km+ with sustained climbs (The Big Ride Black route).
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Consider the Cause: Align with a charity you feel passionate about, whether it’s child education, mental health, or industry-specific support.
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Location & Travel: If you’re based in the west, the Ring of Kerry or West Clare may minimise travel costs. For east-coast riders, the Big Ride or Galway Cycle are more convenient.
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Budget: Factor entry fees, accommodation, transport and any additional gear. Many events offer early-bird discounts or corporate matching that can offset costs.
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Team vs Solo: Some rides, Galway Cycle among them, are built around teams. Others are easy enough to turn up to alone; the Ring of Kerry field is big enough that you will never be riding by yourself for long.
Practical Tips for a Successful Charity Ride
Training Plan
| Weeks | Mileage | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 12-10 | 80-120 km/week | Base endurance, long, steady rides. |
| 9-7 | 120-150 km/week | Hill repeats & interval work. |
| 6-4 | 150-180 km/week | Ride at event pace; include one back-to-back long ride. |
| 3-2 | 100-120 km/week | Taper, maintain fitness, reduce volume. |
| 1 | 50-70 km | Light spin, check bike fit, rest. |
Tip: Use Strava routes provided by the event organisers (e.g., West Clare Challenge Strava links) to familiarise yourself with climbs and feed zones.
Fundraising Strategies
- Personal Page: Set a realistic target (e.g., €500) and share regularly on social media.
- Corporate Matching: Approach your employer’s HR department for a matching-gift scheme.
- Team Challenges: Form a team of 5-10 riders; the collective goal often attracts larger donations.
- Local Events: Host a pre-ride coffee morning or bake sale to boost pledges.
Gear & Logistics
- Bike Fit: Have a professional fitting at least 4 weeks before the event.
- Clothing: Layered, moisture-wicking kit; for longer rides bring a waterproof jacket and arm warmers.
- Nutrition: Pack energy gels, bars and electrolyte drinks; many events provide feed stations but it’s wise to carry personal supplies.
- Travel: Book accommodation early, especially for multi-day events like the Tour de Grocer and The Big Ride where hotels are limited.
Safety & Etiquette
- Carry a first-aid kit and spare tube.
- Observe road closures and marshals directions (especially on Ring of Kerry).
- Respect local communities, keep noise levels low and use designated waste bins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I ride a charity event without raising money?
A: Yes, most events allow participation without a fundraising minimum, though many offer incentives (e.g., discounted entry) for riders who meet a modest target.
Q: Are e-bikes allowed?
A: Most Irish charity rides, including West Clare and Ring of Kerry, are e-bike friendly on designated routes. Check the event’s FAQ for any restrictions.
Q: What if I can’t finish the distance?
A: Charity rides are non-competitive; you may ride at your own pace, take rest stops, or even ride part of the route and still collect your finisher medal.
Q: How do I claim tax relief on my donation?
A: Ensure the charity is a registered Irish charity (most event beneficiaries are). Keep your receipt; you can claim tax relief on your personal tax return.
Making the Most of Your Ride
- Document the Experience: Capture photos and short video clips; share a post-ride blog to thank supporters.
- Network: Use the event’s networking sessions (e.g., Tour de Grocer’s gala dinner) to connect with fellow professionals.
- Plan a Recovery Day: Light stretching, foam-rolling and a balanced meal help you bounce back for the next ride or daily training.
- Give Back Year-Round: Many charities need volunteers beyond the event day; consider signing up for a regular volunteering slot.
Conclusion
Choose on distance first and cause second. A 170 km day you have not trained for will not raise more money than a 65 km one you actually enjoy, and it is a miserable way to spend a Saturday.
Book accommodation the same week you enter, particularly for the Tour de Grocer and The Big Ride, where beds are limited. Open the fundraising page early too. The ones that hit their target are the ones that have been quietly ticking over for months, not the ones started a fortnight before the start line.