Cairde Rás Tailteann is delighted to confirm that Portlaoise will host the stage one start of the 2026 Rás Tailteann on Wednesday, May 20th as Ireland’s most historic and prestigious stage race gets underway for its 71st edition.
The race will gather at Laois County Council Offices for the ceremonial start before the riders set out on the road to Kilmallock, Co. Limerick for an exciting opening day of racing. Portlaoise will provide the backdrop for the first gathering of riders, teams, officials and supporters as the 2026 event gets underway, giving locals the opportunity to be part of a special occasion in the Irish sporting calendar.
Cairde Rás Tailteann would like to sincerely thank Laois County Council and in particular, Tourism Administrator Elaine Moore, for their support in hosting the stage start. Their backing plays a key role in bringing the race to the county and ensuring a successful opening to the 2026 event.
Following a stage finish in Mountrath in 2025, the race returns to County Laois in a new role for 2026, hosting the opening stage start and once again placing the county at the centre of the event.
The 161.6 kilometre route will see the race travel through Abbeyleix, Ballacolla, Rathdowney, Errill, Clonmore, Templemore and Borrisoleigh before reaching the first climbs of Rás Tailteann 2026 in the Silvermines at Dolla. A further climb at Old Pallas on the run-in to Kilmallock is expected to shape the stage while a fast final section could see the race come back together or provide the opportunity for a decisive move.
Race Director Ger Campbell said: “We are delighted that Portlaoise will host the stage one start of the 2026 Rás Tailteann. There is always a special atmosphere around the opening day of the race, and Portlaoise is a fitting place to get this year’s event underway. I would also like to thank Laois County Council for their support and cooperation in helping to bring the race to Portlaoise. While the first half of the stage may look straightforward, the climbs later in the day and the fast run-in to Kilmallock should make for a very competitive opening stage.”
Elaine Moore, Tourism Administrator with Laois County Council said: “We are very pleased to welcome Rás Tailteann to Portlaoise. It is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the town and county and to be part of an event with such a proud tradition in Irish sport. We look forward to welcoming riders, teams, officials and supporters to Laois for what promises to be a memorable occasion.”
Séamus Kavanagh, Stage Start Organiser added: “It is a real privilege for Portlaoise to host the opening day of the 2026 Rás Tailteann. There is always something unique about the first day of the race, and we are looking forward to seeing the town come alive as the riders set out on the road to Kilmallock. We would encourage people to come out, enjoy the atmosphere and give the race a great send-off.”
With an exciting opening stage in store and the first climbs of the race set to test the field before the finish in Kilmallock, stage one promises to provide an early indication of who is ready to make their mark on the 2026 Rás Tailteann.
Picture: Pictured at the launch of Portlaoise’s hosting of Rás Tailteann 2026 start was (from left to right): Martin Keane (Laois Cycling Club), Michael Rainey (Chief Executive, Laois County Council), Cllr Barry Walsh (Cathaoirleach, Laois County Council), Ger Campbell (Race Director), Séamus Kavanagh (Ossory Cycling Club), Dominic Reddin (Laois Tourism Officer), Elaine Moore (Laois Tourism Administrator) and Angela McEvoy (Director of Services, Laois County Council).
Photographer: Alf Harvey.
