Donegal County Council and Donegal Sports Partnership have officially launched Bike Week 2026 in Donegal, with more than 78 events planned across the county. The initiative is supported by the National Transport Authority.
The Donegal launch took place at St Safan’s NS, Castlefinn, where pupils and staff welcomed representatives from Donegal County Council and Donegal Sports Partnership to mark the beginning of this year’s programme.
Bike Week 2026 runs from Saturday, 9 May to Sunday, 17 May and is a national celebration of cycling, encouraging people of all ages and abilities to get on their bikes and enjoy the many benefits of cycling for health, wellbeing, community connection and sustainable travel.
In attendance at the Donegal launch were John G. McLaughlin, Chief Executive of Donegal County Council; Eamonn Brown, Director of Services, Donegal County Council; Declan Boyle, Chief Executive Officer of Donegal Sports Partnership; and Adam McGranaghan, Sports Development Officer with Donegal Sports Partnership.
This year’s Donegal programme includes a wide range of community, school and family-friendly events, with opportunities for beginners, occasional cyclists and experienced riders to take part. Events will take place in communities throughout the county, making Bike Week accessible to people of all ages and cycling abilities.
Speaking at the launch, John G. McLaughlin, Chief Executive of Donegal County Council, said:
“Donegal County Council is delighted to work in partnership with Donegal Sports Partnership and the National Transport Authority to support Bike Week in Donegal. With a packed programme of events taking place across the county, we encourage people of all ages and abilities to get involved and enjoy the benefits of active travel. Promoting health and wellbeing is a key priority for the Council, and it’s never too late to become more active. For anyone new to cycling, the advice is simple: start slowly, choose flatter routes where possible, build your confidence gradually, and bring a friend along to enjoy the experience together“
Declan Boyle, Chief Executive Officer of Donegal Sports Partnership, said:
“Donegal Sports Partnership is delighted to support Bike Week 2026 and to help deliver a programme that encourages participation, inclusion and enjoyment. Bike Week is about making cycling welcoming and accessible, whether someone is getting back on a bike for the first time in years, cycling with their family, or taking part through their school or local community.”
Donegal County Council and Donegal Sports Partnership are encouraging everyone to check out the full programme and take part in Bike Week 2026.
For the full list of events, visit: https://www.transportforireland.ie/getting-around/by-bicycle/bikeweek/
