This four-day event and fun run takes place over the June Bank Holiday covering the counties of Laois, Carlow and Kildare, all three of which were chosen for the original 1903 race. This historic route offers visitors many interesting and scenic locations in the region, while celebrating and discovering, “The Race that saved Motor Sport”.
Itinerary
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Friday 29th May 2026 | Registration
Registration and Launch Night at Laois County Council Civic Hall and Chambers from 6pm . Introductions and speeches and guest speakers. Followed by finger food and refreshments.
Registration can also be done on each of the event days if unable to attend the Friday night.
This is a private event for registered participants only.
Eircode location R32 EHP9
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Saturday 30th May 2026 | Heritage Run
Departing the HQ at Treacys, the Heath from 11am after the drivers briefing, drivers will wind their way down through Laois and Kildare countryside. Following this will be a stop at the day’s entertainment at a private collection of historic and classic cars of Brian King at Grangecon Stud Farm. Here drivers will enjoy an open air BBQ lunch* and other entertainment. Take time to explore the private museum and Gardens. Depart at one’s leisure then for the evening.
*Entry fee and lunch to the Stud Farm and museum is included for the driver, but additional passengers can be added in the booking menu.
Treacys the Heath Eircode location R32 X803
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Sunday 31st May 2026 | The Gordon Bennett Route
Get out the tweeds and or fancy dress on, either being encouraged. Fancy dress suitable to the period of each owner’s car is most welcome.
Again, departing Treacys, the Heath at 11am the 1903 Gordon Bennett Race will be retraced with stops enroute.. more details to follow.
The evening is rounded off with a Gala Night at the Midlands Park Hotel, for food, music, spot prizes and craic. This is a relaxed evening and is not black tie so don’t be shy, again fancy dress is encourgaed or tweeds in spirit of the event. Many repeat guests of the event see this as the highlight of the weekend.
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Monday 1st June 2026 | Leisure Run and BBQ
Dust yourself off for the 11am departure from Treacys, the Heath and take a leisurely run though the Laois and Kildare countryside to the Athy hosts where the entourage will park up for a few hours of entertainment in Emily square. A visit to the Heritage Museum is a must (payable locally) . Ernest Shackleton was born in Athy and the museum has many artifacts from the heroic age of exploration. Athy Heritage – Shackleton Museum Athy Drivers will depart Athy and head back to the HQ at Treacys, the heath for the BBQ finale, music and send offs followed by the lowering of the Gordon Bennett Flag as the event reaches its close.