Lough Derg RNLI’s Lap of the Lake cycle to return on Saturday 16 May

Noting the popularity of the circuits in previous years, cyclists may choose between a 120km route or a shorter 65km one.

The longer route will take participants on a full circuit of Lough Derg, giving entrants the chance to cycle through three counties, Tipperary, Clare and Galway.

The shorter route will take cyclists just beyond Killaloe to a turnaround point at Killaloe Sailing Club. The scenery along the way is unparalleled, providing cyclists with the opportunity to appreciate the magnificence of the lake and River Shannon. One big climb up Portroe hill presents a brief challenge, but it is short and quickly followed by a welcome downhill on the other side.

On return to the lifeboat station at Lough Derg Yacht Club in Dromineer, cyclists, visitors and volunteers can relax and enjoy food and beverages.

Riders' safety and well-being is a priority, with first aid providers, out-riders, marshals, and bike maintenance stops along the route, as well as comfort and refreshments stations.

Details on how to register for this year’s Lap the Lake are available at the cycle’s Eventbrite page Tickets are €65 for the 120km route and €50 for the 65km route and will include a goody bag.

Speaking on the planning for this event, Laura Clarke, chair of the Lough Derg RNLI 'Lap the Lake' Fundraising Committee said: ‘We were thrilled with the success of the previous Lap of the Lake cycles. We were blessed with fine weather so that cyclists were able to enjoy the most breathtaking scenery around the lake. A huge amount of work goes on behind the scenes into organising this event and we look forward to welcoming back cyclists from previous years as well as look forward to meeting new participants this year.

‘As a search and rescue organisation reliant on the support of the public to continue its lifesaving work, fundraising events such as Lap the Lake, enables the charity to provide our volunteer crew here at Lough Derg RNLI with the best kit, skills and training to power our lifesaving work.’

Christine O’Malley, Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager added: ‘It is wonderful to be able to offer people an event where they can have fun while raising funds. Our lifeboat crew is on call all year round and ready to launch at a moment’s notice. The funds raised through this cycle will go towards ensuring we can continue to save lives on Lough Derg now and in the future. Every bit of kit you see and each bit of training behind our volunteers, is all made possible through fundraising. The lifeboat crew are grateful for the magnificent support they receive.’

Details on how to register to take part in the Lap the Lake on Saturday 16 May are available on the fundraiser’s Eventbrite page here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rnli-lough-derg-charity-cycle-2026-tickets-1978833190341?utm-campaign...

Ends

RNLI media contacts
For more information, please contact Eleanor Hooker, Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer on 0877535207, email [email protected] or Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Communications Manager on 087 648 3547 or email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Communications Lead on 087 1254 124 or [email protected]

RNLI online

For more information on the RNLI please visit rnli.org. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI News Centre rnli.org/news-and-media.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around Ireland and the UK. The RNLI operates 46 lifeboat stations in Ireland. The RNLI is independent of government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service.

Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, the charity has saved over 142,200 lives.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.