Classic bikes’ celebratory gathering in Connemara
The Galway & District Classic Motorcycle Club is fast closing in on half a century on the roads – and highlight of so many of those 46 years to date, its annual rally takes place again over the May Bank Holiday weekend, centred in Clifden.
The event features a 120-mile route through the spectacular landscapes of Connemara and the Wild Atlantic Way, offering a blend of coastal and upland scenery while supporting local businesses through scheduled stops along the route.
The rally attracts between 80 and 100 riders from Ireland, the UK and further afield, showcasing a diverse range of classic motorcycles spanning multiple decades.
More than a motoring event, it is a social gathering that celebrates craftsmanship, heritage, and a shared passion among enthusiasts.
“What makes our event distinctive is its longevity and its international character, especially to the number of participants who travel from overseas to join us,” said the club’s Donna Rayner
“The combination of heritage motorcycles, glorious scenery, standing tradition gives the event a strong sense of atmosphere, continuity and camaraderie,” she added.
The Galway & District Classic Motorcycle Club traces its origins to 1978, when Edward “Ed” Carpenter organised the first Galway Rally under the auspices of the Irish Vintage & Veteran Motorcycle Club.
A respected figure in Irish motorcycling circles, Carpenter—alongside his wife Phyllis—established an event that quickly became a cornerstone of the vintage motorcycling calendar.
As the rally developed, a dedicated local committee established the Galway Vintage Motorcycle Club in the late 1990s to ensure its continuity. This evolved into today’s Galway & District Classic Motorcycle Club, with several founding members still actively involved, preserving the traditions and spirit of the event.
A gala dinner and awards presentation form a central part of the weekend, with the Eddie Carpenter Cup awarded to the most admired motorcycle, in tribute to the club’s founder and enduring legacy.