WEST Cork’s rugged landscape will provide a stern test for cyclists in Ireland’s biggest stage race, Rás Tailteann.

With the route revealed for the five-day event, which runs from May 20th to May 24th, the eyes of the cycling world will turn to West Cork when stage two passes through the region on Thursday, May 21st.

The stage, featuring six categorised climbs, will start across the county bounds in Rathmore. After passing through Kilgarvan and Kenmare, it will be West Cork’s time to shine on what is billed as a long and demanding day.

Riders will tackle the famous Tunnel Road/Caha Pass as they enter West Cork before descending into Glengarriff, then pushing on through Ballylickey, Kealkill and Coppeen, and onto Béal na Bláth and Crookstown, as the race heads towards Banteer for the stage finish.

The 71st edition of Rás Tailteann will begin in Portlaoise on Wednesday, May 20th, covering 785 kilometres on Irish roads, including 21 categorised climbs, before finishing in Dunboyne, Co Meath, on Sunday, May 24th.

‘There is a real mix across the five days, with opportunities for sprinters, climbers and aggressive riders,’ Race Director Ger Campbell explained.

‘Each year we try to strike a balance between tradition and innovation and I feel the 2026 route does that very well.’

The five stages are as follows:

Stage 1 (May 20th): Portlaoise to Kilmallock, Limerick – 161.6km

Stage 2 (May 21st): Rathmore to Banteer – 182.9km

Stage 3 (May 22nd): Mitchelstown to Enniscorthy – 155.6km

Stage 4 (May 23rd): Carlow Town to Baltinglass – 141.6km

Stage 5 (May 24th): Carlow Town to Dunboyne – 142.4km