The Gran Fondo World Series is coming to Ireland for the first time ever. The global event that is for cyclists of all abilities will be coming to Sligo on the beautiful west coast of the country. A true Gran Fondo is meant to make an everyday rider feel like a fully supported professional rider, and Gran Fondo Ireland will do so with a real Irish flare.
The Gran Fondo Ireland (GFI) is set to be one of Europe’s top Gran Fondo events, attracting cyclists from all over the world. With the ride intended to grow in popularity each year, it will allow cyclists to explore the tracks and roads of the Wild Atlantic Way.
Starting in June 2024, Gran Fondo Ireland #Sligo is the first-ever Gran Fondo event in Ireland to be included in the UCI Gran Fondo World Series. The UCI Granfondo World Series is a series of UCI-sanctioned races held all over the world. Some 25-30 qualifier events will qualify the top 25% in each age group to the UCI Granfondo World Championships, where the champions are awarded with the coveted rainbow jersey. While promoting high-level competition for both Masters and Amateurs.
The event begins and culminates in Sligo Town, where all participants will be greeted by live entertainment, a finisher’s medal, a Prize Presentation show, food, drink and much more.
In the spirit of the World Gran Fondo Series, the GFI is a highly energetic public cycling event attended by pros, recreational cyclists, and weekend warriors. GFI incorporates timed overall routes, fantastic rest stops, route support mechanics to make sure you keep rolling along.
Ideas for activities and events to enjoy while in Sligo for the Gran Fondo:
Many of our activity providers have specific events and things to do for all Gran Fondo participants. These are perfect for preparing for the Gran Fondo or recovering and relaxing afterwards. You can book any of these directly with the provider using the links provided:
What: Guided walk to 5000 year old Carrowkeel Tombs in South Sligo
Where: Carrowkeel, South Sligo
Why do this?Take part in a fascinating guided walk to the incredible 5000 year old Carrowkeel Tombs in South County Sligo. Explore the unique and stunning wilderness of the Bricklieve Mountains with your local expert guide. This walk takes 2 hours and is relatively easy. Hiking boots are required. Adult €25, Child-€10. Booking in advance with Seatrails: info@seatrails.ie Available on 29th and 30th June. Walk starts at 10.30am. Own transport required.
Socials: See their Instagram page here
How to book: Visit their website here
What: Therapeutic Yoga Massage
Where: Your Wellbeing Warrior – Blaithin Sweeney – Yoga Massage located in The Natural Therapies Centre in Sligo town on Fridays and Larkhill Road Studios on Mondays.
Why do this? Enjoy a therapeutic yoga massage before or after your cycle. This deep tissue massage using ayuredic oils and powders provides myofascial release through assisted yoga postures, Marma point therapy and breathwork. It offers a deep release for weary or overworked bodies.
Socials: See their Instagram page here
How to book: Visit their website here
What: Beach Yoga in Strandhill
Where: Strandhill Beach, Strandhill
Why do this?Experience the benefits of Beach Yoga in the picturesque setting of Strandhill, Co. Sligo. Immerse yourself in a serene and tranquil environment, where the soothing sound of ocean waves and the gentle sea breeze create the perfect backdrop for your yoga practice.
Socials: See their Instagram page here
How to book: Visit their website here
What: North West Surf School
Where: Enniscrone
Why do this? North West Surf School Enniscrone offer surf lessons, surf board and wetsuit rentals. Get into the water and get the body loosened up in one of the best surfing locations in the world.
Socials: See their Instagram page here
How to book: Visit their website here
What: Atlantic Surf School, Strandhill
Where: National Surf Centre, Strandhill
Why do this? They offer surf lessons and surf camps for adults and kids, as well as drumming sessions, yoga sessions and guided walks as complementary activities for the surf lessons.
Socials: See their Instagram page here
How to book: Visit their website here
What: Sligo Surf Experience, Strandhill
Where: National Surf Centre, Strandhill. Meet-up point is the yellow Sligo Surf Experience van at the back of the centre
Why do this? Sligo Surf Experience is running daily surf lessons at the National Surf Centre Strandhill June 28, 29, 30 and July 1. They have a lesson at 4.30 pm on Friday, 9 am or 2 pm Saturday, 10.45 am on Sunday and Monday. Lessons last 2.5 hours, all equipment is included, surfers need to bring swimming gear and a towel. No min booking number, adult surf lessons are €45.
Your surf instructor will guide you through the entire surf experience. When you are changed, your instructor(s) will guide you to the beach where you will collect your surfboard. On the beach, you will listen to a short surfing demo and safety talk from your instructor. First is a brief introduction, instruction on surfing ABCs with basic water safety and then a quick practice on the sand before hitting the ocean to practice what you’ve learned. In the water, we hope you’ll catch the wave of your life.
Socials: See their Instagram page here
How to book: Visit their website here
What: Bridin at Hawk’s Well Theatre on Friday 28th June / Acting workshop at theatre from The Lir Academy Sat 29 – Sun 30 June: Intro to Acting (ages 16+)
Where: Hawk’s Well Theatre, Sligo
Why do this? Enjoy a show or the acting workshop in the premier theatre in the North West of Ireland
Socials: See their Instagram page here
How to book: Visit their website here
What: Guided walk to 5000 year old tomb at Carrowkeel
Where: Carrowkeel, Sligo
Why do this? Take part in a fascinating guided walk to the incredible 5000 year old Carrowkeel Tombs in South County Sligo. Explore the unique and stunning wilderness of the Bricklieve Mountains with your local expert guide. This walk takes 2 hours and is relatively easy. Hiking boots are required. Adult€25 / Child €10. Booking in advance with Seatrails. Available on 29th and 30th June. Walk starts at 10.30am. Own transport required. Please book before 10th June 2024.
Socials: See their Instagram page here
How to book: Visit their website here
What: Beginner surf lessons in Strandhill, Sligo with Rebelle Surf School
Where: National Surf Centre, Strandhill
Why do this? Learn to surf in Sligo on one of the white water beginner group surf lessons. Perfect for complete beginners right through to intermediate surfers. If you are a beginner ready to try surfing, an intermediate looking to up-skill or just looking for fun things to do in Sligo, then this is for you! Surfing in Ireland is magic! €35 child / €45/ adult. 2.5 hour surf experience with all equipment and wetsuit gear provided. Bookings can be made online and group bookings directly by email or phone.
Socials: See their Instagram page here
How to book: Visit their website here
What: Explore Sligo’s Dark History with Sligo Walking Tours
Where: Sligo town
Why do this? Discover the intriguing tales of Sligo’s past as you embark on an immersive walking tour. Join them for an exploration of the town’s turbulent history, filled with stories of crime and punishment, war, execution, jailbreaks, disease, literary heritage and macabre tales. On the weekend of the Gran Fondo, they’ll also treat you to some fascinating Sligo cycling trivia.
Dates: Nightly from 27th June to 1st July 2024
Time: Tours start promptly at 7:00 pm
Group Rates Available
Booking Information:
Tickets must be pre-booked at least 4 hours before the start time.
Use Promo code ‘GranFondo’ 27th Jun to 1st July.
Rates are tailored for individuals, couples and groups, ensuring options for everyone.
Private tours can also be arranged upon request for other dates/times.
Socials: See their Instagram page here
How to book: Visit their website here
What: Private tours of Sligo
Where: Pick ups available throughout Sligo
Why do this? See anywhere you want in Sligo with a private small group tour in an MPV. Sligo Tours provide private tours of Sligo and beyond ranging in price from €400 to €500 per day tour.
Socials: See their Instagram page here
How to book: Visit their website here
What: Strandhill Surf School
Where: National Surf Centre, Strandhill & Waterglades Garden centre
Why do this? They offer Stand up paddle tours on Lough Gill lake in Sligo town. Tours last around 2.5 hours in total. Wetsuits are optional, however all customers are asked to bring a spare change of clothes if opting out of using a wetsuit. Tours cost €50 per person and our meeting point is at the Waterglades garden centre. They require minimum of 2 people per tour.
Socials: See their Instagram page here
How to book: You can book tours by simply calling them on 0872870817. You can also visit their website here.
Event Information:
There will be one route catering to 2,000 cyclists. The event will start at 07:30hrs from Wine Street and will finish along Cleaveragh Park, at approximately 16:30hrs. The event is being assisted by An Garda Síochána, who, where possible, will guide participants travelling through junctions.
The event organisers are working in partnership with An Garda Síochána to ensure safe travelling of residents and cyclists along the route for the duration of the event. They will also have a team of experienced and trained marshals around the course.
A complete and comprehensive traffic management plan will also be implemented around the event, including diversionary routes for motorists, pre-event route notifications and route signage.
Gran Fondo Ireland appreciate that this will impact travel significantly and really appreciate your cooperation, and apologise for any inconvenience that may be caused. If you want to contact Gran Fondo Ireland about this notice, please email hello@granfondoireland.ie
Alternatively, you can call 01 429 0004. If you would like to speak to Gran Fondo Ireland about the event or the road closures, please visit the team in the foyer of Sligo City Hall, Quay Street, Sligo on Tuesday, 25th June from 16:00-18:30.
