Local towns and villages are again preparing to play host to stage one of the 2025 Tour de Munster charity cycle, with the schedule for the 25th edition of the Tour released this week. The event will wind its way out of Cork city on Thursday, August 7th, as participants journey across 6 counties.
The silver anniversary edition of Tour de Munster will take to the roads for 4 days, as over 100 amateur cyclists tackle a 600km route to raise vital funds for the Munster branches of Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI). Departing Cork at 8.10am on August 7th, with stage one finishing in Killaloe, Midleton will see participants arrive at approx. 10.15am, where there will be a toilet stop at the SuperValu car park and refreshments for 15 minutes. It’s then on to Tallow, estimated arrival at 11.30am, with the Tour passing onwards to Lismore. Here, refreshments will be available during the 20 minute stop, with arrival at approximately 12 noon, some 65 kilometres into the journey.
Arriving in Clogheen at approx. 1.15pm, here cyclists will be able to avail of a 45 minute break, before setting on their way at 2pm, heading for Cahir, then into Tipperary, Limerick and finally Killaloe at 7.15pm, if everything runs according to schedule –185km will be completed at this point.
Stage 2 from Killaloe to Tralee covers 147km on the Friday, with Saturday bringing cyclists onwards to Kenmare, covering a similar distance. The final push on Sunday 10th, is the shortest at 133km, departing Kenmare at 9.30am, scheduled to arrive in Cork between 5pm-6pm.
OVER €5M RAISED ACROSS 24 TOURS
This year’s Tour marks a significant occasion as the renowned charity cycle will be on the road for 25 years. Since its inception in 2001, the Tour de Munster has raised over €5 million for the Munster branches of DSI and has made real and lasting change for children and adults with Down syndrome across the region.
Funds raised from this year’s Tour will support the essential services provided by DSI’s Munster branches. These include Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, employment support, and other practical resources that help improve the quality of life for people with Down syndrome and their families.
Commenting on the launch, Gerard O’Carroll, Down Syndrome Ireland President said the Tour has been ‘instrumental’ in the annual fundraising efforts of our Munster branches.
“These funds provide ‘all-through-life’ supports to people with Down syndrome and their families. On behalf of Down Syndrome Ireland, thank you to every rider, donor, and volunteer for being part of this remarkable journey. We wish you the very best of luck for this year’s Tour.”
DONATE
To support this year’s event and to donate, visit www.idonate.ie/event/TDM2025. While for route information log onto www.tourdemunster.com
