Retro Cannonball, the charity run for classic sports cars and supercars, is on again this year and it'll be winding its fundraising way from Cork to Louth, starting on 13 June and finishing on 15 June.
What kind of cars are we talking about?
According to the organiser, more than 100 classic cars will be taking part in the 2025 Retro Cannonball, from the 1960s up to the 1990s and taking in the likes of classic Mustangs, Corvettes, Jaguars, Minis… the official entry list already includes a Lamborghini Diablo, Jaguar E-Type, Ferrari 348 GTS, Mercedes-Benz SL Classics, Lancia Beta, BMW 635CSI, Porsche 911 Carrera and Targa, MG Midget, Ford Escort Cosworth, Chevrolet Corvette, VW Beetle, Ford Thunderbird, Mini Cooper, and there will be more.
You mentioned something about charity?
Yes, the Cannonball, and this Retro Cannonball, is not just posh cars on parade. It's also about raising money for good causes, and the various Cannonball events have raised a massive €1,946,432 for Irish children's charities over the years. This year, Retro Cannonball will be raising money for the Jack & Jill Foundation.
What's the route?
On day one, Friday June 13th, the classic convoy will depart from the Radisson Blu Hotel in Little Island Cork at 10.30am and then roll through the picturesque landscapes of Cork, Tipperary, Offaly and Westmeath with a delicious lunch alng the way in Kilshane House in Tipperary followed by a coffee stop in Kinnitty Castle in Offaly and the first overnight stay and finish line at The Sheraton Hotel in Athlone.
On day two, the Retro Cannonball convoy travels through the lake county of Westmeath and on to the sprawling hilly county Tyrone with magnificent scenery. Cannonballers will have lunch at Corick House in Tyrone before crossing on the ferry from Greencastle to Greenore. The second overnight stay and overall finish line is coming to the Cooley Peninsula for the first time and takes place at Ballymasconlon house just 20 minutes from the bustling medieval town of Carlingford
“We are welcoming cars from the golden era of the 60's,70's, 80's and early 90's to take in stunning drives and many famous Irish landmarks.” said Cannonball founder Alan Bannon “Classic cars not only appeal to car lovers, but also to lovers of engineering, design, art and history. They retain an incurable romance and that is the reason why people do, and always will, love classic cars.”