Retro Cannonball Run, the charity classic drive that takes place in Ireland every year, has announced the route that the squadron of speedy autos will take in 2026.
When and where will the 2026 Retro Cannonball Run start?
The event kicks off on 5 June and runs until 7 June. The starting line this year is at the Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire, where the cars will start to gather on the evening of 4 June.
The next morning, 5 June, the convoy will roll out at 10am, heading down through Wicklow and towards the Mount Wolseley hotel in Carlow, due to arrive there by 1pm.
There's a planned fuel stop at the Circle K garage in Gorey, Co. Wexford, at 3.30pm, before the last stop of the day at White's Hotel, Wexford Town, at 5.15pm.
What about day two of Retro Cannonball Run?
Day two, 6 June, starts from White's before heading for the Vee, one of the best mountain roads in Ireland. Lunch will be at the Talbot Hotel in Clonmel, and cars will be on display from 12.30 until 2pm. The event will then finish in Waterford City Centre in spectacular style with music, big screens and free family fun.
Alan Bannon, founder of Cannonball Ireland, said: "Retro Cannonball is about far more than cars. It's about the experience, the people, the scenery, the music, the atmosphere and the incredible sense of camaraderie that follows the event everywhere it goes. This year's route is one of our most scenic yet and we cannot wait to bring the Retro Cannonball experience back to the Sunny South East.”
Which charity is Retro Cannonball Run 2026 supporting?
The chosen charity for 2026 is Ronald McDonald House Charities Ireland, which provides accommodation and vital support for families whose children are seriously ill and undergoing treatment far from home, allowing parents to remain close to their child during some of the most difficult times imaginable.
What cars can we expect to see?
As the name suggests, Retro Cannonball Run is the more relaxed and laid-back brother to the more party-hard Cannonball Run, but the cars are no less spectacular. Entries for the 2026 Retro Cannonball Run include Lamborghini Diablos and Ferrari 348 GTS models to Jaguar E-Types, Porsche 911s, Ford Escort Cosworths, Corvettes, MGs, Beetles and beautifully restored Mercedes-Benz classics.