The Killarney Towers Hotel Killarney Historic Rally will move to a new Sunday date for its 30th anniversary running
The event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, November 29, marking the opening round of the 2027 Irish Tarmac Rally Championship Historic category.
Five-time World Rally Championship event winner Paul Nagle will spearhead the event as Clerk of the Course. The appointment carries personal significance, as Nagle is the son of the late Maurice Nagle, the original founder of the rally.
The first Killarney Historic Rally was organised by Maurice Nagle in December 1996, shortly after the international Rally of the Lakes moved to its permanent May Bank Holiday weekend slot. Having served on the organising committee for the old winter Rally of the Lakes, Maurice maintained that Killarney had the capacity to host a motorsport event during the winter period. Over the last three decades, it has grown into Ireland’s only dedicated event for historic rally machinery, where an overall victory is as coveted as a win at the international event in May. “Taking on the role of Clerk of the Course for the 30th anniversary is a massive honour, but more importantly, it is an opportunity to protect and build upon the legacy my father left behind,” said Paul Nagle. “He believed that Killarney’s classic stages were the perfect arena to showcase historic cars, and he fought hard to establish this. Reaching 30 years of Ireland’s only dedicated historic rally proves his vision was right. We are fully committed to making this anniversary edition a special event that honours his memory and celebrates the history of historic motorsport.”
Nagle has promised a return to the classic Killarney tarmac that defined the event’s early years, confirming that stages such as Ballaghbeama Pass and Caragh Lake will feature on the itinerary for the Killarney Towers Hotel Killarney Historic Rally. Since retiring from professional co-driving in 2023,
Nagle has worked as an FIA Safety Delegate on several World Rally Championship events. Work is now underway to secure a strong field of historic rally cars, with some star names expected to join the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship regulars on the entry list. His experience in event management, combined with his international contacts, is currently being used to attract an expanded entry list. A promotional push is underway to secure a large field of historic rally cars, including several drivers from overseas. The event retains the title sponsorship of the Killarney Towers Hotel and Leisure Centre, located on College Street in the centre of Killarney town. The hotel’s town centre location is highly favoured by rally fans who return each year, having proved to be a popular base since the hotel first took on the role in 2023.
Managing Director of the O’Donoghue Ring Collection and Killarney Towers Hotel and Leisure Centre, Gemma Ring commented: “We are incredibly proud to continue our partnership with the Killarney Historic Rally as we enter our fourth year as title sponsor. This year’s event is especially significant as the rally celebrates its 30th anniversary, a remarkable milestone for one of Ireland’s most iconic motorsport events.
At the O’Donoghue Ring Collection, we have always been passionate about supporting events that showcase the very best of Killarney. The Historic Rally brings together competitors, enthusiasts and visitors from across Ireland and beyond, creating a fantastic atmosphere throughout the town while making a valuable contribution to our local businesses and community.
Congratulations to Killarney and District Motor Club and everyone involved in reaching this incredible 30-year milestone. We look forward to welcoming participants and spectators once again and wish everyone a safe, enjoyable and memorable weekend.”
Full route details and regulations for the Killarney Towers Hotel Killarney Historic Rally will be released by the Killarney and District Motor Club in the coming months.
