If the sound of revving engines is music to your ears, head to Killarney for the May Bank Holiday weekend. One of Ireland’s biggest rallying events, Killarney’s Rally of the Lakes has been attracting leading drivers since 1979, with its promise of exciting action on what must be among the most scenic rally routes in the world.

The event takes place over two days, with the focus on the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship. Now with FIA status, the rally is starting to attract increasing interest from European and American competitors, all of whom have been extremely impressed with the event’s classic stages, the level of organisation, and the spectacular scenery and hospitality of Killarney itself. There is a separate event for young drivers, as well as a round of the West Euro Cup, which attracts drivers from further afield.

GoIreland has a wide range of comfortable hotels, B&Bs, and self-catering in Killarney, which is just as well, as you’ll be hitting the pillow early to get up in time to catch the Rally action. It’s worth the early start, however, as you’ll get the best vantage points to see the most exciting drivers and cars perform against the dramatic backdrop of jaw-dropping mountains and lakes.

The rally begins at the iconic Molls Gap, before moving to the challenging stages of Gortnagane, Bannard, and Knockacullig, which are all close to to Killarney to facilitate spectators.

On the following day, the drivers head south along the Beara Peninsula. Take your eyes of the cars for a moment to take in the breathtaking beauty of Ireland’s most famous classic routes, including Healy Pass, Cods Head, and Ardgroom, followed by one blast through the Killmackillogue harbour stage.

The event begins with a ceremonial start in Killarney town centre on Friday evening and ends at the Gleneagle Hotel late on Sunday afternoon after two intense days of rallying over some of the world’s greatest tarmac stages.