The Donegal International Rally, Ireland’s largest motorsport event, will see 200 crews compete over 20 stages covering 270km in the north west this weekend.
Derry driver Callum Devine and his co-driver Kerry man Noel O’Sullivan will be hoping to win the three-day tarmac rally for a fourth year in a row, a feat never achieved.
Since 1972, the event, the only one of its kind in Ireland and the UK, has grown into one of the most respected rallies in Europe backed by a tight-knit Irish rally community.
Some of the stages will return to Gaoth Dobhair and An Fál Carrach, a tribute to the Rally of the Rosses held in July 1971.
That event in 1971, organised by the founders of the Donegal Motor Club was the preamble of the International Rally that ran for the first time the following year.
The Donegal Motor Club said the 2026 Wilton Recycling Donegal International Rally is “Ireland’s biggest rally, attracting drivers from all over Ireland and around the world”.
There are some new stages across stunning scenery; some stages reintroduced and others tweaked for round five of the NAPA Autoparts Irish Tarmac Rally Championships.
Saturday morning will see the iconic Knockalla stage set the tone for the day ahead while Sunday will see a reworked Lough Keel stage leading into the iconic Atlantic Drive.
Callum Devine Noel O’Sullivan celebrate their 2024 victory (Pic: Kevin Glendinning Photgraphy/KG Rally Pics)
Nine-time World Rally Champion Sebastien Loeb won in 2007 while multiple winners include Andrew Nesbitt, Billy Coleman, Bertie Fisher, Manus Kelly and Calum Devine.
The ceremonial start takes place on Thursday evening before the action begins with the first stage on Friday morning in Letterkenny and it will finish in the cathedral town too.
As anticipation builds, representatives from Donegal County Council, An Garda Síochána, Donegal Motor Club and local agencies have launched the “Keep the Race in its Place” road safety campaign.
Chief Executive of Donegal County Council, John G McLaughlin said road safety must remain a shared priority with an increase in traffic expected across the county.
“We encourage everyone to plan their journeys in advance, allow extra travel time, drive with care, and always adhere to the speed limits,” he said.
A road safety launch ahead of the Donegal International Rally
Inspector Seán McDaid said gardaí will have a comprehensive policing operation in place throughout the event, with public safety the primary focus.
“Dangerous driving, anti-social behaviour and any actions that place the safety of others at risk will not be tolerated and will be dealt with appropriately,” he said.
Inspector McDaid said gardaí will be conducting “a robust enforcement operation throughout the weekend.”
The Donegal Motor Club said it is imperative that the road safety message is followed throughout the week of the event.
“Please obey the rules of the roads and leave the racing to the Professional Drivers & co-drivers on the stages.
“Keep the Race in its Place this weekend and keep the roads safe for everyone,” the motor club said.