This week, RETRO Cannonball rolls once again featuring 100 classic cars, free family live entertainment and that unique festival atmosphere that Cannonball is renowned for and will visit Doolin.
The event will commence this year in Limerick at Thomond Park on Friday May 24th at 9.30am and leaving at 10.30am for lunch at 1pm at Fiddle & Bow Collection in Doolin.
Spectators and families can get up close, see some rare classic cars, take photographs, meet the drivers and enjoy the timeless allure of vintage automobiles until 2.30pm
The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation is official charity partner for Cannonball Ireland 2024 and currently supports 9 children and their families across Co. Clare. The organisation funds and provides in-home nursing care and respite support to families caring for children, up to the age of six, with neurodevelopmental delay associated with a severe cognitive delay. This may include children with brain injury, a genetic diagnosis, cerebral palsy, and undiagnosed conditions. Another key part of the service is end-of-life-care for all children up to the age of six, irrespective of diagnosis. 84 children have been cared for by the charity in Co. Limerick since its inception in 1997.
Deirdre Walsh, CEO of Jack and Jill, commented: “We are honoured that Cannonball Ireland have chosen to support Jack and Jill again in 2024! Last year, our partnership raised an impressive €161,000, which translated into 8,944 hours of in-home nursing care and respite support for 534 families supported by Jack and Jill in 2023. We were overwhelmed by the support from families, volunteers and corporate partners, who came out along the route to help raise as much funds as possible, and to the drivers who brought so much fun factor to this exciting fundraiser. A huge thanks to Alan Bannon and his team for choosing Jack and Jill and here’s to another successful year for our partnership.”
Classic cars are all about the experience, style, exclusivity and craftsmanship, all of which are universal and timeless. Retro Cannonball is a two-day odyssey taking in the Wild Atlantic Way and towns and villages through the Hidden Heartlands of Ireland. Featuring cars from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s & 90’s from vintage Mustangs to sleek Corvettes, an impressive array of iconic automobiles will rumble together, creating a nostalgic symphony as they roll through picturesque landscapes.
RETRO Cannonball starts at Thomond Park in Limerick this year on May 24th at 9.30am and leaves at 10.30am.. It then takes in part of The Wild Atlantic Way with lunch in Fiddle & Bow Hotel in Co Clare. It then continues along the Wild Atlantic Way with its mesmerizing tapestry of rugged coastline and dramatic cliffs to arrive to for an overnight stay in the vibrant town of Westport, Co Mayo. On May 25th the convoy makes its way across the country for lunch at Kilronan Castle, Co. Roscommon with a quick coffee stop in the renowned Drumcoura City in Leitrim and then the convoy arrives into Mullingar, Co Westmeath for an exciting finish line.
The classic car convoy will include rare cars such as the 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 many more. Spectators can get up close, view the cars and take photographs at each of the start and finish lines, pitstops and lunch stops.
“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.”
Registration is also now open for Cannonball Ireland, the supercar event, taking place on September 6th-8th this year and a firm favourite with both drivers and spectators with proceeds to the Jack and Jill. RETRO Cannonball is an altogether more laid-back experience but drivers and spectators still enjoy one of the most unique motoring fraternities in the world with breath-taking driving routes, luxurious hospitality and that rare ‘camaraderie’ that makes Cannonball a truly unforgettable experience.
See www.cannonball.ie for details of all events.
