Gordon Bennett Route
Drive the Historic Gordon Bennett Route- a journey through Counties Carlow, Kildare and Laois
In 1903 a spectacular race, the Gordon Bennett Cup Race, an annual European event, was set to take place in Ireland. Many thousands of visitors came by boat to view the race. It was one of the largest tourist attractions Ireland had ever seen. Four countries entered the race: France, USA, Germany and Britain.
The chosen route was a figure of eight course in the midlands of Ireland. Why not follow the great daredevil drivers of the 1903 race?
The route is sign posted and there are information boards in four locations on-route (in the towns of Carlow, Athy and Kildare and also at Treacys Thatch Bar, The Heath) A free booklet accompanies the route with all the information needed to enjoy a relaxing drive though the heart of the midlands.
For a copy of this guide please email info@laoistourism.ie or visit www.gordonbennettroute.com
Gordon Bennett Stage 1- From Ballyshannon to Carlow
Setting out from Ballyshannon Crossroads southwest of Old Kilcullen at the end of the M9 motorway from Dublin, follow the Gordon Bennett Route signposts through Co. Kildare heading for Carlow town. Attractions on route include: Old Kilcullen (Round Tower), Kilgowan monolith, Ballitore Quaker Settlement, Irish Pewter Mill, Moone High cross, and Castledermot abbey.
Gordon Bennett Stage 2 - From Carlow to Athy
Follow the Gordon Bennett Route signs into Carlow town before heading north-west towards Athy Attractions on route include: Carlow Military Museum, Delta Garden Centre, The Barrow Way, Carlow Coute House, Carlow Cathedral and Carlow Castle.
Gordon Bennett Stage 3 - From Athy to Kildare
From Athy town follow the Gordon Bennett Route signs north taking in for the second time Ballyshannon Crossroads, the starting point for the famous 1903 race, and on to Kilcullen before crossing the Curragh Plains into Kildare town. Attractions On Route include: The Moat of Ardscull, Kilcullen, The Curragh Races, Kildare town, Round tower and St. Bridgets Cathedral, Kildare Village Outlet shopping and the Irish National Japanese Gardens.
Gordon Bennett Stage 4 - Kildare to The Heath
Follow the Gordon Bennett Route signs out of Kildare to Monasterevin and south-west towards Portlaoise. Attractions on Route: Moore Abbey Woods, Emo Court and Gardens, Coolbanagher Church, The Heath, and Morette Castle.
Gordon Bennett Stage 5- From The Heath to Athy
Follow the Gordon Bennett Route signs east across Co. Laois towards Athy. Attractions on route include: The Rock of Dunamaise, Stradbally Steam Museum and The Windy Gap.
An annual classic car run takes place each year which follows the Gordon Bennett Route. The Rally is open to cars 30years or more and it takes place on the June bank holiday weekend each year. Why not bring your car and spend a weekend in Laois following the tradition of the great rally drivers. For more information on the Gordon Bennett Irish Classic Car Run click here
Download your entry form for the Gordon Bennett Festival 2008
Drive the Historic Gordon Bennett Route- a journey through Counties Carlow, Kildare and LaoisIn 1903 a spectacular race, the Gordon Bennett Cup Race, an annual European event, was set to take place in Ireland. Many thousands of visitors came by boat to view the race. It was one of the largest tourist attractions Ireland had ever seen. Four countries entered the race: France, USA, Germany and Britain.
The chosen route was a figure of eight course in the midlands of Ireland. Why not follow the great daredevil drivers of the 1903 race?
The route is sign posted and there are information boards in four locations on-route (in the towns of Carlow, Athy and Kildare and also at Treacys Thatch Bar, The Heath) A free booklet accompanies the route with all the information needed to enjoy a relaxing drive though the heart of the midlands.
For a copy of this guide please email info@laoistourism.ie or visit www.gordonbennettroute.com
Gordon Bennett Stage 1- From Ballyshannon to Carlow
Setting out from Ballyshannon Crossroads southwest of Old Kilcullen at the end of the M9 motorway from Dublin, follow the Gordon Bennett Route signposts through Co. Kildare heading for Carlow town. Attractions on route include: Old Kilcullen (Round Tower), Kilgowan monolith, Ballitore Quaker Settlement, Irish Pewter Mill, Moone High cross, and Castledermot abbey.
Gordon Bennett Stage 2 - From Carlow to Athy
Follow the Gordon Bennett Route signs into Carlow town before heading north-west towards Athy Attractions on route include: Carlow Military Museum, Delta Garden Centre, The Barrow Way, Carlow Coute House, Carlow Cathedral and Carlow Castle.
Gordon Bennett Stage 3 - From Athy to Kildare
From Athy town follow the Gordon Bennett Route signs north taking in for the second time Ballyshannon Crossroads, the starting point for the famous 1903 race, and on to Kilcullen before crossing the Curragh Plains into Kildare town. Attractions On Route include: The Moat of Ardscull, Kilcullen, The Curragh Races, Kildare town, Round tower and St. Bridgets Cathedral, Kildare Village Outlet shopping and the Irish National Japanese Gardens.
Gordon Bennett Stage 4 - Kildare to The Heath
Follow the Gordon Bennett Route signs out of Kildare to Monasterevin and south-west towards Portlaoise. Attractions on Route: Moore Abbey Woods, Emo Court and Gardens, Coolbanagher Church, The Heath, and Morette Castle.
Gordon Bennett Stage 5- From The Heath to Athy
Follow the Gordon Bennett Route signs east across Co. Laois towards Athy. Attractions on route include: The Rock of Dunamaise, Stradbally Steam Museum and The Windy Gap.
An annual classic car run takes place each year which follows the Gordon Bennett Route. The Rally is open to cars 30years or more and it takes place on the June bank holiday weekend each year. Why not bring your car and spend a weekend in Laois following the tradition of the great rally drivers. For more information on the Gordon Bennett Irish Classic Car Run click here
Download your entry form for the Gordon Bennett Festival 2008
