Cannonball returns to Kildare for 18th run
The Cannonball Braziliian Dancers pictured at the start line of Cannonball last year.
ON FRIDAY, 11 September at 1pm, Europe’s largest supercar road trip Cannnonball will roll into the K Club in Straffan for the first pitstop of 2026, having set off that morning from the Johnstown Estate outside Enfield.
Spectators will have the opportunity to admire the spectacular collection of supercars until about 3.15pm when the will then depart for a fuel stop at the Circle K on the M9 Kilcullen where spectators are also welcome to view the cars.
Kildare-based founder of the spectacle Alan Bannon who runs AB Signs in the Tougher Industrial Estate fell in love with cars in his uncle Joe’s garage in Kildare town when he was young, and has always kept the home county to the fore, having organised last year’s Run to end in Naas.
This year’s Cannonball will involve up to 200 super, hyper, and novelty cars, free family festivals, across more than 1,000km of Irish roads.
So far it has raised over €2.25 million for Irish charities and expects 250,000 spectators waving chequered flags from coast to coast between 11-14 September to welcome Cannonball 2026, with this year’s proceeds going to Ronald McDonald House.
Spectators will have the opportunity to see an unrivalled collection of automotive icons, including Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Porsche, Aston Martin, Bentley, Maserati and many more.
Cannonball offers spectators and families a unique opportunity to see some of the world's rarest and most desirable supercars up close, completely free of charge.
Alongside the incredible vehicles, host towns come alive with DJs, live entertainment, giant screens, Brazilian dancers, street performers, children's entertainment and that totally unique and electric atmosphere that is unique to Cannonball.
Cannonball has already raised €2,281,871 for Irish children's charities and this year are raising funds for Ronald McDonald House.
When a child is sick, they need the best care possible even if it is hundreds of miles away. Ronald McDonald House allows families across Ireland to stay close to their child for as long as they are undergoing treatment.
Since they opened their House in November 2004, they have provided accommodation, care and support for 5,413 families from all over Ireland.
