Retro Cannonball 2026 departed from the Royal Marine Hotel Dun Laoghaire this morning with 100 classic cars ready to journey through some of Ireland’s most scenic roads and towns.

This year’s route will see the Retro Cannonball convoy travel from Dún Laoghaire through Wicklow, Wexford, Carlow, Tipperary and Waterford, bringing an unforgettable weekend of classic motoring spectacle to towns and villages across the Sunny South East.

Featuring an extraordinary collection of vintage and iconic cars from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s, spectators can expect everything from Lamborghini Diablos and Ferrari 348 GTS models to Jaguar E-Types, Porsche 911s, Ford Escort Cosworths, Corvettes, MGs, Beetles and beautifully restored Mercedes-Benz classics.

Today, there is a lunch stop at Mount Wolseley Hotel in Co Carlow and cars will be on display for spectators outside the hotel.

Then the convoy will take a fuel stop at Circle K Gorey at 3.30pm before heading to Whites Hotel in Wexford Town at 5.15pm

On Saturday, the convoy will tackle the legendary Vee drive widely regarded as one of Ireland’s most breath-taking mountain routes.  Lunch will be at the Talbot Hotel in Clonmel and cars will be on display from 12.30 until 2pm.  The event will then finish in Waterford City Centre in spectacular style with music, big screens and free family fun.

At every stop, the public will have the chance to get up close to the cars, meet the drivers, take photographs and soak up the unique atmosphere that has made Cannonball one of Ireland’s most beloved live motoring events.

Retro Cannonball 2026 will also raise funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities Ireland, with Cannonball Ireland having already raised more than €2.27 million for Irish children’s charities to date.  Ronald McDonald House provides accommodation and vital support for families whose children are seriously ill and undergoing treatment far from home, allowing parents to remain close to their child during some of the most difficult times imaginable.

While Retro Cannonball offers a more relaxed and nostalgic motoring experience than its supercar counterpart, the event still delivers the same unforgettable atmosphere, premium hospitality and iconic road-trip energy that Cannonball is known for.

Registration is also now open for Cannonball Ireland 2026, the supercar event taking place later this year.

For route updates, spectator information and event details visit www.cannonball.ie