By Sabrina Sweeney
IT’S rally weekend in Donegal so brace yourself for noise, crowds, petrol fumes and the pure, unfiltered buzz of it all.
Love it or loathe it – and most people at least secretly love it – the Donegal International Rally is hard to ignore. There’s excitement, pride, and a deep-rooted sense of community that underpins the whole affair. After all, it’s regarded as one of the most popular domestic rallies in the world.
The obvious focus is the high-octane drama of the race itself, boasting skilled drivers navigating some of the most scenic, winding roads with nerves of steel.
But there’s another story – and that’s the ripple effects of the event. The Donegal International Rally isn’t just a sporting weekend; it’s a cultural moment that serves as a huge annual boost to the local economy. Estimates suggest it brings in around €20 million each year, with at least 70,000 spectators arriving from near and far.
Joseph Mc Gonigle and Kieran Geaney in their Citreon. Photo David McDaid
Local businesses, from B&Bs and cafés to petrol stations and pubs, enjoy one of their busiest weekends of the year.
And then there’s the buzz it brings. It’s hard to describe to someone who hasn’t felt it: the swell of anticipation in the air, the sound of friends and families coming together on the streets and the sight of rally cars parked up like prized cattle in town squares.
Even those who don’t attend recognise the economic lift it brings and the pride that comes with seeing Donegal in the national and international spotlight.
None of it would be possible without the behind-the-scenes graft from hundreds of people. Residents, volunteers, businesses, emergency services and event organisers all pull together, year after year, to make it happen and to make it an event to be proud of.
The rally puts Donegal on the map in a way few other events can. The county’s rugged beauty and warm hospitality are on full display for three days and for those experiencing it for the first time, that first impression often sticks.
It complements flagship initiatives like the Wild Atlantic Way, which has transformed rural tourism across the west of Ireland and many who come for the rally return for the landscapes, the people and the slower pace of life.
Of course, no event of this scale takes place without its headaches. Traffic congestion is one of the biggest gripes, and rightly so. Locals have stories of journeys that should take ten minutes stretching into hours. For those living on rally routes or in town centres, it can feel like the world has landed on their doorstep.
Then there’s the issue of behaviour. Gardaí reported over 100 arrests last year, mainly for minor offences. Most attendees are respectful and law-abiding, but it only takes a small minority to cast a long shadow.
Noel O’Sullivan and Callum Devine at the Ceremonial start at the Donegal International Rally.
That’s why this year’s “Keep the Race in Its Place” campaign is significant. Garda patrols have been stepped up, signage is clearer and marshals are working closely with emergency services to keep things safe and send a clear message that rallying belongs on the course, not on public roads or housing estates and that dangerous driving will not be tolerated.
Such concerns don’t need to overshadow the event but they do point to the areas that require ongoing cooperation between organisers and other sectors as the rally continues to grow.
Better traffic management, more public transport options, a wider range of accommodation, litter control, and strong, visible policing all help to keep the event safe for everyone.
But crucially they are essential if it’s to remain a welcome date in the calendar for everyone.
Because the rally isn’t just an event, it’s part of Donegal’s DNA. Since its first running in 1972, it has carved out a unique place in Irish motorsport, passed down through families, drawing people home and inspiring new generations to get involved in motorsport in some shape or form. It’s that legacy that should shape the future.
With continued investment in safety, infrastructure and the communities that host the event, Donegal can continue to be looked upon as home to one of the best rallies in the world. That’s certainly something to be proud of and something worth building on for the good of the entire county for years to come.
Read Sabrina Sweeney’s Fresh Take column every Thursday in the Donegal News.
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