Clonakilty reaches fever pitch ahead of major cycling race

It’s still more than two weeks away but accommodation in the West Cork town of Clonakilty is already virtually booked out amid feverish preparations for the arrival of a major race which will bring more than 400 visitors to the town.

Some 180 Irish and foreign cyclists and about 200 officials, crew and fans will arrive in the town on May 26 for a stage-end finish to the An Post Rás 8-Day International Cycle Race.

The town last hosted a stage finish two years ago but has now hosted the race eight times.