A new 18km cycling and arts event called Cycles was developed by artists Michelle Browne and Eszter Némethi by working with community members from rural and urban areas across the country.

Taking place on Sunday 24 September in Carlow, registration starts at 10.30am at Ducketts Grove and bikes will be available to hire with an option to take the bus to the event from Tullow, Graiguecullen, Hacketstown and Rathvilly.

A number of hand cycles, trikes and rickshaws will also be available to use.

Michelle Browne said: “It will be a fun family friendly event that encourages the culturally curious and those with a spirit for adventure to come along.

“We will be asking participants to download a specially created app on to their phone which will be triggered into playing an audio piece when you cycle past key locations.

"Everyone will be given a special high-vis for their journey, making it a fun and safe experience. We will set off on our adventure from 11.45am and hope to attract 300 or so adventure-seeking participants.”

Unexpected installations

Creative producer at Carlow Arts Festival Orlaith Tracey said: “Along the route, there will be some unexpected installations for cyclists to enjoy. We will have a refreshment stop along the route to keep everyone hydrated.

"For children or those who might not feel able to do the full 18km, there’s a shorter 3km option, so all can enjoy the experience.

"Inside Ducketts Grove, there will be a loop inside the walled garden for young children to cycle and other games and activities.

“As the cyclists return to Ducketts Grove, Carlow Community Choir will perform a specially commissioned song for this project created with Carlow musicians Ye Vagabonds.

"It’s a really gorgeous song that is inspired by the texts written during the workshops we did in Hacketstown, Rathvilly, Tullow and Graiguecullen.”

Project partners for the event also include County Carlow Sports Partnership, Carlow Arts Office, Carlow County Development Partnership CLG, Carlow County Library, Carlow County Museum and Carlow Road Cycling Club.

Pre-registration is advised, as places are limited. To secure a place go to https://www.tickettailor.com/events/carlowsportspartnership/1001446

A fee of €5 per adult and €2 per child also covers a post-cycle barbecue.

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