Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell, has welcomed the return of national rallying to the heart of Downpatrick this summer.
The town is hosting the hosting Summer Stages Rally, a round of the Brown & Brown Northern Ireland Rally Championship with the main event starting and finishing at the St Patrick Centre on Saturday, 25 July 2026.
The Carryduff Forklift Rallye Lecale event is being organised by Ballynahinch and District Motor Club in partnership with Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
Featuring closed road stages in the Lecale area, there will be a central service area for competitors at the Market Street car parks in Downpatrick.
The rally is named after the historic area of Lecale which lies between the Mourne mountains and Strangford Lough. Perhaps best known as the resting place of Saint Patrick it is also renowned for its beautiful coastal scenery, idyllic countryside and historic sites.
Downpatrick Regeneration Committee Chairman, Mal McGrady, said the rally will be at the heart of a range of wider community events that will highlight the attractions of the town and attract visitors from further afield.
Ballynahinch and District Motor Club chairman, Brian Crawford, said the club is delighted to be partnering to bring the excitement of rallying to the community in Downpatrick.
