The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride Announces The 2026 Launch and Returns To Unite Riders for Men’s Health In Over 1,030 Cities Around The World
Sunday May 17th 2026
- This Iconic Global Motorcycle Event, Renowned For Bringing Together Motorcycle Enthusiasts Dressed In Their Finest Attire to Raise Awareness For Men’s Health with Movember, Is Set To Be Bigger And Better. “Ride Draper” for the charity event with a difference
- Registered riders and donors are in for a chance to win a specially commissioned Mutt Mongrel 250, Street Tracker Motorbike, A Vespa 50 Scooter, and a Huge Array of Other Prizes for our registered riders.
Mark your calendars as the world-renowned Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) is set to make a triumphant return on Sunday May 17th, 2026, at the illustrious Barberstown Castle in Co. Kildare. The event is gearing up to bring together classic and vintage motorcycle enthusiasts from around Ireland and further afield for a charitable cause like no other.
DGR – the world’s largest motorcycling charity event -is not just about bikes; it’s a Ride Draper style celebration of a bygone era’s fashion and fun – all in support of men’s health.
Event organiser Austin O’Callaghan commented: “DGR is more than just a motorcycle ride; it’s a movement that transcends borders, bringing together all types of distinguished bike enthusiasts in a common mission to raise awareness and support men’s health.”
O’Callaghan added: “On Sunday, May 17th, 2026, tens of thousands of riders worldwide will don their cravats, tweak their moustaches and ride their classic and vintage motorcycles to shine a light on prostate cancer and men’s mental health & suicide prevention programs. We are calling on all Irish riders to do the same and join us at Barberstown Castle in Co Kildare”
*THIS YEAR DUE TO THE POPULARITY OF DGR KILDARE, WE ARE LIMITING OUR NUMBERS TO 500, TO ENSURE THAT EVERYONE ENJOYS TO THE FULL. REGISTER EARLY TO MAKE SURE YOUR PLACE.
Building upon the success of previous years, the Kildare event enters its fourth edition with ambitious goals to have five hundred registered riders, embodying the spirit of camaraderie and compassion that defines the DGR community. Over 130,000 riders from more than 1010 cities across 120 countries are expected to participate, highlighting the global reach and impact of this noble initiative.
Every year at DGR Kildare we try to provide something for our riders and supporters. This year we see the returned of the 2nd Cavalry Sq. We are privileged that a number of the Cavalry Sq. will be leading us on our ride this year in full uniform. These men realise the importance of what we are trying to highlight and are giving freely of their time to do it. Movember and DGR fund mental health programmes to help Veterans and first responders, such as An Garda Siochana, our Ambulance Services and Fire Services. We are so appreciative of the support that Oglaigh na hEireann and An Garda Siochana give us in hosting this event.
Funds raised through the ride will be directed towards both local and global prostate cancer research and men’s mental health & suicide prevention programs, in collaboration with the official charity partner, Movember.
Don’t forget, that while DGR is about promoting Men’s Health that the event is not just for men. Globally, thousand of women ride in this event and we are proud that so many take part in DGR Kildare. Showing support for their Fa, Brothers, Husbands, Partners, and the men that are important to them in their life.
But that’s not all! To reward registered riders and their supporters for their fundraising efforts, the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride Kildare has announced an exciting prize opportunity to win a Mutt Mongrel 250, Street Tracker specially commissioned for Kildare DGR 2025 and a Vespa 50 Scooter.
Every registered rider in the Kildare DGR will automatically be entered into the draw. Additionally, anyone who sponsors a registered DGR Kildare rider with a donation of over €20 will also be entered. This enticing prize aims to encourage participation and generate donations for this worthy cause.
Tickets are also on sale at only €10 each or 3 for €20 and are available at the Castle, online and other locations, which will be announced through social media sites. The draw will take place live on Sunday 31st May 2026, providing an additional incentive for participants to rally support and raise funds leading up to the event. Donations received before this date will also be included in the draw, offering an extension after the ride finishes.
This incredible opportunity not only adds excitement to the DGR campaign but also underscores the generosity and support of the community in championing men’s health. Get ready to rev up your engines, ride in style, and make a difference!
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride invites individuals to join the movement, embrace classic style and make a meaningful difference in the lives of men around the world. Riders are encouraged to sign up, support, or donate www.gentlemansride.com/rides/ireland/kildare to join the cause and be part of something truly special.
This year, again we are putting out an appeal to non-riders that would like to become involved to contact us if they would like to help us in the organisation of the ride and its administration. Please contact austinocallaghan@barberstowncastle.ie
Remember, to participate in DGR, riders must adhere to the classic and vintage motorcycle style guide, embodying the essence of a distinguished gentleman or woman. For more details, visit https://www.gentlemansride.com/about/style-guide.
About The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride:
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is an annual international charity event founded in Sydney, Australia, in 2012 by Mark Hawwa. It celebrates classic and vintage styled motorcycles and the dapper gentlefolk who ride them, raising funds and awareness for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health programs. Since the beginning we have raised over €50 million, over 500,000 riders in over 121 countries have been involved.
About Movember:
Movember is a leading charity dedicated to changing the face of men’s health on a global scale. Since 2003, Movember has funded over 1,200 men’s health projects focused on mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer, advocating for positive change and raising awareness year-round. Movember Ireland directly funds Men’s mental Health and suicide prevention community projects in Ireland and is involved in funding prostate cancer research projects through the RCS Ireland and other universities.
About DGR Kildare
Join us at DGR Kildare 2026, Ireland on Sunday 17th of May, at Barberstown Castle for a dapper day of riding in style. The event kicks off at 9am, with riders departing at 11:30am for a scenic 65 km journey before returning to Barberstown Castle around 2:30pm. The ride will be led by the 2nd Cavalry Squadron of the Irish Army, on official bikes and in full ceremonial uniform. We have also been invited to ride through Naas town on our route, to be part of their “Bealtaine Festival” This year is going to be bigger & better than 2025. Our Local sponsors have given us some fantastic prizes available on the day which is open to every registered rider. Music and food available before and after. We will even have our own old-style Barber on site to help with your last minute preparations. Each registered rider and anyone who sponsors a registered rider with over €20 goes into a draw, with 1st prize a Mutt, Mongrel 250, Street Tracker bike & 2nd prize of a Vespa 50 scooter. *Only for DGR Kildare event. More information will be made available to our riders on social media. Expect a classic ride through beautiful landscapes, camaraderie with fellow riders, and the thrill of two-wheeled adventures. Along the route, enjoy pit stops, refreshments, and photo opportunities, all while raising funds for a great cause. Don’t miss out on this distinguished experience where elegance meets generosity. See you there! If you have any questions about DGR Kildare please reach out to our main Host. Austin O’Callaghan 0879222162 or @ austinocallaghan@barberstowncastle.ie