Chairperson Welcomes Rally Championship Round in Downpatrick

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 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.

Cllr Campbell said he is delighted the Rally Championship event is coming to Downpatrick in July. “Hosting the rally in the town is a major boost for the area and will draw motorsport fans from a wide area to see top rally drivers competing on closed roads,” he said.

The Council Chairperson said arrival of the flagship motorsport event provides a major boost for the local economy.

“The Council is delighted to support this event. Rallying has a huge following and there will be a real buzz in Downpatrick and Lecale this summer,” he continued.

“Rally fans will be excited that such a high-profile event is coming to the area and Downpatrick and Lecale will be perfect hosts. There’s no better place to host such a prestigious event on the rally calendar,” added Cllr Campbell.

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.

“We are already engaging with the business community to develop the plans which will include family-friendly activities as well as plenty for rally-fans to do,” he added.

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.

“Some of the top drivers are expected to be taking part along with local crews who will be showing their skills on the closed road stages of the rally,” he said.

More information about the event will be released over the coming months and posted on the Council’s social media channels.