Stories of the Ireland Rally – Thursday Thoughts – 21st May 2026

Thursday saw the Ireland Rally head to Kilkenny Castle where we displayed our cars on the lawn for visitors to enjoy. The end of the day marked to formal end of the rally with a Gala Dinner and presentations and prizes. Find out who the winners were here!

Heading off on Thursday morning, our destination was Kilkenny Castle. Founded soon after the Norman conquest of Ireland, the castle has been redesigned and redeveloped over its 800 year history to suit the needs of its occupants. Its current presentation is largely a Victorian remodelling of the 13th century defensive castle.

Our beautiful Figaros were welcomed to the castle and parked on the lawn to the rear, where the public were able to come and look at and talk with club members about them. We are quite sure that some new Figgy fans were born that day!

Members were able to walk around the inside of Kilkenny castle and marvel at some wonderful tapestries, suits of armour, beautiful children’s nursery, and a particularly awe-inspiring portrait gallery. A little time for wandering into Kilkenny itself was available with the opportunity to find some lunch as well, before heading back to the hotel in good time to prepare for the Gala Ball.

The Gala Ball was a huge success. The theme was “1950s Dress to Impress” and members didn’t let us down. We had several Teddy Boys, lots of glamourous frocks, and Yogi Bear even made an appearance at one point! We were treated to a glass of champagne courtesy of Clanard Court as a thank you for holding our rally there, and another beautiful three course dinner was laid on for our members.

After dinner, there were the speeches and prize giving. The prize winners were:
Quiz winners – Amelia and Sophie
Furthest distance travelled – Petra and Jüergen
Best dressed woman at the Gala Ball – Sharon
Best dressed man at the Gala Ball – Peter
Show and Shine – Sandra and Peter

Heaps of thanks went to Dolly and the committee members which meant that we all felt very loved and glad that everyone had enjoyed themselves.

After the awards, we were treated to a birthday cake and sang happy birthday to our Figgys, before hitting the dancefloor to the sounds of Bobby Mc and his swing band.

We were dancing till after midnight, and the party carried on into the small hours, showing that the Figaro Owners Club knows how to celebrate in style!

Enjoy the Gallery of Photos below…

Stories of the Ireland Rally – Thursday Thoughts – 21st May 2026

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