A tractor run along the Wild Atlantic Way is aiming to raise funds for the children's cancer charity, Oscar's Kids' Ireland.

'Rolling Grey along the Atlantic Way' will take place on August 22-23.

Online entries are open and places are filling fast, according to the organisers.

The event - which will begin and end in Kilcornan, Clarinbridge, Co. Galway - is limited to 40 places, with pre-registration on the Fergy and the Lake website a must.

Route

The route will commence at Kilcornan House in Clarinbridge on Saturday, August 22, travelling through Ballindereen; Kinvara;  Bealnaclugga and Bellharbour.

A vintage display will take place on Saturday in Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare, a picturesque harbour village on the edge of the Burren. The overnight stop will also be in Ballyvaughan.

A highlight of the display will be, weather permitting, a traditional steam threshing demonstration, with a steam engine and threshing mill travelling from Co. Kerry for the event.

Local vintage group, the Ballyvaughan Old Boys and Belles, who regularly tour the area in their vintage vehicles, will perform on Saturday evening.

A small fundraiser and entertainment will also take place that evening at Greene's Bar, Ballyvaughan.

On Sunday, August 23, participants will begin the return journey via the scenic Flaggy Shore, arriving back in Clarinbridge in the afternoon.

There will be the opportunity to enjoy a final rest stop near the village’s historic market green and avail of local cafés, bars, and restaurants before departing.

Fergy and the Lake

Fergy and The Lake Club was established at the National Ploughing Championships in September 2024 by Ivan Mullen of the Ballinasloe and District Vintage Club, with the support of the Irish Vintage Engine and Tractor Association (IVETA.)

His original concept involved organising a charity run showcasing Ferguson TE 20 tractors around nearby Lough Derg.

Following interest from owners of Grey/Gold, commonly known as 'Copper Belly' Ferguson FE 35 tractors, the scope of the event was expanded to cover these models.

Over 70 Ferguson tractors from across Ireland departed from the historic Irish Workhouse Centre in Portumna, Co. Galway, on June 14, 2025, completing a 112km route around Lough Derg over two days.

A total of €16,000 was raised for the Jack and Jill Foundation while participants enjoyed a memorable experience, according to Chris Lanigan of the organising committee.

He said: "Although initially intended as a once-off event, the overwhelmingly positive feedback demonstrated strong demand for future runs and conversations started about possible locations."

As planning progressed for this year's event, the concept evolved into a new fundraiser for 2026: 'Rolling Grey on the Atlantic Way'.

'The initiative will bring the iconic Ferguson tractors to Ireland’s western seaboard, travelling along sections of the world-renowned Wild Atlantic Way," Lanigan said.

He added that since planning of this year's run has kicked off, the organisation has been "overwhelmed" by the support from vintage enthusiasts, community groups, local businesses and the team at Oscar's Kids' Ireland.

"As with the initial Fergy and The Lake run, we are seeing this sense of community is still alive and well today.

"Given that we have chosen to hold this year's event in aid of another very worthy children’s charity, we aim to continue with a mindset that the event will be fun for both those participating and those who come out to support us along the way.

"Oscar's Kids' Ireland was set up to provide families with magic moments and, weather permitting, we will make this event a magic moment for all involved," Lanigan said.

Lanigan added that the money raised will provide "much needed and deserved funds to give more magic moments and support for the brave members of the Oscar's Kids' Club as well as their loving family and friends".

Oscar's Kids Ireland

Oscars Kids Ireland was formed by Yav and Lar Keogh in honour of their son Oscar who was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer in January 2018. Sadly Oscar died just 19 months later in July 2019.

Lanigan said: "Their mission as a charity is guided by the immense joy with which he lived life, his endless bravery and the magic he injected into every day, even the hardest ones.

"The charity supports families with fun and friendship through their entire cancer journey.

Oscar's Kids' Ireland also offers financial support, cooked meals and covers funeral expenses where needed "to ease the burden during the most difficult times," Lanigan said.

He extended thanks to the organisations and businesses supporting the 2026 event.

"The strong support of the Clarinbridge and Ballyvaughan communities has been instrumental in making this event possible," he said.