It's an early start for the Tour de France riders as they set off from Enniscorthy at 10 a.m. for the 205 km route to Cork. There is another "neutralised start" as the race heads around the town from the Duffrey Gate, over the Old Bridge and then back out by the N30 towards New Ross.
Enniscorthy has been having huge celebrations already this summer and the town looks great. This is the perfect location to combine some 1798 atmosphere with the excitement of the Tour. The Festival Week continues after the race leaves with a pageant and music from De Dannan.
New Ross is the next major spot along the route and another chance to see the race pass through a charming Wexford town. Expected in the town by 10.50 a.m., the riders will head up through the main street and then over the bridge towards Waterford. With the Comoradh '98 Festival already in full swing to greet the race, New Ross is an ideal point to enjoy the race in full. Later that evening there's a fullscale jazz show with Bob Miller and Paddy Cole.
Waterford is also putting on a grand greeting for the Tour when it arrives in the capital of the crystal county at about 11.20 a.m.
There will be a Le Bal Populaire on the streets all day with music and entertainment to suit every taste. In addition, the race has a special sprint in the town for extra points so expect the riders to be giving it their all.
The Tour takes a slight detour through Kilkenny on the road to Carrick-on-Suir. Both Piltown and Fiddown have an imaginative welcome in store.
There is a French-style street market during the entire weekend and a chance to sample all the variety of French and Irish cuisine. When the race passes through, the French and Irish Ministers for Agriculture will be on the viewing stand.
This is going to be one of the most colourful spots on the route and a wonderful chance to get some of the medieval county tradition.
In terms of cycling enthusiasm, Carrick-on-Suir is the place to be. Home, of course, to Sean Kelly, Carrick has some real treats in store.
There's 13 pubs putting on Tour de France entertainment, a display of cycling history at New Street and, when the race passes Sean Kelly Square, the man himself will be there to lead the welcome. There will be another sprint point in the town when the race arrives at about noon.
Heading out of the town, the race heads up the demanding Corpse Road towards the Comeragh mountains. With King of the Mountain points up for grabs, this will be another great point to catch the riders up close. There is some stunning scenery as a backdrop while the race heads down towards Lemybrien, so if a more relaxed view is what you want, any spot along this road will do.
Then it's back on the N25 into Dungarvan. Reaching the town by about 1.00 p.m., the Fete de Dungarvan will be providing an all-day gala festival with music and dancing.
Next, it's into Cork for the final miles of the route. Youghal is one of the most charming towns in the area and if you've been looking for an excuse to make it here, they won't come any better than the Tour de France. There will be another sprint as the race passes through the town centre at about 1.30 p.m.
The last major point before the finish is Midleton. It will be about 2.15 p.m. when the race comes through the main street and once again the town has prepared a grand welcome. It's the last "quiet" spot to enjoy the race before it dashes into Cork City for the finish.
Never a place to take things lying down, Cork will be providing the race with a spectacular climax. There will be huge crowds and excitement as the Tour heads through the centre towards the finish out on Carrigrohane Road. There will be a large TV viewing screen on the corner of Patrick Street and Grand Parade to keep spectators informed.
The highlight, however, is certain to be the sprint finish out by the Lee. The long straight on Carrigrohane will give the riders plenty of time to reach top speed and race to the finish line in hair-raising style.