Counties Affected
Updated 21 August 2026: this report was regenerated with corrected figures. An earlier version overstated the year-on-year change by comparing against our own incomplete record of the previous year rather than official Road Safety Authority statistics, and included some double-counted incidents. See our methodology.
Overview
Two people lost their lives on Irish roads between 25 and 28 May 2026, in separate collisions in counties Clare and Wexford. Behind each statistic is a family facing unimaginable loss, and each incident is a reminder of how quickly and tragically circumstances on the road can change.
Incidents
Tulla, Co. Clare – 25 May 2026 A woman in her 80s died following a two-car collision on the R352 near Moymore, outside Tulla. Our thoughts are with her family and all those affected by her passing.
Kilmuckridge, Co. Wexford – 27 May 2026 A young man in his late teens died following a collision between a motorbike and a car on the R742 at Kilmuckridge. The loss of a young life is a particular tragedy, and we extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and community.
Both collisions occurred on regional roads, a reminder that serious incidents are not confined to motorways or major national routes.
Year-to-Date Context
Based on our own tally compiled from published news reports, 71 people have died on Irish roads so far in 2026. At the same point last year, the Road Safety Authority recorded 66 fatalities in their official figures. It is worth noting that our running count tends to run slightly ahead of the official RSA total, so a like-for-like comparison is not straightforward. That said, the figures point to a broadly similar pace to last year, with a difference of approximately 7–8% — a modest but nonetheless meaningful gap that warrants continued vigilance. No single conclusion should be drawn from this comparison alone, but it underlines that progress on road safety cannot be taken for granted.
Safety Advice and Awareness
Regional and rural roads present particular challenges — narrower carriageways, variable surfaces, and lower volumes of traffic that can encourage higher speeds. The RSA continues to encourage all road users to:
- Reduce speed on unfamiliar or rural roads, especially in changing weather or light conditions
- Allow extra space and time when sharing the road with motorcyclists and cyclists, who are among the most vulnerable road users
- Never assume a road is clear — junctions, bends, and concealed entrances demand full attention at all times
- Wear appropriate protective gear if riding a motorcycle, and ensure it meets current safety standards
If you are planning a journey over the coming days, take a moment before you set off: is your vehicle roadworthy, are you rested, and are conditions suitable?
Looking Ahead
Every road death in Ireland is preventable. The coming weeks bring longer evenings, busier roads, and increased activity from motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians making the most of the summer. That is a reason for celebration — and for extra care.
We ask all road users to travel with patience and awareness, to look out for one another, and to remember that the choices made behind the wheel or handlebars have consequences that can extend far beyond any single journey. The families who have lost loved ones this week deserve not just our sympathy, but our commitment to doing better on the roads.
If you have information about a road fatality that you believe should be included in our records, please contact us through the website.
Report card description: Two fatal collisions in Clare and Wexford between 25 and 28 May claimed the lives of a woman in her 80s and a young man in his late teens. With 71 deaths recorded on Irish roads so far in 2026, the toll remains broadly in line with last year, though the human cost of every incident is a reminder that continued care and vigilance on our roads is essential.