Counties Affected
Updated 28 September 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 Sunday 19 July and Wednesday 22 July 2026. Both incidents claimed the lives of men — one in his 30s in Kilkenny, one in his 40s in Kerry — and serve as a sobering reminder of the human cost of road collisions during what is typically one of the busiest periods of the year for road travel.
Incidents
Wednesday 22 July — R693, Freshford, Co Kilkenny
A man in his 30s died after being struck by a van on the R693 near Arigan Bridge, Cooleshal, outside Freshford. He was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 9.30am. Gardaí are investigating the circumstances of the collision.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all those affected by this tragedy.
Monday 21 July — N22, Killarney, Co Kerry
A fatal two-vehicle collision on the N22 near Dromadeesirt, outside Killarney, claimed the life of one of the drivers involved, a man in his 40s, during the evening. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The N22 is a heavily trafficked national route serving west Kerry and the Killarney area, and this collision is a reminder of the vigilance required on all road types, including national primary routes.
Our sincere condolences go to his family and to all those touched by this loss.
Year-to-Date Context
Based on our own tally compiled from news reports, 96 people have now lost their lives on Irish roads so far in 2026. At the same point last year, the official Road Safety Authority figure stood at 91 fatalities.
That represents an approximate increase of around 5–6% compared to this time last year. It is important to note that our running count is drawn from media reports and tends to run slightly ahead of the official RSA figures, so a direct comparison should be treated with some caution. Nonetheless, the direction of travel — however modest — is a cause for continued concern and vigilance, not complacency.
Every figure in that count represents a person: a parent, a child, a friend, a neighbour.
Safety Reminders
The summer months bring longer days, increased traffic volumes, and more vulnerable road users — pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists — sharing the roads. Both of this week’s fatal incidents occurred during daylight hours, underscoring the fact that bright conditions are no guarantee of safety.
The Road Safety Authority continues to urge all road users to observe the following:
- Slow down — speed remains one of the leading factors in fatal collisions on Irish roads.
- Stay alert — driver fatigue and distraction are serious risks, particularly on longer summer journeys.
- Give space — pedestrians and cyclists are particularly vulnerable; always allow generous clearance.
- Never drive impaired — whether by alcohol, drugs, or tiredness, impaired driving puts every road user at risk.
- Wear your seatbelt — on every journey, no matter how short.
If you are planning a long journey this summer, take regular breaks and ensure you are well rested before setting off.
Looking Ahead
As the summer holiday period continues, the volume of traffic on Irish roads will remain high. Rural and regional routes — like the R693 and N22 — carry significant numbers of unfamiliar drivers during this time of year, making care and patience on the road more important than ever.
We remember those who have died on our roads this year and commit to doing what we can to ensure that number does not grow. Road deaths are not inevitable. The choices we make every time we get behind the wheel — or walk along a roadside — genuinely matter.
If you have been affected by a road collision, Aiseanna Tacaíochta and the RSA’s victim support resources may be able to offer guidance and support.
Fatality data reflects roaddeaths.ie’s own tally compiled from published news reports up to 22 July 2026. Official figures are published by the Road Safety Authority and may differ.
Report card description: Two fatal collisions in Kerry and Kilkenny between 19 and 22 July bring the year’s road death toll to approximately 96 — around 5–6% above the equivalent official figure from the same point last year.