Find here some of Ireland’s best trail running events. Experience Ireland’s trail running scene at many local races, or choose one of the international events such as Wicklow’s EcoTrail in September.
MARCH
Gaelforce Skyrun: 12k/13k/22k – Leenane (Connemara. Galway)
The Gaelforce Sky Run is a mountain runnning event incorporating 3 distances to suit different levels of mountain running fitness and experience. Set in the ruggad wildness of the Maamturk mountains the event, which is now entering its 6th year, offers a 22KM or 13KM race on the open mountains, no trails, for more experienced runners and an 12KM trail/mountain race for those starting out in the sport. More info
MAY
Waterville Trail Running Festival, 12k, 25k, 43k, 130k – Co. Kerry
The Waterville Trailrunning Festival is a series of trail races over 3 days, along the Lough Currane/Derrynane loop of the Kerry Way, on the Atlantic tip of the Iveragh Peninsula. More Info
JULY
Seven Sisters Skyline – 50k – 4000m Climb- Donegal
The event is being held in Donegal, the most Northerly county on the island of Ireland, 3 hours from Dublin, and 2 hours from Belfast. Donegal is a magical place, which boasts wild rugged unspoilt landscapes, and an incredible coastline. The Derryveagh mountains range is commonly known as the “Seven Sisters” with highest point at 751m on top of Mt Errigal. More Info
AUGUST
Run The Ridge: 10k, 20k – Glendalough, Wicklow
There are two types of off-road running traditions in Ireland: modern ‘trail running’, on good paths, and traditional ‘hill running’ more ‘off-the-beaten-track’. ‘Run the Ridge’ race combines these two traditions into one race offering an introduction to both while being fully marked. The 20 km mountain and trail run follows the Derrybawn Mountain, while the 10 km trail run option takes in the best of the ‘lower’ trails. More Info
SEPTEMBER
Ecotrail Wicklow: 18k-28k-45k-80k, Bray, Wicklow
EcoTrail the most popular trail running event in Ireland. Starting and finishing at Bray seafront, participants have the choice from 18k, 29k, 45k or 80k through some of Wicklow’s most scenic trails from the Irish sea to the heart of the National Park. Ecotrail Wicklow includes locations such as Bray Head, Killruddery, Great Sugarloaf, Powerscourt Waterfall, the Wicklow Way and the Guinness Lake. EcoTrail Wicklow comes with a strong eco-friendly ethos and is committed to minimise local impact.
More Info
OCTOBER
Mourne Skyline: 35k – Newcastle, Northern Ireland
The Mourne Skyline Mountain-Trail Race is a 35k race, incorporating 3,370m (11,057ft) of accumulative ascent, set in the heart of the scenic Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland. The race starts and finishes in the seaside town of Newcastle, Co. Down, running through the stunning Mourne Mountains. More info
More Event:
- Run Ireland: https://www.runireland.com/calendar/?tribe-bar-search=trail
- Irish Mountain Running Association (IMRA): https://www.imra.ie/events/
- Northern Ireland Mountain Running Association: http://www.nimra.org.uk/index.php/fixtures/
Race / Events Reports
Check our Events category on our blog and find out more about races in Ireland and abroad: http://trailrunningireland.com/category/events/