10 Half Marathons in Ireland You'll Love Running
10 Half Marathons in Ireland You'll Love Running
From Ballyheighue to Ballyvaughan to Glendalough, and from Achill Island to Killarney to Kilkee, Dingle and Galway
“Happiness is neither virtue nor pleasure nor this thing nor that but simply growth. We are happy when we are growing.”
— William Butler Yeats
Connemarathon
Maam Cross, Ireland | Sunday, April 21, 2024
Filled with rugged hills, glacier-carved lakes and views of the dramatic mountains of the Connemara region of western Ireland off in the distance, this race will introduce you to what this wild, rugged region of the country is known for: stone fences, rocky brown-and-green hills and mountains, rainy and misty weather conditions, sheep herds grazing free along the road, and the warmth and friendliness for which the Irish are known among the volunteers and fellow runners you meet. You’ll be able to choose from a 26.2-mile full marathon, 13.1-mile half marathon or the event's toughest challenge, a 39.3-mile ultra marathon that follows a loop course through many of the same villages, roads and highways traversed by runners in the first two races.
Inishbofin Half Marathon
Inishbofin, Ireland | Saturday, May 11, 2024
Sparsely populated and characterized by the same green, rocky hills Ireland is known for, this beautifully scenic, peaceful and pastoral island just off the coast of Galway, this race makes use of the main road that follows a loop route through the island's interior, and is considered both hilly and challenging for the runners who make their way to the island for this race each year. The trip to the island — which is reachable only by ferry — is something you'll definitely want to make a vacation of, as it is one of the country's most pristine natural habitats for endangered species and just pure natural beauty.
Glendalough Lap of the Gap Marathon
Glendalough, Ireland | Saturday, May 18, 2024
A race organizers say is both “incredibly scenic and incredibly tough,” run through the scenic heart of Ireland’s County Wicklow, which lies just south of Dublin and is known for its beautifully sweeping views of the Irish Sea and Wicklow Mountains National Park, home to more than 100 kilometers of walking and hiking trails. You’ll run along quiet back lanes through the Wicklow countryside and “barren and dramatic heather landscapes,” including a stretch that passes by Glenmacnass Waterfall, all as part of your route along the famed Lap of the Gap cycling route.
Clare Burren Marathon Challenge
Ballyvaughan, Ireland | Saturday, May 25, 2024
Runners get the chance to trek across paved roads, gravel roads, natural surface trails and green roads at this race, which includes a full marathon, half marathon and a 10K. Named for the natural limestone deposits of this part of Ireland — the country's rugged, untamed western region — the race takes runners through much of the area known as the Burren, whose ancient limestone formations contain dozens of caves and ancient tombs, and where you can find the ruins of forgotten villages and what locals call "green" roads, where you can walk for miles without ever seeing a car. Organized and hosted by the Ballyvaughan Fanore Walking Club, the event's 13.1-mile half marathon begins in the village of Ballyvaughan; from there it heads out onto the rural country roads, later passing near the coastline of Galway Bay.
Run Killarney Half Marathon
Killarney, Ireland | Saturday, June 8, 2024
Home to the gorgeous, windswept slopes of the hills and mountains inside Killarney National Park as well as gorgeous lakes, forests and waterfalls — and even Ireland’s tallest mountain, Carrauntoohil — the town of Killarney in County Kerry plays host to this scenic race in the early summer each year. You’ll start and finish the race near the Gleneagle Hotel, and from there head into the national park and along the edges of Lough Leane for long stretches of the route; about 3,000 runners and walkers will take to the course alongside you, and after the race you’ll get to see this stretch of the Ring of Kerry scenic drive, as well as the Kerry Way, a 200-kilometer walking route that starts in Killarney.
Half on the Head
Ballyheighue, Ireland | Saturday, June 15, 2024
Sometimes called “the most scenic half marathon in Ireland,” this race unfolds largely along the Wild Atlantic Way, where you’ll take in the verdant scenery of the Emerald Isle’s wild western coast, famous for its wind-whipped meadows atop soaring cliffs as well as peaceful, serene beach towns in the lowlands near the coastline. Depending on the weather — this time of year should bring plenty of sunshine — you’ll get to see weather-beaten cliffs, mountains and beaches, and even finish at the feet of Ballyheigue Castle.
Achill Half Marathon
Achill Island, Ireland | Saturday, July 6, 2024
By turns shrouded in ocean mists and bathed in the warm summer sunlight of early July as the race progresses, the route for this race features ample views of the rugged, untamed natural beauty for which this westernmost region of the country is known. From the starting line in the village of Keel near the center of the island, runners head out on a loop route that takes them along R319, along paved country roads throughout both the island's interior and along stretches of its coastlines, along Blacksod Bay along the island's northern side and with views of Camport Bay along its southern side. Separated from the rest of the country by the narrow Achill Sound, the island — like Ireland itself — offers visitors seemingly every shade of green, from the natural grasslands along the hills to the trees and native bushes runners will see plenty of throughout the race.
Run Kilkee Half Marathon
Kilkee, Ireland | Saturday, July 27, 2024
A simply gorgeous run almost entirely along the coastal roads of Ireland’s Loop Head peninsula, out on a stretch of the seaside highways that make up the Wild Atlantic Way. From the starting line in Kilkee, which looks out onto the beach and bay, you’ll run west out toward the peninsula, where you’ll get to see sweeping, panoramic views of the ocean from high atop cliffside highways. You’ll pass by the Kilkee Cliffs and islands like Illaunonearaun off in the distance as you make your way to the turnaround point, and then get to see it all a second time on the way back.
Dingle Marathon & Half Marathon
Dingle, Ireland | Saturday, September 7, 2024
A once-in-a-lifetime run along the Dingle Peninsula in the part of Ireland known as the Wild Atlantic Way, a tourism trail along the country’s western and southern coasts known for its rugged, soaring cliffs and spectacular bays. It’s been called Ireland’s most scenic marathon thanks to the stunning views as you run through the area known as Slea Head, passing by the famed crucifix along the road with the Blasket Islands off in the distance. The half marathon finishes in the small village of Dunquin, right in front of a local pub called Kruger’s Pub — where you can pause for a refreshment after the race, before you board the shuttle back to Dingle Town to welcome home the full marathoners.
Galway Bay Run
Galway, Ireland | Saturday, October 5, 2024
“Breathtaking, amazing, spectacular, friendly and fun” is how organizers describe this race, which unfolds past Claddagh Quay and along the majestic coast road along the bay for which it’s named. From the start/finish area in Galway’s South Park, you’ll run along the waterfront for most of the half marathon route, running west along the seashore all the way to the Galway Golf Club and back. Thanks to its location near the water, it’s fast and flat, which makes it a “perfect for PB attempts,” they add.
