With St. Patrick’s Day this past week, it was a celebration in our household. We had a fun time hosting our neighbors for a block party with lots of green and Guinness. Janel threw an awesome party and it got me thinking about my running experience in Ireland. Was that almost 10 years ago? Time goes quick!

When we lived there, I was part of a small running group in an area of Dublin called Clontarf. I hadn’t yet known about ultras or ran more than a marathon distance before. In Ireland specifically, I ran a couple half marathons which included the Clontarf Half Marathon and a Dublin Rock n’ Roll series event. Fun races I’d highly recommend trying out.

As the years went by, I learned a ton about some famous ultras and many that are around the US. It got me thinking though, what are some other fun ultras in countries around the world that aren’t often highlighted?

That led to this new series of posts about sharing unique ultras that may not be as well known to your average runner. I decided to start with Ireland and see which country inspires me next. Anyways, here are three amazing ultra marathons in Ireland that you may or may not have heard of.

1. Kerry Way Ultra

The Kerry Way Ultra is a 200 kilometer (120 mile) race along the Ring of Kerry in Southern Ireland. It hosts gorgeous views of cliffs, countryside, and everything in between. There is about 20,000 feet of elevation gain (oof-da) and the weather may be rainy, windy, or both.

To highlight the 2025 performance, winners included Eimear Lynch in 30 hours and 16 minutes and Conor Keane coming in around 22 hours and 35 minutes. If you have 190 euros to your name, you can duke it out with them in 2026. Be warned though, it is a mostly self-sufficient race so you better practice running with your own gear!

2. Art O’Neill Challenge

When you first search this race, this description is given:

“On January 16th, 2026, the Art O’Neill (AON) will once again escape from Dublin Castle.  In the escape of 1592 the Castle wardens gave chase, but gave up due to poor weather. “

How cool is that?? This race technically began in 1592 it seems with the modern day event coming around in 2009. Art O’Neill was one of three to escape from Dublin castle a few hundred years ago and the race covers 62 kilometers (38.5 miles).

The race begins at midnight and is limited to the first 200 entries and priced at €175 euros. You do get a t-shirt which should be one of your finest at 175 euros. You once again battle elevation through Ireland’s Wicklow mountains and the weather often features rain and wind.

If you feel like your night owl energy needs an outlet, this may be the race for you!

3. Donadea 50K

Our final highlighted ultra takes place in a small area of Ireland called Donadea, or more commonly known in Irish as Domhnach Dheá. (Not sure if that’s accurate, I don’t speak the language). This ultra is the kindest of the three listed because it is the flattest. Some people may run harder due to that but that would mean an easier run in my books.

This race features 10 five kilometer loops to give runners a total distance of 50k (31 miles). The Donadea 50k has been around since 2011 and it is called the Irish 50K National Championship. Talk about a competitive course so you better double knot your shoes.

The race takes place in February (see rainy and windy) and costs about 80 euros to give it a crack. If it sounds like craic to you, report back on how it is!

Sláinte!

Ireland ultra running has many more races with many wonderful people to join you along the way. Although the weather may be rainy and windy come race day, there will be fun to have with the locals before, during, and after.

I hope you enjoyed this post and if you have run any of these races, I’d love to hear how it went! We shall see which country is next and cheers to all our miles to come!

Average Runner Paul