Running in Ireland: Parkruns, Marathons and Trail Races

Ireland has a strong and welcoming running culture, from free weekly parkruns in almost every town to major international marathons. Whether you're a total beginner or training for your next race, here's how to get started.

What is parkrun and how do I find one in Ireland?

Parkrun is a free, weekly, timed 5km run (or walk) held every Saturday morning at 9:30am at parks and green spaces across Ireland. It's entirely volunteer-run, open to all abilities, and completely free — you just need to register once online at parkrun.ie and print or save a personal barcode, which is scanned at the finish to record your time. There are dozens of parkrun locations across the country, including Phoenix Park and Marlay Park in Dublin, Ballincollig Regional Park in Cork, and Salthill in Galway, with new locations added regularly. It's one of the easiest ways for newcomers to meet people and get into a regular running habit — many locations also have a post-run coffee gathering.

When is the Dublin Marathon?

The Dublin Marathon (officially the KBC Dublin Marathon or current title sponsor) takes place every year on the last Sunday of October, coinciding with the October bank holiday weekend. It's one of Europe's larger marathons, attracting tens of thousands of runners on a mostly flat course through Dublin city, and is known for strong crowd support. Registration typically opens many months in advance and can sell out — check the official Dublin Marathon website early in the year if you want a place. Entry fees are typically in the €90–€110 range, though this varies by year and registration date.

What about the Cork City Marathon?

The Cork City Marathon takes place on the June bank holiday weekend and offers marathon, half marathon, and relay options, making it more accessible for those not ready for the full 42.2km distance. It's known for a fast, largely flat course and strong local support through Cork city. Like Dublin, it's worth registering well ahead of the event date, as popular distance categories can fill up.

What other races happen in Ireland?

• Great Ireland Run / various half marathons — held throughout spring and autumn in cities nationwide
• Series of local 5k and 10k road races — organised by local athletics clubs almost every weekend somewhere in the country, listed on Athletics Ireland's race calendar and local running club social media
• Trail and hill races — organised by the Irish Mountain Running Association (IMRA), with regular races in the Dublin/Wicklow mountains and hills nationwide, typically shorter and steeper than road races

How do I find a running or trail club near me?

Athletics Ireland is the national governing body and maintains a club finder covering athletics clubs nationwide, from beginner "couch to 5k" style groups to competitive club training. For trail and hill running specifically, IMRA (Irish Mountain Running Association) is the best resource, with regular races and an active community, particularly strong around the Dublin and Wicklow mountains. Many clubs run structured beginner programmes, and joining a club is a good way to stay motivated and meet people if you're new to the area.

Key resources

• parkrun Ireland — find a location
• Dublin Marathon
• Cork City Marathon
• Athletics Ireland — club finder
• Irish Mountain Running Association
• Settling into Irish life — Citizens Information

Frequently Asked Questions