An bhfuil dúshláin ag teastáil uait?
Are you looking for a challenge?
Conquer Connemara: Push Your Limits with These Epic Sport & Adventure Challenges & Events
Looking for your next adventure in Connemara and the Islands? Whether you’re eager to set yourself a new challenge or take up a fresh outdoor pursuit, there’s an event waiting for you. From running , walking or cycling to swimming and kayaking, Connemara offers thrilling challenges for all levels. Start planning your trip, book your stay, and make the most of everything this stunning region has to offer!
Má tá tú ag iarraidh rith,siúil nó rothaíocht, snámh agus cadhaiceáil thart ar Chonamara agus na hOileáin tá dúshláin le d’ainm air. Tá áiteanna le fanacht anseo nó má tá tú ag iarraidh eolas ar rudaí le déanamh téigh i dteagmháil linn.
Keep an eye on the site and our social media as we will be updating as we hear of more events. Coinnigh súil ar an leathanach nó ar na meáin soisialta mar go mbeidh muid ag cuir tuilleadh eolas suas nuair a chloiseann muid faoi imeachtaí eile.
Off Road Biking – Rothaíocht Easbhóthair
Coillte Biking Blitz Series kicks off in February 2025 with the event taking place at Derroura on the 9th of March 2025.It’s part of a series of 7 events primarily aimed at beginners but has something for everyone. Derroura Mountain Bike Trail Network, is over 16 km in length located just past Oughterard. The Coillte trails here will offer you views north into the Maam valley and westwards to the Twelve Bens and to the Corrib. 
Run – Rith
The 21st Connemara Marathon takes place on April 27th. This challenge offers a Half Marathon,Marathon and Ultra option and winds it’s way through beautiful scenery. There is an occasional hill including ”The hell of the west” but the scenery makes up for the challenge.
Connemara 100
If you want a bigger challenge than the ultra or the marathon then The Connemara 100 on the West Coast of Ireland might be the race for you. It takes place August 16/17 and is run over a measured and certified course. It takes competitiors from Clifden through Letterfrack, Lettergesh, the Inagh Valley, Maam Cross, Leenane, Inagh Valley again, then on to Roundstone, Ballyconneely and back to Clifden to complete 100 miles.
If the Connemara 100 or Connemara Ultra or Marathon seems like too much why not sign up for one of the following races
or join the join the locals at a parkrun!
Inis Oírr Wild Atlantic Island Run a 5km or 10km road race which place on the 5th of April on Inis Oirr raising funds for Coláiste Ghobnait.
5km run takes place as part of Clifden Tradfest on the weekend of April 24th-27th April
Inis Iron Meáin | 12 k , 10K & 5K Race takes place 3rd May ‘Lá an 10K’ is a major social event for Inis Meáin, that sees the return of many familiar faces every year.
Inishbofin Half Marathon / 10km takes place May 1oth in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland. Whether you’re a serious runner looking for a new challenge, or a rookie looking to run, jog or walk on quiet roads, the route offers a mix of flat and inclined terrain, meandering through fine scenery. Your registration also includes return ferry ticket and post- race BBQ with live music.
Leenane 5 Mile Run Walk Jog takes place Novemeber 16th and is open to all serious runners and joggers but it will be open to anyone who might enjoy this fun activity. This is a fundraiser for Leenane / Maam Cardiac First Responder Group. The run will start and finish in Leenane Village. This 5 mile run along Killary Harbour and includes the award winning Golden Mile in Glanagimla
Parkruns take place at Corribdale Park Oughterard on Saturday 9.30am Clonbur at Clonbur Woods Saturnday 9.30am and the one on Inis Meáin (11am) which features in the top 10 global parkruns.
Cycling -Rothaíocht
Skoda Tour de Connemara
The last weekend in May has now become key date in the Connemara cycling calendar. The ŠKODA Tour de Conamara is usually sold out without 24 hours of it’s registration opening on January 1st. It offers the choice of 140km or 80km routes aross Connemara. The routes bring cyclist through some of the finest coastal, lakelands, valleys and mountainous landscape along the Wild Atlantic Way. The event takes place on May 24th 2025.
Family Fun Cycle -Roundstone Tour de Bog
If you are looking for a more leisurely cycle challenge the Roundstone Tour de Bog takes place 5th August. This family fun cycle has been taking place for over 30 years. The 32km route goes from Roundstone to Ballyconneelly onto the bog Road and back into Roundstone.
Cycling for a Cause
The Annual Croí Charity Cycle will take place on the 8th of June. Cyclists will have a choice of two routes 47km & 107km starting at Dangan and finishing in Newcastle.The 47km route is a cycle on the N59 to Maam Cross and back while the 107k route goes from Dangan via Moycullen Spiddal, Rossaveal, Maam Cross, Oughterard and finishing in Newcastle.
The Bike2Bofin is an annual charity cycling event which cycles from Galway to Cleggan with an overnight in Inishbofin. This event raises much needed funds for local charity Down Syndrome Galway. There is a usually a 90km cycle (Galway -Cleggan-Inisbofin) or a 45km (Maam Cross -Cleggan-Inishbofin) Date to be confirmed
The mountains are calling – Tá na sléibhte ag glaoch
Since it was first organised in 1975 The Maam Turks mountain challenge has been a focal point in the hillwalking calendar. The Maam Turk Mountains range is a notoriously barren and rock terrain with ridges, cliffs and numerous valleys. The challenge is a test of endurance and navigational skills. The 47th Annual Maamturks Challenge will be on Saturday 12th April 2025. Registration opens on the 12th of February . Read more about the history of the challenge>
Hill Walking Festivals – Féilte Siúlóide Sléibhte
If you like hillwalking but don’t want an extreme event then check out Connemara Mountain Festival at Leenane which takes place on the May Bank Holiday Weekend. It has a variety of walks to suit all levels. It is a popular event in Connemara and the walks/hikes book out fast. This year’s event has just SOLD OUT
Féile na Sléibhte Dúiche Sheoigeach usually takes place in Joyce County at the end of August beginning of September and the popular as they have walks to suit all abilities. Is comhfhéile pobail é Féile na Sléibhte do cheantar Dhúiche Sheoigheach eagraithe pobail Chorr na Móna, Na Fairche, an Mháma agus Fhionnaithe.
Walking Festivals
Inishbofin Walking Festival
Inishbofin Walking Festival takes place in May and offers a diverse range of events through the stunning island landscape. (Sold Out)
Connemara Western Way Annual Walking Marathon and Half Marathon
Organised by Galway Walking Club this event takes place on the 9th of August. The meeting point for registration and bus collection is at Maam Community Centre and the route is from Killary to Maam Valley mostly along the Western Way. It is mainly a flat walk, the highest point being Maumean at 259 meters, and while about one-third of the walk is on the road the route is chiefly on green road or forest track.There are spectacular views of Killary Fjord, the Maumturks and the Twelve Bens along the route and the walk is a terrific way to experience this part of the country.
Féile Siúlóid Charna
Explore coastal walks and bogland walks at the Carna Walking Festival which takes place in the Autumn. Siúlóídí cois chladaigh agus siúlóid portaigh a bhíonn a bhíonn ar siúl i rith Féile Siúlóid Charna. A great way to explore the beauty of Iorras Aithneach – (The Windy Peninsula) and to practice your cúpla focal in the Gaeltacht.
Walking Trails
Conamara , Oileáín Árann and Inishbofin offers a wide range of walks to suit all abilities so if you miss out on one of the festivals you can explore the landscape at anytime with a self guided walk in the mountains or along the coast.
Swim/Snámh
The Great Fjord Swim is brought to you by the Gaelforce Team. This open sea swimming event takes place at Killary Fjord on the 13th of September. There is a choice of three distances 3.9km (full Ironman distance) | 2km | 750m for all levels of experience in open sea swimming.
Fancy a dip in ocean in aid of a good cause.
The Bofin Swim takes place in the crystal clear waters at Inishbofin’s East End bay. It is in aid of in aid of Down Syndrome Galway and usually takes place in September.
Gaelforce West Adventure Race
Gaelforce West is one of the highlights of the Connemara and the Islands adventure challenges. The 66km course sees competitors run, kayak, climb and bike their way from the Inagh Valley to Killary Fjord to Croagh Patrick to finish in Westport. The event route takes competitions through bog & grassland tracks, sea, road and open mountain. There is simply nothing to rival this spectacular linear route through the heart of Connemara
Turf Warrior Obstacle Course
Turf Warrior Turf Warrior is Mud Run & Obstacle Course challenge which will take place on the 9th of August. This challenge is not for the faint hearted. If you are up for it this will involve climbing , swinging and leaping through 8km is of bog and mud. What are you waiting for? Embrace the mayhem and madness!
Roundstone Windsurfing Event
Chase the wind in Gurteen Bay on the October Bank Holiday Weekend. The Roundstone Windsurfing Slalom Event is a popular event to round off the season!
