Set your goals for 2026
West Cork boasts a wealth of brilliantly organised walks, runs, cycles, swims and multi-disciplinary challenges, with options for people of all fitness levels.
What better way to motivate yourself on your ‘Get Active’ journey than signing up for one of these great events and working towards it?
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Ongoing Training
Parkrun
A parkrun is a free, community event where you can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate.
There are currently 160 parkrun events in Ireland, with five in West Cork—Clonakilty, Castlehaven (Rineen Woods), Glengarriff, Bere Island and Macroom.
Parkruns take place at each location on a 5k course every Saturday morning at 9.30am.
You only need to register once, and your individual barcode will allow you to track your progress each week at any location.
It's very much a social event, and after each event participants gather for refreshments and a chat.
Jog 4 All running training
Whether you're just starting on your running journey or looking to build fitness, confidence, or consistency, there's a place for you in the Jog 4 All running group.
Currently based at the Clonakilty Greenway, training takes place on Mondays and Wednesdays at 6.30pm.
There are also optional weekend runs at 8.30am, with 3km-10km routes available.
Beginners and more advanced runners are welcome at all outings.
If you want to make 2026 your year of running, with friendly coaching, a great atmosphere and plenty of laughs along the way, get in touch using the contact details provided.
January
Clonakilty 5-mile road race
This is one that's actually near the very start of the annual West Cork event calendar, and while it's too late to enter this year due to it being sold out, it's definitely one to have in mind for 2027.
The Clonakilty 5-Mile Road Race only started in 2024 and proved to be a huge success.
The event starts from the Clonakilty Park Hotel, taking the runners down the idyllic Inchydoney Road and over the first causeway, past the Clogheen Cottages and back to the Clonakilty Park Hotel for finish-line refreshments.
The race, which is chipped and timed, is open to both runners and walkers.
All profits from the event go to supporting Cork Cancer Connect, Clonakilty Community Resource Centre and the Irish Red Cross.
Date: Sunday, January 25th.
February
Skibbereen AC 5 & 10 Mile Road Races
Skibbereen AC's annual Noreen McCarthy Memorial 5-mile and 10-mile road races and walk are very much a traditional type of road race.
All the routes start from O'Donovan Rossa GAA Grounds, with loads of refreshments afterwards, as well as access to hot showers in the GAA club changing rooms.
The club is hoping for a strong turnout of both runners and walkers as the event is suitable for all levels of fitness, from the beginner to the elite athlete.
The 10-mile starts at 1pm, the 5-mile starts at 1.15pm, and the walk starts at 1.30pm.
Proceeds from the races go towards the Palliative Care Services in Skibbereen Community Hospital and St Patrick's BNS classes for children with autism.
Date: Sunday, February 8th.
Slí Mhúscraí and Slí Naomh Fionnbarra Ultra & Half Marathons
The Irish Mountain Running Association (IMRA) is hosting two events in early February.
The first is a 60.5km ultra-marathon, starting at 9am.
This is an advanced route, with an extreme difficulty level, so not for the faint-hearted. Starting near the Gaeltacht Village of Baile Mhic Ire, the route follows the yellow way mark arrows of the Slí Gaeltacht Mhúscraí to Gougane Barra.
From there, the route follows the yellow way mark arrows of the Slí Fhionnbharra (St Finbarr's Way), past Carriganass Castle and finishing at The Top Of The Rock, Drimoleague.
Starting at midday, the half route of 23.5km has a more standard difficulty level, with some mountain terrain.
Date: Saturday, February 7th.
Tommy Ryan Memorial 5-mile road race
Organised by Eagle AC, the 37th annual Tommy Ryan Memorial 5-mile road race takes place in the town of Carrigaline and is a popular race amongst runners who often use it as a fitness test coming halfway through the spring season.
This year will see a new route!
There are a number of prizes for various age categories, along with cash prizes for the top male and female.
Entry for the race is €20 and all race profits from entries will be shared between Carrigaline Meals-on-Wheels, and Foroige Youth Diversion Project.
Date: Sunday, February 15th.
Kinsale 10-mile road race
The Kinsale Road Race is a 10-mile Athletics Ireland-accredited and chip-timed event on open roads for those aged 18 and over.
Walkers are not permitted at this event.
The race starts and finishes at Kinsale Community School.
The last mile of the race is known as Jamie's mile, in memory of Jamie McCarthy who passed away in February 2018.
Jamie, a member of Riverstick/Kinsale AC, represented Ireland on many occasions and was a member of the Irish junior team that won European cross country silver, in Edinburgh, Scotland in 2004.
Date: Sunday, February 22nd.
March & April
Garrettstown 5-mile road race
This looped 5-mile road race organised by Courceys AC takes in the back roads and main roads between Ballinspittle, Garrettstown and Garrylucas beaches.
The race starts in Garrylucas beneath the iconic Old Head of Kinsale, and runners are guaranteed some spectacular scenery looking out at the Atlantic.
Runners must be 15 years or older on the day of the race, entry is €20 and the event capacity is capped so it's advised to register early.
This is a great run for all abilities of running or jogging, while walking is not permitted.
Date: Sunday, March 29th.
Surf, Turf 'n' Tar
Surf, Turf 'n' Tar is a unique multi-terrain running event in Rosscarbery, offering two race distances, a 10k and a half marathon.
The route covers road, beach, forest and trail, with the 10k event also open to walkers.
The event also has very special post-race refreshments featuring some wonderful local produce including Rosscarbery Black Pudding, Fresh Fish Deli Fishcakes and Rosscarbery Strawberries.
Organised by Rosscarbery Business Association in conjunction with Rosscarbery Steam Runners AC, with all funds raised going to local community initiatives.
Date: Saturday, April 25th.
Bandon 5k Road Race
Back for the third year in a row, this 5k race starts just off the Bandon Relief Road and the first 500m is downhill to a junction with the Kilbrittan Road, giving all participants a fast start before a very short 500m gradual climb which turns onto quiet country roads to the south of Bandon.
Overall it is a nice fast 5k course on quiet country roads to the south of the busy town.
This event is organised by Bandon AC as a club fundraiser.
Date: Thursday, April 30th.
Galley Flash Rowing Club Fun Run
Taking in the beautiful scenes of Kilkern Lake and Castlefreke, this spring fun run, organised by Galley Flash Rowing Club, will be a perfect warm-up for all the races to come over the following weeks and months.
The event will be a fundraiser for the rowing club, providing vital funds for the continued development of the facilities and equipment.
Date: April (exact date TBC).
May
Darkness into Light
Darkness into Light takes place in over 200 locations nationwide each year as communities come together to walk, run or jog 5k in a bid to support mental health and help prevent self-harm and suicide.
The event starts at 4.15am and is timed so that it finishes as the sun starts to rise.
Routes are generally suitable for all abilities and are stewarded throughout to ensure safety of participants.
All funds raised from Darkness into Light go to Pieta.
There are a number of Darkness into Light events throughout West Cork, including in Clonakilty, where the 5km route starts and finishes at the Model Railway Village.
Date: Saturday, May 9th.
Beara Way Ultra
The Irish Mountain Running Association (IMRA) has a full calendar of events scheduled for 2026, one being the Beara Way Ultra.
Starting at midday on the Friday, the event has a difficulty level of extreme, so perhaps the advanced route of 161km isn't for novice mountain runners, but if you're experienced and up for the challenge, it might be the right event for you.
The race starts and finishes in Castletownbere.
There is a capacity of 100 entries and a 37-hour time limit to finish the event. Entry is €80, with registration open closer to the date of the event.
Date: Friday, May 15th.
Ring of Beara Cycle
The Ring of Beara Cycle is one of the most popular cycling events in the country.
Cyclists choose between challenging 85km, 110km or 140km routes which take in the magnificent mountains, valleys and the rugged coastline of the Beara Peninsula.
The routes start in Kenmare but are predominantly in County Cork—passing through the towns of Ardgroom, Allihies, Eyeries, Castletownbere, Adrigole and Glengarriff, before going back across the border to Kenmare.
Over the years, this event has raised significant funds for local charities.
Date: Saturday, May 23rd.
Sheep's Head Challenge
This is a 10-mile walk and run which follows the Glanlough Loop on the Sheep's Head Way.
Starting and finishing at the Tin Pub, Ahakista, walkers start at 9.30am and runners at 11.30am.
This stunning course is fully signposted and has breathtaking views of Bantry Bay and Dunmanus Bay.
Miles 4.5 to 6 are the hardest, but after that it is downhill back to the Tin Pub. Entry is €30 and under 18s are free.
All money raised will be split between two local groups, the Muintir Bhaire Foroige Group and Muintir Bhaire Sea Scouts.
Date: Saturday, May 23rd.
Cork City Marathon
Even though it's technically not in West Cork, the Cork City Marathon is still on our doorstep and a very popular event with West Cork runners and walkers alike.
Three routes are offered: a full marathon, half-marathon and 10k.
The marathon starts at 8.15am and is a fast and flat course, starting and finishing in the city centre.
This race serves as a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. The half-marathon starts at 10.15am on Monahan Road.
The 10km route starts at 8.45am in the city centre and is open to anyone aged 15 and over on race day.
Date: Sunday, May 31st.
June & July
Fastnet Triathlon
Now in its twenty-second year, the Brosnan's Centra Fastnet Triathlon has been awarded national status and features some spectacular West Cork scenery as its backdrop. Starting from the 'school slip' (near the Fastnet Marine Centre) off Colla Road in Schull, the main event includes a 750m open-water swim, a 20k bike race on undulating roads and a 5k, relatively flat run. There is also a 'Try a Tri' option which consists of a 200m swim, 10k cycle and a 3k run.
The minimum age for entry is 16. The race is organised by Schull Triathlon Club, which welcomes new members of all ages and fitness levels to join them and train for the event. Date: Saturday, June 6th.
West Cork 600
The West Cork 600 is a two-day cycling event that takes you over some coastal and inland roads.
It's a tough 600km with grippy road surfaces and some steep climbs, but it also has some of the best views in Ireland. The route is split into two loops starting and ending in Skibbereen. This allows you to come back to a base after the first day.
Day one is 370km, with 4220m of elevation, while day two is 231km with 3100m of elevation. Entries close on June 2nd. Dates: Saturday, June 6th & Sunday, June 7th.
Dunmanway 10k Road Race
Get your pulse racing in the 'Heart of West Cork' by participating in the Dunmanway 10k Road Race, which was voted the best 10k road race in Cork on numerous occasions.
This race starts from Dunmanway town before quickly descending into the beautiful rural landscape and returns to the town to finish.
Prizes will be awarded for overall winners and age categories, with lots of refreshments on offer post-race.
The race is organised by Doheny AC. Entry is €25, with both runners and walkers welcome. Date: Sunday, June 21st.
Courtmacsherry-Timoleague Road Race
The 19th annual Courtmacsherry-Timoleague 10k Road Race is a very popular event each year.
It is an officially measured, chip-timed, flat and fast course.
The route runs alongside the beautiful Courtmacsherry Bay. For those who want to set a personal best time this year, this is the course to do it on! Race entry costs €20, with a prize giving, refreshments and hot showers available at Courtmacsherry Rowing Club afterwards. Date: Friday, June 26th.
RunSkibb
RunSkibb is back this year bigger and better, with a full weekend line-up. On Friday, the weekend will be kicked off with a night of entertainment hosted by Bernard Casey in the West Cork Hotel. The Streets of Skibbereen 5k fun run will be on Saturday evening, followed by great street music.
The main event will be on Sunday with the half marathon and 10km events taking place around the beautiful surroundings of Lough Hyne and the Ilen River. Dates: Friday 10th, Saturday 11th & Sunday, 12th July.
Wild Atlantic Mizen Cycle
See the stunning scenery of West Cork by cycling the Wild Atlantic Way around the Mizen and Sheep's Head Peninsulas.
There is a choice of three routes, 130k, 100k and 65k route, all starting and finishing in Bantry. Due to the challenging nature of the cycle, a high level of fitness is required. All participants must be aged 16 or over on the day. Now in its 22nd year, the Wild Atlantic Mizen Cycle has raised over €650,000 for West Cork charities. Date: Saturday, July 11th.
GaddinAbtGarnish Swim
These swims around Garnish Island off Glengarriff are stunning, and reckoned to be among the safest island circumnavigation swims in Ireland. The swims take place in the northeast corner of Bantry Bay, surrounded by the rugged mountains of the Beara Peninsula and teeming with marine wildlife.
Swim options include 1k, 3k and 5k. The 1k option is ideal for new swimmers to 'dip their toes' into an open-water swimming event. Dates: Saturday, July 4th and Saturday, August 15th.
Beast of Beara
Garnish GAA promises you an unforgettable weekend in Allihies, where you are invited to walk, jog or run the 'Beast of Beara'.
This is a challenging half-marathon trail run or walk along part of the Beara Way. The mountain trail route is approximately 20km and takes in the three peaks of Allihies Coppermine (250m), Ternahillane (250m) and Goula (340m). All proceeds will be donated to Garnish GAA's development fund and other local community groups. Date: Saturday, July 18th.
August - October
Sherkin Island Do Run Run
Organised by Sherkin Island Development Society, the Do Run Run will be a fun day out for all the family, with various routes around the island. You can choose to walk, jog or run the 4k, 6k or 8k route. Proceeds will be going to the Development Society, as well as the Wild Atlantic Pool in Baltimore. Date: Saturday, August 8th.
Cape Clear Island Races
In its inaugural year, the Cape Clear Island Races is a brand-new event which will bring runners to Ireland's most southerly inhabited island. The event will include both a half-marathon and 10k route. The Inis Cléire ferry from Baltimore will bring the runners across to the island, and the return race ferry is included in the race ticket. The single-track trails take you across toward steep climbs and rolling descents with views to the Fastnet Lighthouse. Date: Saturday, August 29th.
Skibbereen Walking Festival
The Skibbereen Walking Festival Weekend is held annually on the last weekend of September and features guided routes for walkers of all abilities. The meeting point for most walks is Skibbereen Heritage Centre, with bus transport provided to and from out-of-town walks.
Walks range from 7k to 11k, and there is also an easy stroll through the historic town of Skibbereen. Pre-registering is essential, and no dogs are allowed on the walks. Dates: Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th, September.
Pink Ribbon Walk
The Pink Ribbon Walk is a national fundraising initiative for the Irish Cancer Society.
Since 2009, Pink Ribbon Walks in West Cork towns such as Clonakilty and Kinsale have raised hundreds of thousands of euro for Action Breast Cancer. All the money raised goes to the charity to support families all over the country who are battling breast cancer.
The charity aims to promote awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle in preventing breast cancer. Date: Bank Holiday Monday, October 26th.
Skibbereen Charity Adventure Race (SCAR)
SCAR is an established event (now in its 12th year) where 100% of your entry fee goes to local charities/good causes.
It's organised by a race team from Skibbereen Lions Club and is known for its friendly atmosphere. There are two levels, the entry-level 'Taster' and the more challenging 'Sport'.
Both include running and cycling stages. Date: TBC (Usually October).
