Facilities

This parkrun is located on the western edge of Ireland and indeed Europe, so it requires a little extra effort to get to. Having said that however, there is a bus service to the nearby town of Belmullet, and for those driving to the course the way is well signposted. There are no toilets or changing facilities.

Course

The course is made up of one big loop around Cross Lough. The course is on a public road, but there is very little traffic to worry about here, and the surface is paved throughout as a result. There is a slight incline around halfway through the course, which was a lot harder than it looked; must have been the wind. Given the location next to the sea, the route is quite exposed, so dress appropriately, but also, be sure to enjoy the expansive views of the Irish countryside and coast. The route is quite easy to follow, going clockwise around the lake, but there are markers along the way all the same, as well as distance markers, which are also handy.

Coffee

Parkrunnners can enjoy a coffee on the finish line with each other and the volunteers.  Expect conversations about the weather, debriefs of the course, 5k times and general merriment.

X Factor

The isolated setting of this parkrun sets it apart as a memorable run, the course being surrounded by sand dunes and farmland and very few houses. However, my main impression of the event came from the enthusiasm and friendliness of the volunteers, who were there in big numbers and who contribute to the continued success of this event.

Facilities

This run is on an island, yet is incredibly easy to get to. Once you get the ferry in Castletownbere, you land on Bere Island and a bus shepherds you to the run start, a few miles to the east of the island. There is also a second ferry that lands closer to the run start. Castletownbere is serviced by a Bus Eireann route, and there is plenty of free parking in around the streets of the town. The run start is located near the GAA pitch on the island, and parkrunnners are allowed to use the showers and toilets in the club house.

Course

The run route consists of one big loop on a paved surface. The route is on a public road, so watch out for cars, but there is very little traffic. There is a fair bit of climbing on the route, and given its location so close to the Atlantic there can be a bracing wind, so perhaps not a place for a PB. Turns are well marked with arrows painted on the road. There is no doubting the outstanding beauty of the run, nestled in Bantry Bay with the mountains of the Beara and Sheep’s Head peninsulas on either side. No manicured lawns or shrubbery here, but a more natural beauty.

Coffee

Parkrunnners all enjoy coffee in a cafe located close to the run start, before hopping on the bus for the ferry back to the mainland. The coffee and home baked goods are tasty.

X Factor

Location is the most special thing about this parkrun. As far as I know it is the only island parkrun in the country. Despite the commitment required to get there, participation is huge, with a great bunch of volunteers. The sense of community is also great here, with almost everybody going for a post run coffee.

Facilities

Located on the outskirts of Ennis in Co. Clare, this parkrun has a large car park, with plenty of room for parking. Due to its location it is not really accessible by public transport or local residents, without a long walk. There are toilets available in the sports complex building next to the car park.

Course

The course for this parkrun starts next to the pitches on the site and takes you through a mature woodland, with an undulating profile. The surface is earthen, with some gravel, so in wet weather is likely to get muddy. Altogether, this would mean that this is not likely to be a run to attempt a PB. The run is very enjoyable however, with many twists and turns through the forest, and the cool forest is espcially nice on a warm summer day. The course is well sign-posted and marshalled, so there is no fear of getting lost on your way around.

Coffee

I believe the parkrunners go for coffee in town after the run, but I was unable to attend unfortunately.

X Factor

This run is located next to a large sports complex for GAA, soccer and athletics, and it is nice to see all the community taking part in different sports. Seeing this provides a lot of motivation for participating in sport.

Facilities

This parkrun located at the south side of Killaloe, County Clare has a medium sized car park, which easily accommodates those that drive to the run. There is a bus service from Limerick, but the park is located in the outskirts of the town so enough time should be given for getting to the run from the town centre. There are toilet and changing facilities available at the park.

Course

This is a mostly flat course, with one small, short climb. The course is made up of four and a half laps around the outskirts of the park. The course is not signposted or marshalled but is quite straightforward. The surface is lose gravel. The park is located on the southern shore of Lough Derg which provides a nice backdrop, and there are lots of mature trees around the park.

Coffee

There are a few nice options for coffee in the town centre, but require a drive or a long walk.

X Factor

This event makes use of the facilities provided for the local GAA and soccer clubs. It is great to see this type of facility sharing in local communities. There is also an interesting history in this area, it being the place where the last high king of Ireland Brian Boru grew up.

 

Facilities

This parkrun, located on the outskirts of Castlebar town, shares facilities with the Castlebar tennis club. As a result there is a large car park available, as well as changing facilities and toilets in the tennis clubhouse. Castlebar is well connected by bus and rail services and the course is within walking distance for town residents.

Course

This event is made up of a pan shaped course with two laps of Lough Lannagh. The course is varied with some flat sections and one very steep hill, so this is not a place for a PB. The “handle” of the course is on a road shared with cars so watch out for any traffic. The surface is mixed, being mostly paved, but interestingly it has loose gravel on the downhill section, making for a challenging descent. There are plenty of turns on the course but it is well marshalled and signposted. The park surroundings are very nice, being well maintained.

Coffee

Parkrunnners gather in the tennis clubhouse after the run for coffee and a chat. A great spread is provided.

X Factor

There is a great sense of community spirit at this event with two organisations sharing facilities. An enthusiastic bunch of volunteers keep the event going which is always great to see.

Facilities

This parkrun is located a short walk from Longford town centre in Albert Reynolds Peace Park, so is accessible to the town residents and is within walking distance of the bus and rail connections in the centre of town. There is a large car park on site also for those who wish to drive to this event. A leisure centre near the start line has toilets if needed.

Course

This course consists of one big lap followed by two shorter laps around the park. The route is well marshalled and there are distance markers along the way to show your progress. The course is mostly flat, but the surface is made up of loose gravel, so for anyone attempting a PB, you may notice a loss of traction now and again. The park itself is well maintained and picturesque with nice trees and a river alongside the park.

Coffee

Post run coffee is in a cafe on the main street in town. Show your barcode and get a 10% discount. Coffee was nice here.

X Factor

Longford was the home of former taoiseach Albert Reynolds and this park is named after him in a fitting tribute to his role in the Northern Ireland peace process. This event has a large number of volunteers which is always good to see.

Facilities

This parkrun is located in the centre of Westport town and is easily accessible to the town residents. There is a large carpark next to the start line, and Westport is serviced by bus and rail connections. There are no toilets or changing facilities near the start of this event.

Course

This is an out and back course, with a little repeat at the start of the course. The course is entirely paved, and is well sheltered. However, there is a fairly significant climb in this course, which means it is probably not a course for a PB. I guess it depends on how quickly you go down the hill. The course is fairly enclosed but at one point opens out as you run west and on a clear day there are great views of Croagh Patrick.

Coffee

There is an abundance of options in the picturesque town centre of Westport for a post run coffee. I had a tasty cappuccino.

X Factor

Westport is a very pretty town and through the Browne family it has an interesting link to the infamous Grace O’Malley. Croagh Patrick adds to the beauty of the place.

Facilities

This parkrun located in the south of Dublin city is easily accessible by bus and is well serviced by many routes. Allow ample time to get to the start line from the bus, however, as the park is quite big. There is a large car park available, but this event is very well attended so it fills up quickly. There are also toilets available in the park, though not near the start line

Course

This course is possibly best described as pan shaped, with two out and back spurs in the loop. You don’t double back on the same path, however, so it feels like one big loop. All turns are well sign-posted. The course is mostly flat but does have a small incline in the first kilometre. The surface is mostly paved, with one short gravel section. The park surroundings are fantastic, and the course brings you around to the big lawns and playing fields, the wood, and the pond.

Coffee

For post run coffee there is a café near the old big house, and there is also a market there on Saturday mornings. This gives a great atmosphere to the place and there are tasty treats and coffee available.

X Factor

Other than the very pleasant surroundings of Marlay park, something very special about this event is the sheer scale of it. There is a huge participation and it is great to see so many people out and active. The organisational ability of the volunteers is also impressive.

Facilities

This parkrun located on the edge of Falcarragh village shares facilities with the local GAA club and so has plenty of parking available close to the start line. There are toilets available in the clubhouse which could be used for changing. The run is within walking distance of the village so is accessible to local residents.

Course

You certainly cannot let your mind wander on this course, as there are numerous twists and turns and loops. It’s difficult to describe the shape of the course as a result, but it is most like a pan shape, with one big loop and one inter loop. The course is well sign posted however so there is little fear of getting lost. The course is flat but because of the twists and turns this is probably not a place for a PB. The course is mostly loose gravel, with some paved sections. The run is located on the grounds of what was originally an old demense, which has gone through various uses since the last private owner. The course goes around the demense through some woodland, open lawns and a walled garden.

Coffee

The post run coffee is held in the GAA clubhouse. A large number of parkrunners gather afterwards for the chat and cakes and biscuits are supplied.

X Factor

I’m not sure where it comes from but there is a saying about Donegal that “Up here it’s different”. There is a sense that this is a place apart, being of outstanding natural beauty with mountains and long beaches at your doorstep. Coupled with the natural beauty is the friendliness of the people which altogether create a very special event.

Facilities

This run is located at the edge of Kilrush town and there is a handy path off the main road to get from the town to the park. Kilrush has a bus service from Ennis, but for those who decide to drive to this event there is plenty of spaces available. There are toilets available at the cafe next to the start line, but these may not be open before the run.

Course

The course consists of one big loop around the wood surrounding Vandeleur walled garden. The course  is mostly flat, and the surface is made up of a mixture of loose and tightly packed gravel. There are some turns with large loose stones so watch your step here. The trees in the wood are large and mature meaning the path is quite enclosed. This provides a really secluded feeling to the course and it is a great place to get lost in your thoughts.

Coffee

There is a cafe next to the start/finish line where the parkrunnners go after the run. I had a very nice breakfast in there.

X Factor

There is a lot of history to this old demense of the Van de Leur family. Signage around the walled garden explains their story. The walled garden itself is very pretty and a lovely place to spend a little time.