Quest Glendalough Duathlon

Quest Glendalough is an adventure duathlon through the Wicklow Mountains National Park and Glendalough Valley — one of Ireland's most scenic multi-sport events. The 2026 edition on 18 April offers three route options from 22km to 62.5km, combining trail running and mountain cycling through some of the most dramatic terrain in the east of the country. The finish at the historic Glendalough monastic round tower is one of the great event finishes in Irish endurance sport.

This is a genuine mountain event, not a road duathlon. The routes traverse the Wicklow Mountains on a mix of trails, forest roads, and some tarmac sections. The Expert (62.5km) and Sport (42.9km) routes include significant climbs and technical descents — mountain bike skills are genuinely useful, not just fitness. The Challenge route (22km) is the most accessible but still involves off-road terrain and elevation. Weather in the Wicklow Mountains in April is unpredictable: rain, wind, cold, and occasional sunshine — often all in the same event. Mandatory kit is required (details in the Race Manual) and non-compliance leads to disqualification. The event is wave-started with cut-off times enforced at checkpoints. Post-race facilities include food and drink at the finish area.

Registration is through Active.com via the Quest Adventure Series website at questadventureseries.com. The event is popular and entries fill up — register early. All participants must pre-register online; there are no on-the-day entries. Check the Race Manual for mandatory kit list before race day.

The event is based at Laragh, at the entrance to Glendalough Valley — about 1 hour 15 minutes from Dublin via the N11 and R755. Event parking is at the start/finish area. The roads through the Wicklow Mountains are narrow and can be slow, so allow extra time. Glendalough village and Laragh have limited accommodation — most participants drive from Dublin on race morning or stay in Rathdrum (15 min) or Roundwood (20 min).

Quest Glendalough is the opening event of the Quest Adventure Series season. For swimmers who prefer water-based events, the Glendalough National Park Swim (May) takes place at the same location a few weeks later. The Duathlon National Championships at Phoenix Park (April) is the competitive alternative for road duathletes. The Lough Cutra Castle Triathlon (May) is the next major multisport event on the calendar.