CAPE CLEAR ISLAND RACES | SATURDAY 29TH AUGUST 2026
Our first introduction into Ireland, a truly unique race and the first of its kind in Eire. The race will take place in West Cork (Corcaigh), One of the first destinations of the famous Wild Atlantic Way – the world’s longest defined coastal touring route, 2,500km of rugged coastlines, peninsulas and the magical culture of the West Coast of Ireland.
Cape Clear Island (Inis Cléire) is the destination of our first event – where the Atlantic Ocean meets Ireland’s most southerly inhabited island, where the land falls away to sea and sky.
A 25 minute ferry boat from Baltimore – a vibrant fishing village. Cape Clear sits at the edge of the Roaring Water Bay, an archipelago dotted with idyllic islands and breathtaking views.
RACEBOAT – The Inis Cleire ferry from Baltimore will bring the runners across to the island to the start line of the race. The return race ferry is INCLUDED in the race ticket. There are only 2 RaceBoats departing for the race. Once the boat is full, the race is SOLD OUT.
The limited number of participants is another unique aspect of this race. The ferry will bring you back to the mainland after the race is complete, and the medal ceremony has taken place – with music and a celebratory pint of Guinness (Or a Cork stout – Beamish!) in the island pub beer garden.
THE RACES – There are 2 race distances – Half Marathon and 10km.
START-TIMES – Provisional Start-times are as follows: Half Marathon – 11:30am, 10km – 12:15pm – These times TBC
* Route Maps will be available here shortly *
The routes are interestingly quiet and typical of West Cork.. there’s a slower pace of life here (until RaceDay). The paved lanes are Fuschia-infused. The single-track trails take you across rough island paths, toward steep climbs and rolling descents which combine to reveal the island’s beauty and far beyond with views to the Fastnet Lighthouse – a mere 6km away.. an iconic lighthouse built on a rock in the middle of the ocean – known as ‘Irelands Teardrop’. It was known as the last piece of Irish soil seen by countless 19th-century emigrants sailing from Cork to America.
Whichever way you tackle it, you’ll discover Cape Clear Island in its entirety, on foot and at your own pace.
OuterEdge Éire builds on proven island-race experience, including our event on Lundy Island in the UK, widely regarded as Britain’s most unique and iconic trail race. That same ethos runs through everything we do: challenging routes, careful planning, respect for place, and experiences that simply couldn’t exist anywhere else.
THAT’S ISLAND RACING!
YOU CAN ENTER HERE.. 
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Getting to West Cork – Cork international airport / Cork City is only an 1 hour 30mins drive to Baltimore. Accommodation options in West Cork are as follows
Cape Clear Island – Accommodation & Camping
- Chléire Haven: Glamping, Camping, Bell tents, and Yurts (min 2 nights stay)
- Tír na nÓg (Michael O’Driscoll) – Bed Only (no breakfast)
- Cape Clear Holiday Center – 3 bed self catering cottages
- Guest House (Eleanor O’Driscoll)
- Airb&b options through their website
Baltimore – Accommodation Accommodation on the island is limited – The race ferry departs and arrives at Baltimore from Cape Clear island – Baltimore has more accommodation options and has lively restaurants and pubs!
Hotels
- Casey’s of Baltimore
- Rolf’s Country House
- Waterfront Hotel
- Channel View
- The Stone House
- Rathmore House
- Kileena House Holiday Cottages
- Ceadar Boathouse
- Tidewater Holiday Apartment
Skibbereen – Accommodation
Skibbereen is a big town that is a 15minute drive from Baltimore – with lots of accommodation options. Some key ones are as follows:
Hotels
- West Cork Hotel
- Hideaway Camping & Caravan Park
- Multiple B&Bs available