Audax Ireland

07/06/2026

Another weekend of Audax adventures is behind us, and while the weather served up a bit of everything, it certainly didn’t dampen spirits. Riders took on both the West Cork 600 and Jimmy’s 3-County 400, facing conditions that at times could only be described as wintry. Fair play to everyone who braved the wind, rain, and chilly temperatures to get the job done.

Next up on the calendar is the Marble City 200, a fantastic route through some of the finest cycling roads in the South East.

Starting in Kilkenny, the route takes riders through Bennettsbridge, Gowran, Goresbridge, and Graiguenamanagh, before tackling the renowned Coppenagh and Woodstock climbs. Just before Callan, the challenging Kilmaganny climb provides another test for the legs.

The route then continues through Mullinavat, Newmarket, Callan, Kilmanagh, and Tullaroan, with more climbing to keep things interesting before returning via Freshford and Ballyragget to finish back in Kilkenny.

Expect beautiful scenery, rewarding climbs, quiet roads, and the usual great Audax camaraderie along the way.

Entries close on Tuesday, so don’t leave it too late to secure your place.

https://www.audaxireland.org/events-calendar/gazetteer/200km-events/marble-city-200/

04/06/2026

If you’re looking for some Audax inspiration, check out this excellent video from James McGuinness, where he shares his experience of taking on the recent Queen of Connemara 200km.

James also has a number of other videos on his YouTube channel documenting his progress through the Brevet Hiberniae challenge. For those unfamiliar with it, the objective is to visit and collect proof of passage at a series of landmarks located throughout Ireland, travelling to each by bicycle. The challenge spans all four provinces, with four designated locations in each of the country’s 32 counties.

It’s a fantastic way to explore Ireland by bike, discover places you might otherwise never visit, and add a little extra adventure to your riding.

Be sure to give the video a watch and check out the rest of James’s channel for more Audax and Brevet Hiberniae content.

The Queen of Connemara is one of Ireland’s most scenic Audax rides....

01/06/2026

It’s Sunday evening, which means it’s time for another weekend Audax roundup.

This weekend we had two events on the calendar. In the east, the Naomh Barrog Deirdre Wright Memorial offered riders a choice of 120km or 200km routes, while in the west, the Hairy Babies 200km took participants on a scenic tour of the Slieve Blooms and Slieve Felim mountains. A selection of photos from both events is attached.

Looking ahead to next weekend, the distances step up a notch with a 400km and a 600km on offer.

Jimmy’s 3 County 400km is named after Jimmy Durcan, who continues to give so much of his time and energy to cycling. Starting in Mayo, the route heads north before turning south as far as Clifden and then returning home along the eastern border of the county. Riders are treated to spectacular scenery throughout, but be sure to keep something in reserve for the climbs of the Ox Mountains.

More information and registration can be found here:

https://www.audaxireland.org/events-calendar/gazetteer/400km-events/jimmys-3-county-400/

We also have the West Cork 600km. If you want to experience some of the very best scenery Cork has to offer, this is the event for you. Starting and finishing in Skibbereen, the route features over 7,000 metres of climbing and rewards riders with stunning coastal and mountain views. The route is divided into two loops of approximately 370km and 231km, providing an ideal opportunity to grab a few hours’ sleep between them.

Bring your climbing legs!

More information and registration can be found here:
https://www.audaxireland.org/events-calendar/gazetteer/600km-events/west-cork-600/

25/05/2026

Another busy weekend for Audaxers, with riders out on both calendar and permanent events at home and abroad.

Closer to home, we had the REK (Roche-Elliott-Kelly) 400. Starting at the Stephen Roche Monument in Dundrum, this cracking route threads its way through Roundwood and Laragh, climbs Glenmalure to the Shay Elliott Memorial, and then heads south through the hills of Wexford and Kilkenny before calling at Sean Kelly Square in Carrick-on-Suir. A proper tribute route to three Irish cycling greats.

Further afield, several familiar faces took on the Ardnamurchan and Back 1000 in Scotland. This is a serious test of endurance, a 1,000km+ self-supported Audax through the Scottish Highlands to Ardnamurchan Lighthouse, the most westerly point of mainland Britain, and back again, all within 75 hours.

And heading even further east, a couple of Audaxers swapped Irish roads for Tuscan gravel at the Tuscany Trail in Italy. One of the world’s biggest self-supported bikepacking events, it is a “no race” adventure through medieval villages, vineyards, coastal roads, and the iconic white gravel roads of Tuscany.

Next up on the domestic calendar is the Hairy Babies 200. A scenic but punchy 200km from Portumna, taking in the Slieve Blooms and Slieve Felim Mountains with around 1,800m of climbing. Expect the Glendine Gap and a lovely spin back along Lough Derg. Entries close tomorrow evening, so if you are tempted, now is the time:

https://www.audaxireland.org/events-calendar/gazetteer/200km-events/hairy-babies-200/

Best of luck as well to everyone taking on the Naomh Barrog Deirdre Wright Memorial 200 and 120. This one is sold out, so if you are on the start list, all that remains is to get yourself to the line.

12/05/2026

Another great weekend of Audax events behind us, with riders out right across the country taking on everything from 200s to 400s.

A special mention to Peter Fortune, who clearly decided the Killeshin 400 was not quite enough on its own, adding over 100km to get to the start, completing the 400, and then riding the 100km+ home afterwards. Serious going, Peter.

This weekend’s events included:
• Queen of Connemara 200
• Killeshin 300 / 400
• The Famine 200

Huge thanks as always to the event organisers who make these rides happen, and to everyone who took part. We’ve attached a few photos from the weekend, along with another excellent video from Tomas Grzelaczyk capturing the sights and scenes of Audax.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2YQHGqh4mQ

Next up, we head to the Midlands for the Criu a Chairde events, with three distances on offer.

🚴 Criu a Chairde 200
A friendly 200km route at an easy Audax pace, with plenty of opportunities to refuel and not too much climbing. A great option whether you’re new to the distance or just looking for a solid day out on the bike. Covering much of the area around Athlone, you’re never too far from the start.

https://www.audaxireland.org/audax/permanents/criu-a-chairde-200-permanent/

🚴 Criu a Chairde 300
A scenic journey into the heart of Galway and back, using quiet roads and classic Audax lanes. With plenty of stopping points and around 1,700m of climbing, this is a very manageable 300km for anyone looking to step up.

https://www.audaxireland.org/events-calendar/gazetteer/300km-events/criu-a-chairde-300/

🚴 Criu a Chairde 400
For those wanting to go longer, the 400 heads west from Monksland through Roscommon, Galway and onwards into Mayo, taking in some beautiful roads and plenty of countryside before turning for home. A proper adventure on two wheels.

https://www.audaxireland.org/events-calendar/gazetteer/400km-events/criu-a-chairde-400/

Whichever distance you choose, getting to the start line is half the battle.

05/05/2026

What a weekend of Audax events across Ireland and beyond.

The Eoin McLove 600 kept things firmly inland, threading a 600 km route through the heart of the country with no coastal distractions. We had 28 riders on the start line from 9 clubs, representing all four provinces:

South Roscommon Cycling Club,
Audax Ireland,
Ards Cycling Club,
Bray Wheelers,
Gorey Cycling Club,
Garristown Cycling Club,
Wolftrap CC,
Silver Springs CC,
Marble Springs CC.

A special well done to the seven riders who completed their first 600km Audax: Arthur Marshall, Cara Barry, David Tilly, Declan Jordan, Ed Sweetman, Frank Walsh, and Paula Mulvey. And a big thanks to James McKernan for the much-needed sustenance and support from his house along the route.

Across the Irish Sea, we had 9 riders take on the London Wales London, a 400 km Audax starting just outside London, heading through the Chilterns and Cotswolds to the Welsh border before returning via a different route, all within a 27-hour limit.

Further afield, Alex Westphal took on a German Flèche, with his team covering 394 km. Conditions were kind overall, with no rain, though winds were variable. As night fell, temperatures dropped into the low single digits, but thankfully stayed above freezing.

Next up, plenty of choice with 100km, 200km, 300km, and 400km options on the calendar:
Killeshin 300
Killeshin 400
Queen of Connemara 200
The Famine 200
Queen of Connemara 100

Links and registration details below:
https://www.audaxireland.org/events-calendar/gazetteer/300km-events/killeshin-300/
https://www.audaxireland.org/events-calendar/gazetteer/400km-events/killeshin-400/
https://www.audaxireland.org/events-calendar/gazetteer/200km-events/queen-of-connemara-200/
https://www.audaxireland.org/events-calendar/gazetteer/200km-events/the-famine-200/

29/04/2026

Some memories from John H. Dalton, from “a while ago”.

If I remember well I think 6 of us set off from O Connell st in Dublin at 2 in the morning 37 years ago. It was July 88. Dublin was celebrating 1000 years of Dublin. Eddie Dunne did it plus others. True to form I got back just in time. Weather was nice and I really enjoyed it. In 1989 I did the 1200k around Ireland with 9 of us starting. In 1991 I did the PBP on my trike arriving just in time. I continue to cycle everyday and lucky to say I can cycle to work regardless of the weather. If anyone remembers the old days it be nice to see a comment. Finally, being a maverick this sort of cycling suits me as I can do it at my own pace. Oh just one last thing. In 1980 at the age of 16 I cycled with a group from South Dublin from Dun Laoire to Rome. I include video of the trip.

4 likes, 6 comments. "Glasthule - Rome Cycling Pilgrimage August 1980"

28/04/2026

Women are pushing the limits in Audax, taking on longer distances and breaking down barriers in a traditionally male-dominated space. This article from Cycling Weekly highlights some incredible riders, their challenges, and what’s driving them to go further. Well worth a read for a bit of inspiration

Long distance cycling is attracting more women - that's the message in this article from Cycling Weekly by India Paine.

And it's why Audax UK has launched it's 50:50@50 initiative this year to help even up the starting list on events. Check out the Women in Audax pages on the AUK website to learn more about how to get involved.

https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/theres-only-so-much-food-you-can-force-yourself-to-eat-at-2am-meet-the-women-daring-to-ride-further

27/04/2026

Great to see such a strong turnout across the country at the weekend. Sunshine was the standout feature, and over in the west we even had the rare sight of calm winds and blue skies for an Audax in Mayo. A total of 22 riders rolled out and every one of them finished, with participants representing all four provinces. The furthest travelled came from Wexford and Down. Great to see three women on the start line too, Caroline Murphy, Jenny Keavey, and Sinead Parsons taking on her first 300km.

Up north, riders took on the Dark Hedges 200, named after the iconic avenue of beech trees along Bregagh Road between Armoy and Stranocum in County Antrim, made famous by Game of Thrones. A few photos from across the weekend are attached.

Next up is the first 600km of the season, the Eoin McLove 600. Starting in Whitehall, Dublin, this route comes in at approximately 3,800m of climbing and is straightforward to navigate. More details here:
https://www.audaxireland.org/events-calendar/gazetteer/600km-events/eoin-mclove-600/

We also have a strong contingent heading across to the UK for the London Wales London 400km. Best of luck to everyone taking part and safe travels.

If you’re looking for something a bit more flexible, there are plenty of permanent routes available. Just be sure to contact the organiser in advance:
https://www.audaxireland.org/audax/permanents/

22/04/2026

Now that the evenings are stretching out and the temperatures are starting to rise, it’s a great time to plan your next Audax, or for some, to get the first one of the season ticked off. We’re kicking off a new midweek feature where we put the spotlight on an upcoming event.

This week’s event in focus is the Deirdre Wright Memorial 200km, along with the 120km option running in parallel.

Formerly the NBCC 200, this is now the flattest event on the Audax calendar, taking in long, flowing roads and some beautiful scenery. The route heads out of Dublin via Phoenix Park towards Maynooth and on to Summerhill, before winding its way along classic Audax roads to Castlepollard. The return leg brings you past Fore Abbey, on to Athboy and Bective Abbey, through Killmessan, and back into Dublin via the airport.

Controls are at Summerhill (Centra), Castlepollard (Top Garage), and Killmessan (Centra), with plenty of places along the way to refuel. If you’re after something more substantial, Saborosa in Athboy is a solid stop.

This route has been designed with first-time Audax riders in mind, or for those looking for a flatter 200km than the usual summer routes. It’s an ideal introduction to Audax and the 200km distance, while the 120km option offers a shorter but equally enjoyable spin.

This year, NBCC are supporting Kilbarrack Coast Community Programme (KCCP) as the chosen charity. Deirdre was deeply involved in many clubs and organisations within the local community, so it’s especially fitting to support KCCP through this event in her memory.

Entry fee is €15, which includes a burger at the finish.

More info and registration here:
https://www.audaxireland.org/events-calendar/gazetteer/200km-events/naomh-barrog-200/