Quest – Glendalough
April 18, 2026 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
WHAT IS QUEST GLENDALOUGH?
This epic adventure involves racers running and cycling through the Wicklow Mountains National Park and Glendalough Valley and finishing the race in the shadows of the monastic round tower which epitomizes the Glendalough area.
Three challenging routes: 62.5km Expert, 44.5km Sport and 22.1km Challenge.
The race consists of the following 4 stages:
Stage 1: Cycle – 12km
Description: Starting after a mass start from the Laragh GAA grounds you will cycle out towards Clarabeg. After passing the picturesque Claravale Church and bridge you ascend the testing 300m long climb to join the main R755 to take you back to Laragh GAA transition area.
Note: Dismount before 1st narrow bridge & remount only after 2nd bridge when instructed to do so – DQ for non-compliance.
Terrain: Sealed road, varying in quality from good to fair with the possibility of some gravel and potholes.
Link to route: Stage 1
Stage 2: Trail Run – 8.5km
Description: Competitors will rack their bikes at the Laragh GAA transition. From here you head out the “Green Road” walking track towards the Upper Lake pass close to the world famous Glendalough round tower and monastic heritage site before returning to the finish line at Laragh GAA
Terrain: Walking trail, stone path, forest track generally of good quality but the possibility of some slippy sections
Precautions: Trail runners are recommended but not essential.
Link to route: Stage 2
The race consists of the following 6 stages:
Stage 1: Cycle – 6km
Description: Starting after a rolling start from the Laragh GAA pitch you will cycle up along Military road. From here you will drop your bike at the transition area in the Shay Elliot recreation area.
Terrain: Sealed road, varying in quality from good to fair with the possibility of some gravel and potholes.
Precautions: The roads are not closed and are open to traffic.
Link to route: Stage 1
Stage 2: Trail Run – 5.6km
Description: Competitors will drop their bikes at the Shay Elliot recreational area car park. By foot you then follow a marked forest trail and then open mountain trail towards the summit of Braigue Mountain before returning to the summit of Cullentra and back via mountain and forest tracks to the transition area. Competitors can embrace the views of the stunning Glenmalure valley and the surrounding mountains.
Terrain: Walking trail, stone path, forest track, mountain track of good to rough quality with slippy muck and rock sections.
Precautions: Trail runners are highly recommended.
Link to route: Stage 2
Stage 3: Cycle – 20km
Description: Back on your bike head you descend into the valley and turn left at the Glenmalure Lodge (Film location for “The Stag” movie) pub heading towards Greenan where you turn left and go up the final bike climb of the day past Glenmalure golf club on a section of recently laid “cream cheese” surfaced road. You then descend to join the R755 and return to the transition area at Laragh GAA pitch.
Note: Dismount before 1st narrow bridge & remount only after 2nd bridge when instructed to do so – DQ for non-compliance.
Terrain: Sealed road, varying in quality from very good to fair with the possibility of some gravel and potholes
Precautions: The roads are not closed and are open to traffic.
Link to route: Stage 3
Stage 4: Trail Run – 13.3km
Description: Competitors will rack their bikes at the Laragh GAA transition area. From here you head out a forest track running along the side of the valley with fabulous views down onto the valley and the world famous Glendalough round tower and monastic heritage site and catch a glimpse of your destination for the famous Upper Lake before returning to the finish line at Laragh GAA.
Terrain: Walking trail, stone path, forest track, mountain track – Generally of good quality with possibility of some slippy sections.
Precautions: Trail runners are recommended.
Link to route: Stage 4
The 59km Expert race consists of the following 8 stages:
Stage 1: Cycle – 6km
Description: Starting after a mass start from the Laragh GAA pitch you will cycle up along Military road. From here you will drop you bike at the transition area in the Shay Elliot recreation area.
Terrain: Sealed road, varying in quality from good to fair with possibility of some gravel and potholes.
Precautions: The roads are not closed and are open to traffic.
Stage 2: Trail Run – 6km
Description: Competitors will drop their bikes at the Shay Elliot recreational area carpark.
By foot you then follow a marked forest trail and then open mountain trail towards the summit of Braigue Mountain (502m) before returning to summit of Cullentra (467m) and back via mountain and forest tracks to the transition area.
Competitors can embrace the views of the stunning Glenmalure valley and the surrounding mountains.
Terrain: Walking trail, stone path, forest track, mountain track of good to rough quality with slippy muck and rock sections.
Precautions: Trail runners are highly recommended.
Stage 3: Cycle – 13km
Description: You will proceed to cycle from the transition area down the hill into the picturesque Glenmalure Valley.
After crossing the Avonbeg river close to the old Drumgoff Military barracks you climb up the testing Slieve Mann climb to Drumgoff Gap (The highest cycle point on the route at 450m). You then descent into Aughavanagh and turn left to bring you back up the Brown mountain climb to the 2nd Expert transition at
Note: You will encounter steep hills and sharp bends on this section.Barnaslew parking area.
Precautions: The roads are not closed and are open to traffic.
Terrain: Sealed road, varying in quality from good to fair with possibility of some gravel and potholes
Stage 4: Run – 5km
Description: Starting at Barnaslew transition area you follow forest trail to back near the Ballinagappoge bridge from where you will follow a forest trail and then onto the open mountain to the summit Croaghanmoira mountain (High point of the course at 667m).
From the summit you descend back to transition by the edge of the forest on a steep, rough, rocky track.
Terrain: Walking trail, stone path, forest track, mountain track with slippy muck and rock sections.
Precautions: Trail runners are highly recommended.
Stage 5: Cycle – 18km
Description: Back on your bike head you descend towards Greenan and the final bike climb of the day past Glenmalure golf club on a section of recently laid “cream cheese” surfaced road.
You then descend to join the R755 and return to the transition area at Laragh GAA pitch.
Terrain: Sealed road, varying in quality from very good to fair with possibility of some gravel and potholes
Precautions: The roads are not closed and are open to traffic.
Stage 6: Trail Run – 13.3km
Description: Competitors will rack their bikes at the Laragh GAA transition area. From here you head out a forest track running along the side of the valley with fabulous views down onto the valley and the world famous Glendalough round tower and monastic heritage site and catch a glimpse of the famous Upper Lake before returning back to the finish line at Laragh GAA.
Terrain: Walking trail, stone path, forest track, mountain track – Generally of good quality with possibility of some slippy sections. Precautions: Trail runners are recommended.
Link to route: Stage 6