7 Unmissable Sporting Events in North Mayo: July – September

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Experience the Thrill of Competition and the Beauty of North Mayo

North Mayo is gearing up for an action-packed summer with a variety of thrilling sporting events. Whether you’re an athlete eager to compete or a tourist looking to soak up the vibrant atmosphere, these events promise excitement for everyone. In order of date, here’s a rundown of what’s coming up for the remainder of July, August, and September, along with details on each event and the beautiful locations they take place in.

Swim Ireland and Belmullet Tidal Pool present the Belmullet Swim. Participants can choose between two distances: a mile swim from the tidal pool to the docks starting at 7pm for adults (with or without wetsuits), and a half-mile swim from the docks starting at 7:30pm, open to those over 16. Tow floats are optional for adults but mandatory for all under-18s. Register by 5pm on July 21st.

Belmullet is renowned for its stunning coastal scenery and unspoiled beaches. The tidal pool offers a unique and safe environment for swimmers, surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Atlantic coast. Whether you’re swimming or spectating, the natural landscape adds to the event’s charm.

Registration: Eventmaster
More Info: Tidal Pool Facebook

Organised by Liquid Motion Triathlon Club Ballina, The Telus International Salmon Run Triathlon race begins with a 750m swim down the River Moy, followed by a 20km cycle past Belleek Woods, and finishes with a 5km run to the Quay and back. The event features chipped timing and distance markers, with medals for all finishers and fantastic prizes.

Ballina, known as the Salmon Capital of Ireland, offers participants a picturesque setting. The River Moy is famous for its salmon fishing, and Belleek Woods, one of the largest urban forests in Europe, provides a scenic backdrop for the cycling portion. The race concludes along the beautiful Quay, enhancing the overall experience.

Information / Registration: liquidmotion.ie

The Belderrig Bronze Man race encompasses a swim, cycle, and run around the scenic village of Belderrig in North Mayo. Open to participants over 16, this event emphasizes enjoyment over competition. Registration is on the day, with the main race starting at 10am.

Belderrig is located along the Wild Atlantic Way, offering breathtaking coastal views and historical sites. Participants and spectators alike can enjoy the stunning cliffs and serene landscapes that make this village a hidden gem.

More Information: Event Page
Facebook Event: Belderrig Bronze Man

To mark the bicentenary of the town of Belmullet, the Great Erris Run has been organised to get the community of north Mayo out into the great outdoors. The 10th August also marks the start of the Belmullet Festival, so the atmosphere will be electric. The MFitness Erris 5km and 10km races cater to all fitness levels, encouraging everyone 18 and over from serious athletes to beginners to take part. The 5k and 10k routes both start at Broadhaven Bay Hotel from 9am with staggered start times.

Erris, often described as one of the most remote and beautiful parts of Ireland, provides an inspiring setting for this run which takes in the concept of ‘green exercise’ or training within nature. Because the route takes in a magnificent part of the Erris coastline, with views of Broadhaven and Blacksod bays – against the backdrop of the mighty Achill Island – it also provides ‘blue exercise’.

With its dramatic coastal scenery and tranquil boglands, runners will experience the wild beauty of North Mayo. Runners are encouraged to bring their togs for a post-race dip in Belmullet Tidal Pool or one of the many deserted sandy beaches on the peninsula.

More Info and Registration: MF Fitness Great Erris Run

View promo video on Facebook here also.

The 6th annual Wild Atlantic 10-Miler race is scheduled to take place in Ballina on Sunday, August 18th, 2024, at 11:00 AM, and Mayo North Tourism is proud to sponsor this event once again.

Whilst this is a 10 mile race, walkers are also encouraged and welcome to take part in the event, they have an earlier start time of 10am. For anyone wishing to walk the event please get in touch with the organisers via their Facebook page HERE. Participants on the day can expect exceptional hospitality, not only in terms of the post-event spread but also with the renowned local support encouraging runners along the route.

The route takes participants through Belleek Woods, offering a mix of forest trails and riverside paths. The River Moy and the Monasteries of the Moy Greenway provide a historical and picturesque backdrop, making this race a visual and physical delight.

More Info: Event Page

The Blacksod Point Challenge Triathlon is a National Series Triathlon Race that takes place on the stunning Erris Peninsula near Belmullet in Co Mayo in the west of Ireland. The Blacksod Point Challenge Triathlon sponsored by Vermilion Energy takes place on 14 September 2024, with over 350 athletes from both national and international backgrounds competing.

This standard distance triathlon is comprised of a 1500m swim in Blacksod Bay which is known for its crystal clear, safe and sheltered waters and stunning views of the Mullet Peninsula; a 40km cycle with panoramic vistas of the rugged coastline to Belmullet; and a 10km run across scenic landscapes of Falmore. It also provides magnificent views of Achill Island. . Offering spectacular views and an electric atmosphere, this race is suited to both seasoned triathletes and those looking to try it out with the aim of a great day out!

More Info: Visit Belmullet
Registration: Triathlon Ireland

Hosted by Ballycastle Athletic Club, the Céide Coast Atlantic Run (Formerly known as the Céide Coast Half Marathon and 10k Coastal Challenge) takes you along the stunning Céide Coast, featuring landmarks like the Céide Fields Visitor Centre, Céide cliffs, Ballycastle beach, and Dún Briste (The Broken Fort) – the famous sea-stack at Downpatrick Head.

The Céide Coast is famous for its archaeological significance and breath-taking natural beauty. The route offers runners spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, dramatic cliffs, and ancient sites, making it a run to remember.

More Info: Céide Coast Atlantic Run
Registration: Eventmaster

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Mayo North Tourism proudly promotes this region not only for its scenic beauty but also as a hub where sport meets nature. Manager Mairéad Melody-Carr shared her excitement, saying, “We’ve had many successful events this year, including the West of Ireland Mini Marathon and the Moy Swim in Ballina. We’re delighted to support initiatives that attract visitors from Mayo and beyond. We can’t wait to welcome you to North Mayo to experience these events and the stunning Wild Atlantic Way.” She added, “We are also thrilled to highlight the positive impact on tourism and the dedicated efforts of volunteers and sponsors in facilitating such an array of events in our region.”

So, maybe we have 8 unmissable sporting events :-)

The list above is not exhaustive, there are also other events worth noting including the International Western Dive Rally which takes places in beautiful Kilcummin in August amongst an array of other activities.

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Visit the Mayo North Tourism Whats On page for details of upcoming events and activities in the area. Discover other exciting activities and attractions in the area by visiting this page.

For more information on accommodations in North Mayo, click here.

Enjoy your time in North Mayo, where adventure and beautiful landscapes await!