Dublin Marathon

View on map
Sports & AdventureDublin
Dates25 October 2026Confirmed listing
Duration1 dayListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forCompetition, enduranceThe inaugural 1980 race is precisely
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: EUR
CategorySports & AdventureFestival type
The story

Dublin Marathon in Dublin

Dublin's road marathon, held on the last Sunday of October since its 1980 founding by a group led by Olympian Noel Carroll, running a flat twenty-six-point-two-mile course through Phoenix Park, Clontarf, and Ballsbridge to a finish at Merrion Square, now branded the Irish Life Dublin Marathon.

RTÉ producer Louis Hogan came up with the idea for this marathon after watching the New York City Marathon, and former Olympian Noel Carroll led a group, working with the Business Houses Athletic Association, to organize the inaugural 1980 race, which drew two thousand one hundred starters and one thousand four hundred and twenty finishers, with Dick Hooper winning in two hours sixteen minutes and fourteen seconds.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

The inaugural 1980 race is precisely documented, two thousand one hundred starters, one thousand four hundred and twenty finishers, and a winning time of two hours sixteen minutes and fourteen seconds by Dick Hooper, giving the marathon an unusually well-recorded founding data point

02

The mystery stays covered

Its course runs entirely within Dublin's urban core rather than extending into distant suburbs, a compact single-city route uncommon among marathons of comparable international scale

03

The city starts moving

Its growth from a 1980 field of roughly two thousand runners into one of the larger marathons run entirely within a single European capital's core reflects decades of steady expansion

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

No specific ritual beyond standard marathon-day customs

Water and renewal

Living ritual

including a notable culture of costumed charity runners

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

25 October 2026

Getting around

For route-based days, arrive early and expect normal streets around Dublin to work differently.

What to wear

Technical wicking running gear for the race itself, plus warm layers to shed before the start given cool late-October temperatures.

Safety

For Dublin Marathon, choose safe viewing points, watch weather and leave extra time around starts, finishes or releases.

Where to stay

Stay near workable transport in Dublin, especially if the event runs late or streets close.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

EUR

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map53.33 N, 6.25 WOpen in Google Maps

Dublin, Leinster, Ireland

Nearest airportDUB — Dublin
TransportFor route-based days, arrive early and expect normal streets around Dublin to work differently.
Stay areaStay near workable transport in Dublin, especially if the event runs late or streets close.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Dublin via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Dublin, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for October.Compare faresFestival gearTechnical wicking running gear for the race itself, plus warm layers to shed before the start given cool late-October temperatures.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Ireland and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Dublin Marathon?

Dublin Marathon is listed for 25 October 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Dublin Marathon take place?

The festival is listed in Dublin, Ireland. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

One day is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Dublin, Leinster, Ireland

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLirishlifedublinmarathon.ie
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed dates25 October 2026
Source statusOfficial source linked
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