Carnaween
Donegal, Ireland • 23 May 2026
Carnaween
Carnaween is a mountain running event in County Donegal held on Saturday 23 May 2026 with start and finish at Letterbarrow Football Club. The long course is 7.80 km with 514 m of climb. There is a junior and short course option that follows the same route uphill and turns back at about the 2.5 km point.
The route includes open mountain terrain on private sheep farmland and several fences; participants must follow route markings to stiles where provided and avoid breaking fences. The summit is steep with loose rock. Only major junctions are marked and GPS is not permitted. The event is part of the Ulster Championship and the North West League. The race is capped at 61 places. Entry fees are €7 for seniors and €5 for over 65s and under 18s. Entries open on 18 May 2026 and close on 22 May 2026; no entry is available on race day.
Car parking is at Letterbarrow Football Club, about a 15 minute drive from Donegal Town and about 10 minutes from the village of Letterbarrow. The access road is rural with limited passing places so parking space is constrained.
Mandatory Level B kit must be brought by all participants. Items listed include a waterproof jacket, hat or buff, gloves, whistle, charged mobile phone with an emergency number stored, and a foil blanket or bivvy bag. The required kit to be carried will be finalised on the day and random checks may be carried out. Failure to have required items may lead to denial of entry or disqualification.
Prizegiving and post race refreshments take place at Letterbarrow Football Club. Prizes are awarded for the top three male and female finishers on the long course and first male and female juniors, with additional spot prizes. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.