Cooley Half

Cooley Half

Cooley Half is a marked mountain running event in County Louth on Saturday 23rd May 2026. The course is a loop of 21.50 km with approximately 790 m of climb. The event difficulty is rated 8, reflecting moderate terrain, more than 500 m ascent and a distance over 10 km. GPS devices are not allowed.

The route starts just inside the forest barrier and runs anticlockwise. The first kilometre is on a fire road, then the course follows small tracks and trails through G String Corner and Carnavaddy. Runners follow the Poc Fada route to Black Mountain and the border between North and South, track the Poc Fada yellow stones, then move onto open mountain running before returning through forest to a river descent back to the barrier.

Registration takes place at the start/finish area near Lumpers pub and is followed by a race briefing at the start line. The start is about 800 m from the car park; the car park is an old quarry located some 400 m past Lumpers pub on the right. Lumpers is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes from Bray via the M1. Lumpers charge €5 for use of the car park and there is other nearby parking.

Mandatory kit (Level B) includes a waterproof jacket, hat or buff, gloves, whistle, a charged mobile phone with the emergency number stored, and a foil blanket or bivvy bag or equivalent. Random checks may be carried out. Juniors are not permitted. Prize giving is at the start/finish area with awards for first to third male and female. Entry fee is €20 and entries open and close on the dates published by the organiser. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.