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sport · Saturday 29 August 2026 · 8:00am 
Mountcharles Triathlon
At Mountcharles · Mountcharles, Co. Donegal
At Mountcharles · Mountcharles, Co. Donegal
The Mountcharles Triathlon brings together swimmers, cyclists and runners on the south Donegal coast for one of the more scenic multi-sport events on the Triathlon Ireland calendar. Set against Donegal Bay with the Bluestack Mountains rising behind the village, this is the kind of course that rewards the effort on the bike and on foot - the views make the miles pass faster. Entry is open to competitors of various levels, and the August Bank Holiday weekend timing means you can turn the trip into a full break along this stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way.
The event covers the three classic triathlon disciplines: a swim, a bike leg, and a run. The waters of Donegal Bay provide the open-water swimming element - sheltered and calm by Donegal standards - before competitors move on to the cycling and running legs through the coastal countryside around Mountcharles. Transition facilities and parking are available at the event venue. Registration and race information are handled through the Triathlon Ireland race calendar, where you can confirm your start wave, distances and any mandatory kit requirements before race day. Prices start from €75 per entry. Arriving with your kit checked and your bike serviced the day before is the sensible approach for any open-water event.
Mountcharles sits on the N56, about 6km west of Donegal Town along the bay road. Coming from the south, take the N15 through Ballyshannon to Donegal Town, then pick up the N56 westward - the drive from Sligo is roughly an hour. From Dublin, the quickest route is the M1 and N2 north to Letterkenny or through Enniskillen on the A4/N16, then south to Donegal Town. Public transport options include Bus Eireann route 492 and Local Link Bus 293, which connect Mountcharles to Donegal Town and Killybegs. Parking is available at the pier area, which has level, accessible pathways.
The village has a traditional pub and a shop, and the pier is a good spot to recover with a view across the bay after the race. There is more to see in Mountcharles and across Co. Donegal.
Heading to Mountcharles in Mountcharles? Donegal has plenty more to see. Read the Mountcharles area guide, find what else is on, and explore the towns and villages nearby.