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sport · Saturday 4 July 2026 · Various 
Kilkee Hell of the West Triathlon 2026
At Kilkee Bay · Kilkee, Co. Clare
At Kilkee Bay · Kilkee, Co. Clare
The Hell of the West has been running since 1985, making it one of the longest continuously held triathlons in the world - and one of the most beloved on the Irish sporting calendar. The 2026 edition marks 40 years of the race in Kilkee, organised by Limerick Triathlon Club. It draws serious competitors and enthusiastic first-timers, all united by a course that genuinely earns its name. For a triathlon with real history and a wild Atlantic setting, this is hard to beat.
The race is Olympic distance: a 1,500m sea swim in Kilkee’s Horseshoe Bay, a 44km bike leg on exposed coastal roads, and a hilly 10km run with Atlantic views. The swim is the gentler of the three - the bay is sheltered and scenic - but the bike leg does not let up. Expect rolling drags, crosswinds off the Atlantic, and roads that demand respect. The run follows a hilly out-and-back on the Dunlicky Road with very little shelter from the elements. The course record is 1:59:42, set by Olympian Bryan Keane. The event is non-drafting, a Triathlon Ireland Race Licence (or One-Day pass) is required, and an approved helmet is mandatory. Wetsuits are generally required, though the final call is made on race day per Triathlon Ireland rules. Wave starts are typically mid-morning - check the official Race Brief for confirmed times and cut-offs. Aid stations are on the run; plan to be self-sufficient on the bike.
Kilkee sits on the Loop Head Peninsula in west Clare, roughly 65km from Ennis via the N68. From Limerick city, allow around 90 minutes by road. There is no practical public transport to Kilkee, so a car is the realistic option for most people. Kilkee town is small and parking fills quickly on race day - plan to arrive well ahead of your wave start. Accommodation in Kilkee books out fast for this weekend every year, so if you are travelling from outside Clare, sort a bed early.
Kilkee’s horseshoe bay, cliff walks, and seafront make the long drive worthwhile beyond race day. There is more to see in Kilkee and across Co. Clare.
Heading to Kilkee Bay in Kilkee? Clare has plenty more to see. Read the Kilkee area guide, find what else is on, and explore the towns and villages nearby.