Ireland’s Premier Trail Running Festival Returns: Seven Sisters Skyline Set for Saturday September 20, 2025
Donegal, Ireland
Trail runners, mountain lovers, and adventure seekers - mark your calendars. The Seven Sisters Skyline, Ireland’s premier trail running festival, is set to return on September 20, 2025, promising a high-octane day of running, craic, and wild mountain magic in the rugged highlands of Donegal.
Now a key fixture in the UK & Ireland Skyrunning Series, the event has cemented its reputation as one of the most iconic and challenging trail races on these islands - attracting elite mountain runners and passionate hill chasers from across the country and beyond.
What Makes the Seven Sisters Skyline So Special?
Quite simply, there’s nothing else like it in Ireland. The festival’s marquee race - the 55km Skyline (4,000m+) - takes runners on a relentless traverse of the Derryveagh Mountains, hitting all seven legendary peaks: Muckish, Crocknalaragagh, Aghla Beg, Ardloughnabrackbaddy, Aghla More, Mackoght, and culminating at Errigal, Donegal’s beloved summit and the jewel in the crown.
The course serves up over 4,000 metres of elevation gain, technical ridgelines, boggy moorland, and views that’ll make your legs wobble just as much as the climbs. It’s a race that demands heart, grit, and a deep love for wild places.
But the Seven Sisters Skyline is more than a test of endurance - it’s a festival. With an electric atmosphere, live music, local food, community spirit, and one of the most scenic race HQs in the country, this event captures the true essence of Irish trail running.
New & Returning Distances
While the 55k Skyline distance is the headline act, there’s something for everyone. This year features the returning Sky Challenge 30km (2,100m+) for those who want a serious challenge without going ultra, and the Castle Altan Trail 16km (800m+) - a shorter but no-less-scenic route that brings runners through the mystical forest trails and foothills around Glenveagh National Park.
Whether you're toeing the line for the full Skyline or taking your first steps into trail running with the Castle Altan Trail, you’ll be part of a buzzing community celebrating movement, nature, and a good day out on the hills.
The Countdown Begins
Organised by Excel Sports Ireland, with support from dedicated volunteers and local businesses, the Seven Sisters Skyline festival has grown year on year - both in size and prestige. Being part of the UK & Ireland Skyrunning Series only reinforces its standing as a must-do on every mountain runner’s calendar.
So whether you're chasing a series podium, a new personal best, or simply the sunrise over Muckish, the Seven Sisters Skyline Festival delivers challenge, beauty, and an experience you won't forget.
Event Date: Sunday, September 20, 2025
Location: Dunlewey, County Donegal
Distances: 55km Skyline | 30km Sky Challenge | 16km Castle Altan Trail
Series: UK & Ireland Skyrunning Series
More info & entries: @sevensistersskyline on Facebook and Instagram
Want to win 2 free entries? Head over to our social media channels and follow the steps to be in with a chance to win 2 free entries to any of their 3 distances.
See you on the start line — and may the trails rise to meet you!
