The Dublin Half Marathon takes place in one of Europe’s largest enclosed parks: Phoenix Park. On race day, this peaceful space becomes the setting for a 13.1-mile challenge. This guide walks you through the course mile by mile, highlighting key landmarks and features to help you navigate the route and stay focused throughout the race.
Start - Mile 2: Chesterfield Avenue Warm-Up & Castleknock
The race begins at the junction of Chesterfield Avenue and Furze Road, a central location in the park. You’ll head north along Chesterfield Avenue, a long, straight road ideal for settling into your rhythm.
At Mountjoy Cross, a large roundabout with decorative lighting, you continue straight toward Castleknock Gate and exit the park. After just over a mile, you’ll find yourself on Castleknock Road, moving through the village past some local shops and restaurants.
Turn left onto College Road, running alongside residential areas before gradually descending toward Chapelizod. The route here is mostly flat with some slight undulations.
Mile 2 - 4: Fancy Guests & Hairpin Turns
At mile 2, you turn left onto Whites Road, heading toward Farmleigh House, a historic estate now used as a state guest house. Just after re-entering Phoenix Park, you’ll find the first water station near Ordnance Survey Road.
From here, the route winds onto Knockmaroon Road, then veers left toward Lower Glen Road, where a sharp hairpin turn at Glen Pond requires a bit of balance and control.
Mile 4 - 6: St Mary's Hospital & Military Road
Mile 4 marks the beginning of a gentle downhill stretch along Upper Glen Road, continuing past St Mary’s Hospital, originally a military school in the 18th century.
Just after mile 5, the route turns uphill and then right onto Military Road. You’ll pass several park buildings, including Deer Lodge, Fort Lodge and the Magazine Fort, a site of historical significance dating back to the 1930s. You reach mile 6 before turning onto Wellington Road.
Mile 6 - 7: Obelisks & Presidential Neighbours
The Wellington Monument, one of the tallest obelisks in Europe, appears on your right as you move up Wellington Road. A left turn takes you back onto Chesterfield Avenue.
Mile 7 brings you past Dublin Zoo on the right and the official residence of the Irish President, Áras an Uachtaráin, visible in the distance. Keep left at the Phoenix Monument, turning onto Acres Road.
Mile 8 - 10: Papal Cross & Mini-Climbs
As you continue along Acres Road, you’ll see the Papal Cross in the distance, commemorating Pope John Paul II’s 1979 visit. At mile 8, you turn left onto Kyber Road, then quickly rejoin Military Road before turning again toward Acres Road.
You’ll pass the 9-mile mark and soon reach the turnaround near the southern edge of the park, just before mile 10. This straight section of Acres Road marks a key mental and physical point in the race.
Mile 10 - 12: Diplomatic Drive-By & Chesterfield Déjà Vu
As you head back along Acres Road, familiar landmarks appear again, including the Papal Cross and the US Ambassador’s residence. The terrain here is gently rolling and can feel more challenging on the return leg.
At mile 11, you rejoin Chesterfield Avenue, passing Mountjoy Cross once more. The route continues toward Castleknock Gate, with mile 12 approaching quickly.
Mile 12 - 13.1: The Final Wiggle
Just before Castleknock Gate, a sharp left takes you back down Chesterfield Avenue briefly. Then a right turn onto Ordnance Survey Road leads you once again toward Furze Road.
The final left brings you onto Furze Road for the last push to the finish line. This short stretch can feel long, but the end is in sight with medals and refreshments waiting.