The Irish Life Dublin Half Marathon returns to Phoenix Park on Sunday, September 20th, bringing thousands of runners through 13.1 miles of roads, paths, bends and steady climbs.
It may all take place in and around one park, but there is far more to the route than trees and open grass. Phoenix Park began as a royal hunting park in the 1660s and opened to the public in 1747. Along the way, runners pass historic homes, military sites, monuments and buildings that have played a part in Irish life for centuries.
Here is the 2026 course, broken down mile by mile.
Start to Mile 2: Chesterfield Avenue and Castleknock
The race begins on Chesterfield Avenue, close to its junction with Furze Road. Runners head north along the long, straight avenue, giving the field time to spread out and allowing everyone to settle into a comfortable rhythm.
Chesterfield Avenue owes much of its present appearance to the fourth Earl of Chesterfield, who oversaw extensive tree planting in the park and is credited with opening it to the public in 1747.
At Mountjoy Cross, the route continues towards Castleknock Gate before leaving Phoenix Park. The opening mile is completed on Castleknock Road as runners move through the village past its shops, pubs and restaurants.
A left turn leads onto College Road, running through a residential area before gradually descending towards Chapelizod. This part of the course is mostly flat, although there are enough small undulations to stop runners from switching off completely.
Mile 2 to Mile 4: Farmleigh and the Glen Pond
At mile 2, runners turn left onto White’s Road and begin heading back towards Phoenix Park. Farmleigh House sits nearby, having served as a home of the Guinness family from 1873 until 1999. It is now the official Irish State Guest House and has welcomed visiting heads of state and other international guests.
After returning to the park, the first water station comes near Ordnance Survey Road at about 2.5 miles. The course then winds onto Knockmaroon Road before turning towards Lower Glen Road.
A sharp hairpin beside the Glen Pond demands a little care, particularly when the field is still busy. There is no major climb here, but the tight turns can interrupt a runner’s rhythm.
Mile 4 to Mile 6: St Mary’s Hospital and Military Road
Mile 4 begins a gentle downhill stretch along Upper Glen Road, with the route continuing past St Mary’s Hospital. The complex began life as the Royal Hibernian Military School, founded in 1766 for children who had been orphaned or whose fathers were serving overseas.
There is an even older piece of history nearby. West of the hospital stands a prehistoric burial chamber that is more than 5,500 years old.
Just after mile 5, the road begins to rise. Runners turn right onto Military Road and pass several park buildings, including Deer Lodge, Fort Lodge and the Magazine Fort.
The Magazine Fort dates from the 1730s, when it was built to store gunpowder and ammunition. It was raided on Easter Monday in 1916 and again during the Christmas Raid of 1939.
The sixth mile arrives shortly before the route turns onto Wellington Road.
Mile 6 to Mile 7: The Wellington Testimonial
Runners move up Wellington Road with the Wellington Testimonial rising on the right. At just over 62 metres, it is regarded as the tallest obelisk in Europe and was completed in 1861 in honour of Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington.
Its four bronze panels were cast from cannons captured at the Battle of Waterloo, with three depicting scenes from Wellington’s career.
A left turn brings the race back onto Chesterfield Avenue. Around mile 7, Dublin Zoo is on the right, while Áras an Uachtaráin can be seen farther into the park.
Dublin Zoo opened in 1831, while Áras an Uachtaráin began as a comparatively modest house for the park’s Chief Ranger in 1751 before becoming the official residence of the President of Ireland.
Runners keep left at the Phoenix Monument. The Portland stone column was erected in 1747 and is topped by a phoenix rising from the ashes.
Mile 8 to Mile 10: The Papal Cross and the Footpaths
The route continues along Acres Road with the Papal Cross visible in the distance. The 35 metre steel cross was erected for the visit of Pope John Paul II in September 1979, when more than 1.25 million people gathered in Phoenix Park for an open air Mass.
At mile 8, runners turn left onto Kyber Road before rejoining Military Road. The course then leaves the road for a footpath leading back towards Acres Road.
Mile 9 comes on this winding section before the route reaches the long straight stretch on Acres Road. Runners head towards the southern edge of the park, make the turnaround and begin the return journey shortly before mile 10.
This can be a significant mental point in the race. The finish is still some distance away, the early freshness has gone and the smaller changes in gradient begin to feel more pronounced.
Mile 10 to Mile 12: Acres Road and Chesterfield Avenue Again
The return along Acres Road brings familiar landmarks back into view, including the Papal Cross and the residence of the United States Ambassador. Known as Deerfield, the house was completed in 1776, the same year that the United States declared independence, and has served as the ambassador’s official residence since 1927.
The terrain remains gently rolling through this section and can feel more demanding on tired legs. Runners pass the Phoenix Monument again before rejoining Chesterfield Avenue around mile 11.
The course continues towards Mountjoy Cross, where runners complete a short section on North Road before returning to Chesterfield Avenue. They then head towards Castleknock Gate, make a U turn just inside the park and pass mile 12 as they begin running back towards Mountjoy Cross.
Mile 12 to 13.1: The Final Turn for Home
After mile 12, runners retrace a short section of Chesterfield Avenue towards Mountjoy Cross. A right turn takes the field onto Ordnance Survey Road for the closing stages.
The Ordnance Survey has deep roots in this part of Phoenix Park. The former Mountjoy Barracks became its Irish headquarters in 1825.
The final left turn brings runners onto Furze Road. It is a short finishing stretch, although it can feel considerably longer after more than 13 miles. The finish gantry remains in sight, with the noise from supporters helping to carry runners through the last few hundred metres.
The Phoenix Park course is scenic, but it is not an easy procession. The early undulations, tight turns around the Glen, climb after mile 5, rise along Wellington Road and rolling return through the park all take something from the legs.
A controlled start and a little patience will go a long way. Look up when the road allows it too. Few races can fit this much Dublin history into 13.1 miles.
