There’s getting out into the fresh air, and then there’s hurling yourself up some of Europe’s highest sea cliffs in the middle of nowhere, Donegal. Thankfully, the Wild Atlantic Challenge Sliabh Liag Trail and Hike Weekend offers a bit of both, all served with a healthy dose of craic, a savage view, and a proper session afterwards for your troubles.
Taking place on Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th May 2025, this is one of those weekends that ticks every box. Fresh air? More than you could shake a stick at. Scenery? You’ll be up to your eyes in it but somehow not be sick of it. Trail options? There’s plenty to suit both the all-out mountain goat and those who just fancy a handy stroll to justify a pint afterwards.
The Set-Up
The sleepy village of Teelin in County Donegal plays host to the event, sitting snugly at the foot of the mighty Sliabh Liag cliffs. These beasts rise up to 601 metres straight out of the Atlantic, making them some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe and a fair bit steeper than that slope outside your local SuperValu you’ve been calling a “hill” on your training runs.
Your base for the weekend will be the Sliabh Liag Visitors Centre, home to Race HQ, start line, finish line, and crucially, within staggering distance of the nearest pub.
The Races
Kicking off the action on Friday evening is the 5k Uphill Challenge at 7pm. No messing about here, like Ronseal it’s exactly what it says on the tin: straight up the hill with no apologies. Perfect if you fancy getting your legs opened up before a night of “carb loading” at the Rusty Mackerel.
Saturday morning is when the real fun starts. You’ve got three flavours to choose from:
- 13k Single Loop – Just one tidy spin around the pilgrim path with time to still hit the sauna before lunch.
- 25k Two Loops – For those who think once is never enough.
- 50k Ultra (Four Loops) – Because what else would you be doing with your Saturday?
The course itself is a thing of beauty, a 13k loop packed with jaw-dropping coastal views, peaceful trails, and descents.
Beyond the Race
It’s not all blood, sweat, and sheep tracks either. If the legs are a bit tight after your heroic efforts, you can hop on a boat tour to admire the cliffs from sea level, no hill repeats required. Or, for the brave (and possibly the cracked), there’s a sauna and dip waiting for you at Teelin Pier. Nothing like plunging into the Atlantic to really put the lungs through their paces.
And if you’re making a weekend of it (and why wouldn’t you?), there’s Glencolmcille Folk Village to wander around, plus the stunning Silver Strand beach to remind you that Ireland, for all its sins, really can look like a postcard when it feels like it.
Where to Stay
For the full experience, pitch your tent at Sliabh Liag Camping, which is practically next door to Race HQ. Roll out of bed, stumble over to the start line, and off you go. Or if you prefer bricks and mortar to canvas, Teelin has a few B&Bs floating about too.
Post Race Pints
No proper Irish event is complete without a session to round it off, and the Rusty Mackerel pub is ready and waiting. Good food, better pints, and the kind of storytelling that’ll make you question how anyone finished the race at all.
Final Word
In short: stunning scenery, a proper community vibe, and a race weekend that’ll leave you full of tall tales and possibly a few sore bits. If you’re up for a bit of a challenge, a laugh, and a weekend that feels like a real escape, the Sliabh Liag Adventure Run is as good as it gets.
Register now at:
👉 https://in.njuko.com/sliabh-liag-2025
