This is a fully measured and AAI approved route. The 13 mile half marathon loop will begin at the Hy Breasal on St.Fionnans Road Achill Sound. Participants will begin by running to the top of St.Fionnans road where they will turn left and follow the quiet, lonely road through the villages of Shraheens, Derreens and Cloghmore. On this stretch of road runners will pass the ancient church and graveyard at Kildavnet & the remains of the 16th century Irish tower house that was once used by the legendary pirate queen Granuaile. The runners will then make a right turn at Cloghmore pier and continue on to the spectacular ‘Atlantic Drive’, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the islands of Clare and Achill Beg. Listen to the crashing waves on the rocks below as you witness some of the most stunning & rugged coastline this beautiful island has to offer. This is a challenging route with plenty of elevation gain. Don’t be put off – most will agree the scenery is equally as breathtaking as the climb! At the top of the Drive, runners will descend down the corkscrew road overlooking Ashleam Bay. Runners will turn left towards Doeega for a short out and back before turning back into Achill Sound to the start/finish area.
