QUEST KILLARNEY ROUTE INFO
The Quest Killarney adventure race team has put together new routes that are both challenging and inspiring with rugged landscape and breath-taking scenery.
All routes are subject to change and environmental impact assessment..
All routes are subject to change, statutory approval and license agreements
There are 5 challenging routes: 85k Expert – 78k Pro – 70k Dual – 62k Sport – 32k Challenge
Summary of 2023 Route Changes
Quest Killarney 2023 will now be starting and finishing in Killarney town centre.
In addition there have been a few minor changes to all routes, summarised below and in more detail in the individual route information sections.
Distances are in kilometres.
| Cycle | Run | Kayak | New Total Distance | Previous Distance | Difference | |
| Expert | 54.9 | 29.5 | 1 | 85.4 | 83.2 | 2.2 |
| Pro | 54.9 | 22.2 | 1 | 78.1 | 73 | 5.1 |
| Dual | 55.8 | 14.3 | 0 | 70.1 | 65 | 5.1 |
| Sport | 45.3 | 15.7 | 1 | 62 | 55.6 | 6.4 |
| Challenge | 21.1 | 10 | 1 | 32.1 | 25.7 | 6.4 |
The Quest Killarney adventure race team has put together routes that are both challenging and inspiring with rugged landscape and breath taking scenery.
Precautions: Competitors undertake Quest Killarney at their own risk. Please familiarise yourself with the route maps, race briefing document and the areas on the route where care must be taken. Please observe warning signs, race stewards advice and listen carefully to the race briefing before the race.
*All routes are subject to change, statutory approval and license agreements.
There are 5 challenging routes:
85k Expert – 78k Pro – 62k Sport – 70k Dual – 32k Challenge
The Quest Killarney adventure race team has put together routes that are both challenging and inspiring with rugged landscape and breath taking scenery.
Precautions: Competitors undertake Quest Killarney at their own risk. Please familiarise yourself with the route maps, race briefing document and the areas on the route where care must be taken. Please observe warning signs, race stewards advice and listen carefully to the race briefing before the race.
*All routes are subject to change, statutory approval and license agreements.
There are 5 challenging routes:
85k Expert – 78k Pro – 62k Sport – 70k Dual – 32k Challenge
The race consists of the following 8 stages:
Stage 1:
Cycle – 12km
Description: Starting on Main Street, just outside the town hall, you will cycle through Killarney town to Kate Kearney’s Cottage.
Terrain: Sealed road
Plot a Route: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/871605
Stage 2:
Mountain Run – 6.5km
Description: Starting at the base of the McGillycuddy Reeks this stage will take you through a tough steep bog mountain trail up and over Strickeen mountain.
Terrain: Hill trail & heathen bog.
Features: Stunning views of Carrantuohill, the Gap of Dunloe, the Lakes of Killarney and Purple mountain.
Plot a Route: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/871613
Stage 3:
Road Bike – 36.6km
Description: Pick your bike up at Kate Kearney’s Cottage and start this amazing cycle with breathtaking views around every corner. On this stage you will encounter steep fast downhill cycling with sharp corners as you negotiate you way through this challenging section.
Terrain: Sealed road, varying in quality from good to gravel and potholes.
Features: The Gap of Dunloe, the Black Valley, Molls gap, Ladies View, Lakes of Killarney and the Eagles Nest to name a few.
Plot Route: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1825951
Stage 4:
Run – 1.2km
Description: You will run from the new transition area in Torc car park to Dundag and the kayak stage.
Plot a Route: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1940074
Stage 5:
Kayak – 1km
Description: Kayak a circular route around the spectacular clear waters of Muckross Lake on double sit on top kayaks.
Restrictions: Competitors cannot bring their own Kayaks they must use provided double sit on top Kayaks & paddles. Buoyancy aid must be worn at all times.
Stage 6:
Mangerton Mountain Run – 19.20km
Description: Starting by going under a 250 year old tunnel under the road, competitors will ascend to Torc Waterfall and follow forest tracks to the base of Mangerton. From here a mountain track leads to the Devil’s Punchbowl, 50 metres from the summit of Mangerton Mountain.
Terrain: Walking trail, forest track, mountain track.
Features: From the summit you have panoramic views across the entire Killarney National Park, the Lakes of Killarney and as far as Kenmare Bay.
Precautions: The ascent up the final 50m to the summit of Mangerton is a steep rock incline and competitors must follow the marked route.
Cut off point: Competitors who do not reach the base of Mangerton Mountain by 2pm will not be allowed to continue up to the summit.
Plot a Route: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1940161
Stage 7:
Road Cycle – 6.7km
Description: This is a short cycle bringing you back to Killarney. You will cycle on road and Jarvey path to Killarney Racecourse. There you will rack you bike for the final run.
Terrain: Sealed road, varying in quality from good to gravel.
Features: Muckross House and Gardens, Ireland’s largest oak forest.
Plot a Route: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1825966
Stage 8:
Run – 5.3km
Description: The final short run through Killarney National Park and into Killarney town. You will run up Tuohills Lane and emerge out onto Main Street Killarney to an amazing atmosphere and party.
Terrain: Sealed road, varying in quality from good to gravel.
Features: Muckross House and Gardens, Ireland’s largest oak forest.
Plot a Route: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2317500
The race consists of the following 8 stages:
Stage 1:
Cycle – 12km
Description: : Starting on Main Street, just outside the town hall, you will cycle through Killarney town to Kate Kearney’s Cottage.
Terrain: Sealed road
Plot a Route: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/871605
Stage 2:
Mountain Run – 6.5km
Description: Starting at the base of the McGillycuddy Reeks this stage will take you through a tough steep bog mountain trail up and over Strickeen mountain.
Terrain: Hill trail & heathen bog.
Features: Stunning views of Carrantuohill, the Gap of Dunloe, the Lakes of Killarney and Purple mountain.
Plot a Route: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/871613
Stage 3:
Road Bike – 36.6km
Description: Pick your bike up at Kate Kearney’s Cottage and start this amazing cycle with breathtaking views around every corner. On this stage you will encounter steep fast downhill cycling with sharp corners as you negotiate you way through this challenging section.
Terrain: Sealed road, varying in quality from good to gravel and potholes.
Features: The Gap of Dunloe, the Black Valley, Molls gap, Ladies View, Lakes of Killarney and the Eagles Nest to name a few.
Plot a Route: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1825951
Stage 4:
Run – 1.2km
Description: You will run from the new transition area in Torc car park to Dundag and the kayak stage.
Plot a Route: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1940074
Stage 5:
Kayak – 1km
Description: Kayak a circular route around the spectacular clear waters of Muckross Lake on double sit on top kayaks.
Restrictions: Competitors cannot bring their own Kayaks they must use provided double sit on top Kayaks & paddles. Buoyancy aid must be worn at all times.
Stage 6:
Trail Run – 10.5km
Description: A relatively flat run of 1km turns into a steep climb up to the old Kenmare Road, you will then follow a forest trail to a viewing point at Barr na Currane.
Terrain: Walking trail, stone steps, forest track and mountain track.
Features: From the viewing point you have panoramic views across the entire Killarney National Park, the Lakes of Killarney.
Precautions: Trail runners are recommended.
Cut off point: Competitors who do not reach the base of the forest trail by 4pm will not be allowed to continue up to Barr na Currane.
Plot a Route: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1940163
Stage 7:
Road Cycle – 6.7km
Description: This is a short cycle bringing you back to Killarney.
You will cycle on road and Jarvey path to Killarney Racecourse. There you will rack your bike for the final run.
Terrain: Sealed road, varying in quality from good to gravel.
Features: Muckross House and Gardens, Ireland’s largest oak forest.
Plot a Route: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1825966
Stage 8: Run – 3.1km
Description: The final short run through killarney national park
and into Killarney town. You will run up Tuohills Lane and emerge out onto Main Street Killarney to an amazing atmosphere and party.
Terrain: Sealed road, varying in quality from good to gravel.
Features: Muckross House and Gardens, Ireland’s largest oak forest.
Plot a Route: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2317500
The race consists of the following 4 stages:
Stage 1: Road Bike – 50.7km
Description: Starting on Main Street, just outside the town hall, you will cycle through Killarney town and past Kate Kearney’s Cottage and on into the Gap of Dunloe, this amazing cycle has breathtaking views around every corner. On this stage you will encounter steep fast downhill cycling with sharp corners as you negotiate you way through this challenging section.
Terrain: Sealed road, varying in quality from good to gravel and potholes.
Features: The Gap of Dunloe, the Black Valley, Molls gap, ladies view, Lakes of Killarney and the eagles nest to name a few.
Plot a Route: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2323141
Stage 2: Trail Run – 10.5km
Description: Starting by going under a 250 year old tunnel under the road, competitors will ascend to the top of Torc Waterfall and the old Kenmare Road and following a forest trail to a viewing point at Barr na Currane.
Terrain: Walking trail, stone steps, forest track and mountain track.
Features: From the viewing point you have panoramic views across the entire Killarney National Park, the Lakes of Killarney.
Precautions: Trail runners are recommended.
Cut off point: Competitors who do not reach the base of the forest trail by 4pm will not be allowed to continue up to Barr na Currane.
Plot a Route: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1940163
Stage 3: Road Cycle – 6.7km
Description: This is a short cycle bringing you back to Killarney. You will cycle on road and Jarvey path to Killarney Racecourse. There you will rack you bike for the final run
Terrain: Sealed road, varying in quality from good to gravel.
Features: Muckross House and Gardens, Ireland’s largest Oak forest
Plot a Route: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1825966
Stage 4: Run – 3.1km
Description: The final short run through killarney national park and into Killarney town. You will run up Tuohills Lane and emerge out onto a Main Street Killarney to an amazing atmosphere and party.
Terrain: Sealed road, varying in quality from good to gravel.
Features: Muckross House and Gardens, Ireland’s largest Oak forest.
Plot a Route: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2317500
The race consists of the following 6 stages:
Stage 1:
Road Bike – 38.75km
Description: Starting on Main Street Killarney you will cycle an out and back route up the famous Molls gap climb to Avoca shop and turn back around. Please note the road will be closed and all cyclists will have to stay on the left-hand side of the road at all times.
Terrain: Sealed road, varying in quality and potholes.
Features: Molls Gap, ladies view and the lakes of Killarney.
Plot a Route: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2323086
Stage 2:
Run – 1.2km
Description: You will run from the new transition area in Torc car park to Dundag and the kayak stage.
Plot a Route: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1940074
Stage 3:
Kayak – 1km
Description: Kayak a circular route around the spectacular clear waters of Muckross Lake on double sit on top kayaks.
Restrictions: Competitors cannot bring their own Kayaks they must use provided double sit on top Kayaks & paddles. Buoyancy aid must be worn at all times.
Stage 4:
Trail Run – 10.5km
Description: Starting by going under a 250 year old tunnel under the road, competitors will ascend to the top of Torc Waterfall and the old Kenmare Road and following a forest trail to a viewing point at Barr na Currane.
Terrain: Walking trail, stone steps, forest track and mountain track.
Features: From the viewing point you have panoramic views across the entire Killarney National Park, the Lakes of Killarney.
Precautions: Trail runners are recommended.
Cut off point: Competitors who do not reach the base of the forest trail by 4pm will not be allowed to continue up to Barr na Currane.
Plot a Route: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1940163
Stage 5:
Road Cycle – 6.7km
Description: This is a short cycle bringing you back to Killarney. You will cycle on road and Jarvey path to Killarney Racecourse. There you will rack your bike for the final run.
Terrain: Sealed Road, varying in quality from good to gravel.
Features: Muckross House and Gardens, Ireland’s largest oak forest.
Plot a Route: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1825966
Stage 6:
Run – 3.1km
Description: The final short run through Killarney National Park and into Killarney town. You will run up Tuohills Lane and emerge out onto Main Street Killarney to an amazing atmosphere and party.
Terrain: Sealed road, varying in quality from good to gravel.
Features: Muckross House and Gardens, Ireland’s largest oak forest.
Plot a Route: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2317500
Start
Location: Main Street Killarney
The race consists of the following 6 stages:
Stage 1:
Road Bike – 14.30Km
Description: Starting on Main Street Killarney you will cycle an out and back route up along the Ring of Kerry Road as far as five-mile bridge and turn back around. Please note the road will be closed and all cyclists will have to stay on the left-hand side of the road at all times.
Terrain: Sealed Road, varying in quality and potholes.
Features: Molls Gap, Ladies View and the Lakes of Killarney.
Plot a Route: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2323092
Stage 2:
Run – 1.2km
Description: after you drop your bike at the transition area in Torc car park you will run down to Dundag beach for the kayak stage.
Plot a Route: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1940074
Stage 3:
Kayak – 1km
Description: Kayak a circular route around the spectacular clear waters of Muckross Lake on double sit on top kayaks.
Restrictions: Competitors cannot bring their own Kayaks they must use provided double sit on top Kayaks & paddles. Buoyancy aid must be worn at all times.
Stage 4:
Trail Run – 5.5km
Description: After you finish the kayak you will take a route to the top of Torc waterfall (no Cardiac steps or Torc step this year). Following a forest trail to in the upper Torc car park area.
Terrain: Walking trail, forest track and mountain track.
Features: From the viewing point you have panoramic views across the entire Killarney National Park, the Lakes of Killarney.
Precautions: Trail runners are recommended.
Plot a Route: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1940078
Stage 5:
Road Cycle – 6.7km
Description: This is a short cycle bringing you back to Killarney. You will cycle on road and Jarvey path to Killarney Racecourse. There you will rack your bike for the final run
Terrain: Sealed Road, varying in quality from good to gravel.
Features: Muckross House and Gardens, Ireland’s largest oak forest.
Plot a Route: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1825966
Stage 6: Run – 3.1km
Description: The final short run through Killarney National Park and into Killarney town. You will run up Tuohills Lane and emerge out onto a Main Street Killarney to an amazing atmosphere and party.
Terrain: Sealed road, varying in quality from good to gravel.
Features: Muckross House and Gardens, Ireland’s largest oak forest.
Plot a Route: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2317500
Cut offs
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