Dublin Marathon
If you have questions regarding Marathon Tours & Travel’s Dublin Packages please: EMAIL OUR TRIP DESIGNER or CALL 617-242-7845
Interested in experiencing Ireland and running the 44th edition of the Irish Life Dublin Marathon? Come and join Marathon Tours & Travel for one of our top rated trips, we still have guaranteed race entries available with our packages!
Dublin is an ancient city founded by the Vikings more than 1,000 years ago. Today, it is a vibrant city with more than one million inhabitants. It is famous for its friendliness, beautiful Georgian architecture, literary history, pubs and nightlife.
With a record of 25,000 runners who ran in 2023, Dublin now hosts Europe’s fourth largest marathon. The running of the event, set for Sunday October 27, has sold out early in the last few years, reflecting the continued growth in marathon running as a mass participation sport in Ireland. Come enjoy the ‘luck of the Irish’ this coming October!
The Dublin Marathon is an AbbottWMM Marathon Tours & Travel World Age Group Qualifying Race.
Travel Package Information
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Itinerary
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Thursday, October 24
Arrive Dublin and transfer on your own to the Conrad Hotel. This evening enjoy meeting other Marathon Tours & Travel runners and supporters for a welcome reception at the Conrad.
Friday, October 25
Enjoy a morning city tour of Dublin with a stop at the Expo to collect your race number and packet. The afternoon and evening are free to enjoy the city at your leisure or consider adding a visit to the Guinness Storehouse (See Extensions) to your package!
(Breakfast included)
Saturday, October 26
Today you are free to explore Dublin on your own or join us for the wonderful Wild Wicklow Tour (See Extensions). In the evening, join your MT&T team for a pre-race pasta dinner will be held at the Conrad. (Breakfast and dinner included)
Sunday, October 27
Race Day! The Conrad is conveniently located within a short walking distance of the start and finish line. Following the race, join us for an informal post-race celebration in the hotel and continue the evening at the Merry Ploughboy Dinner Show (see Extensions) regarded as “the best traditional music show in Dublin”. (Breakfast included)
Monday, October 28
Today, we will depart in the morning by private coach for our journey across the Irish countryside to Galway. We will stop along the way to visit the ruins of Clonmacnoise, a monastic site overlooking the Shannon River. Lunch will be on your own. We will arrive in Galway and check-in to the Park House Hotel with time to explore the city in the afternoon. We invite you to join us for a Welcome Dinner at the hotel this evening. (breakfast and dinner included)
Tuesday, October 29
In the morning, we will depart for a full day loop of the Connemara region, where little has changed since the beginning of time and Gaelic is still the spoken language in the small villages. In the afternoon, you will enjoy a visit to the famous Kylemore Abbey. We will return to our hotel in Galway where dinner will be provided. (breakfast and dinner included)
Wednesday, October 30
The group will say goodbye to Galway and depart for County Clare in the morning, traveling through the Burren Region on our way to the Cliffs of Moher. After visiting the Cliffs of Moher, we will carry on to the Temple Gate Hotel in Ennis. You will have the evening to explore this charming town and try the local pubs and restaurants! (breakfast included)
Thursday, October 31
Today concludes the extension to Galway and Ennis. There will be one morning transfer provided to Shannon Airport (time to be determined once all passenger flight information has been received). Please be sure to book your return flight out of Shannon Airport (SNN) and not Dublin! This extension ends in Ennis, we will NOT be returning to Dublin. (breakfast included)
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Thursday, October 24
Arrive Dublin and transfer on your own to the Conrad Hotel. This evening enjoy meeting other Marathon Tours & Travel runners and supporters for a welcome reception at the Conrad.
Friday, October 25
Enjoy a morning city tour of Dublin with a stop at the Expo to collect your race number and packet. The afternoon and evening are free to enjoy the city at your leisure or consider adding a visit to the Guinness Storehouse (See Extensions) to your package!
(Breakfast included)
Saturday, October 26
Today you are free to explore Dublin on your own or join us for the wonderful Wild Wicklow Tour (See Extensions). In the evening, join your MT&T team for a pre-race pasta dinner will be held at the Conrad. (Breakfast and dinner included)
Sunday, October 27
Race Day! The Conrad is conveniently located within a short walking distance of the start and finish line. Following the race, join us for an informal post-race celebration in the hotel and continue the evening at the Merry Ploughboy Dinner Show (see Extensions) regarded as “the best traditional music show in Dublin”. (Breakfast included)
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Extensions
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Optional Tours and Add-Ons
Guinness Storehouse | Friday, October 25th
Come learn about the 250-year history of the famous drink in an interactive exhibition and tour. Find out how it is made (Hint: only four ingredients) and enjoy a drink of the black stuff in the Gravity Bar while taking in 365-degree views of Dublin.
Wild Wicklow Tour | Saturday, October 26th
We will depart in the morning, making our way along the coast to arrive at Killiney Hill. Here we will take a short walk to enjoy the spectacular views of Dublin Bay (Ireland’s by of Naples). We will break for a morning coffee in the beautiful grounds of the Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel before continuing to Sally Gap. This is where the lakes, mountains, and boglands breathe their beauty. Lunch will be on your own before continuing to Glendalough. At enchanting Glendalough, you will be guided through this 6th Century Monastic site as you walk to Upper Lake.
Merry Ploughboy Dinner Show | Sunday, October 27th
Join us to celebrate your accomplishments at the Merry Ploughboy Dinner Show. This is the first and still the only music venue in Ireland which is owned and run by the musicians themselves. There is an excellent 3 course home-cooked meal plus tea/coffee, with choices for each course, to the accompaniment of live traditional music and song, and dance (like Riverdance, with champion dancers). Transportation to and from the venue is included. (Drinks not included).
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Packages & Rates
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Dublin Tour | Four-Night Package: October 24 – 28, 2024
Features:
- Four nights’ hotel accommodations in Dublin
- Complimentary Wi-Fi in room
- All hotel taxes
- Breakfast daily
- Welcome Cocktail Reception
- Half-Day Sightseeing Tour of Dublin with Expo visit
- Exclusive pre-race dinner
- Walking distance to the start and from the finish
- Hosted on-site by Marathon Tours & Travel
- Discounted Guaranteed Entry (in addition to the package price)
“Dublin, Galway & Ennis Tour” | Seven-Night Package: October 24 – 31, 2024
Includes all features from the Dublin Tour above
Features in Galway & Ennis:
- Two nights’ accommodation in Galway City
- One night accommodations in Ennis
- Meals as listed in the itinerary
- Sightseeing and transportation as listed in the itinerary
- Hosted by Marathon Tours & Travel (minimum 20 guests required)
- All taxes included
Please Note:
- Entry only is not allowed.
- Rates may change due to currency fluctuations and city taxes
Not Included:
- Race Entry Fee
- International roundtrip airfare to Ireland
- Airport transfers unless noted on itinerary
- Gratuities and tips unless noted on itinerary
- Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
- Meals unless noted on itinerary
Important Flight Information:
- For the Four-Night Dublin Package you should fly in and out of Dublin Airport (DUB). Plan to arrive on Thursday, October 24 before 4:00 PM to ensure you arrive in time for the welcome reception and depart on Monday, October 28 at any time that is convenient for you.
- For the Seven-Night Dublin, Galway & Ennis Package you should fly into Dublin Airport (DUB) and out of Shannon Airport (SNN). You should plan to arrive on Thursday, October 24 before 4:00 PM to ensure you arrive in time for the welcome reception and depart on Thursday, October 31 at any time that is convenient for you.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance for U.S. Residents
Travel Insurance for Canadian Residents
Rates (all prices are per person and in US dollars)
Packages and Options Double Occupancy Single Occupancy Seven Night – Dublin, Galway & Ennis $2575 per person $3965 Four Night – Dublin Package $1435 per person $2460 Optional Rates Race Entry Fee $210 Guinness Storehouse Tour (Friday, October 25) $45 per person Wild Wicklow Tour (Saturday, October 26) $115 per person Merry Ploughboy Dinner & Show (Sunday, October 27) $90 per person
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Hotels
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Conrad Hotel (Dublin)
The recent refurbishment of the Conrad Dublin in 2017 took its inspiration from the charm and hospitality of this iconic city. The award-winning Conrad Dublin is located at the heart of the city, standing opposite the gardens of St. Stephen’s Green and overlooking the majestic National Concert Hall. The hotel is located within a 10 minute walk to the starting line and 15 minute walk back from the finish line.
Park House Hotel (Galway City)With a perfect location in the heart of Galway city, the 4 Star Park House Hotel has been welcoming guests since 1975 and has a reputation for excellence in accommodation, customer service and food and is renowned as one of the best Galway city center hotels. Our guests need only step outside our door to explore Galway city and its wonderful surroundings – rich in culture, heritage and natural beauty.
Temple Gate Hotel (Ennis)The 4 Star Temple Gate Hotel welcomes you to one of the finest hotels in Ennis town center. Offering the perfect location to explore the Wild Atlantic Way and enjoy all that Clare has to offer.
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Event Information
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Race Date: Sunday, October 27, 2024
Start Time: First Wave at 8:45 AM
Course: The course, which is largely flat, is AIMS certified and is one lap around the city. The race starts at Fitzwilliam Street Upper and finishes at Merrion Square nearby, close to historic Trinity College in the city center. The course passes through many of Dublin’s famous 18th century Georgian streets and the beautiful Phoenix Park, Europe’s largest urban park. The race crosses the city, north and south of the river Liffey.
Entry Fee: The Guaranteed Race Entry Fee is $210.
Eligibility: Marathon entrants must be over 18 years of age on race day.
Time Limit: The course is open for seven (7) hours
Number Pickup: The Sports Expo will be open Friday, October 25 and Saturday, October 26. The venue is the Main Hall at the Royal Dublin Society (called RDS) located on Merrion Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin. Marathon Tours & Travel will organize a time for the group to go to the Expo to get their number and goody bag. All runners are responsible for getting their own bib.
Aid Stations: 250ml water bottles and cups of Lucozade Sports Drink will be provided throughout the course. High 5 Gels will also be available at miles 16 and 21.
Awards: Everyone who finishes the Dublin Marathon course will receive a beautiful engraved marathon medal, plus a special commemorative marathon t-shirt and goody bag.
Temperature: Average temperatures are between 12 and 14 degrees Celsius (35 to 57 degrees Fahrenheit), with usually a light, south-westerly breeze of the Gulf Stream. Ideal conditions for marathon running!
Difficulty: Fairly flat with a few rolling hills.
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Registration & Booking
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Rates: All prices are based on current exchange rates and may change due to currency fluctuations. All payments to Marathon Tours & Travel will be processed in USD.
Reservations and Payments: A completed tour application together with a deposit of $500.00 per person must be received before confirming your reservations. Final payment must be received by August 1, 2024. Payments received after August 1 are subject to a $50 per person late fee.
Cancellations: All payments, including your deposit, are non-refundable and non-transferrable. Non-transferrable includes applying your balance to another person, another year or another trip. Should you cancel for any reason, you will forfeit your trip investment. Therefore, travel insurance for every trip is highly recommended. All cancellations must be received in writing. Entry fees are non-refundable.
Not included in price: All items not specifically listed under tour features. Entry fee is additional and discounted only when reserved directly through Marathon Tours & Travel. Airfare from your originating city to Ireland.
Insurance: For your protection, trip cancellation, baggage, health and accident insurance is highly recommended for all participants. However, no representation or description of the insurance made by our staff constitutes a binding assurance or promise about the insurance.
Travel Insurance for U.S. Residents
Travel Insurance for Canadian ResidentsSecurity Policy: Marathon Tours & Travel’s security policy requires that anyone staying in our room block must be registered as part of our package. If a registered client attempts to house a non-registered guest and /or invite them to attend any of our scheduled activities, the registered guest’s tour package will be forfeited and parties may be denied access to future tours. Please note that no exceptions will be made as this policy will be strictly enforced.
Responsibility: These tours are operated by Marathon Tours, Inc. of Chelsea, MA who acts only as an agent for the passenger to the companies offering such services and assumes no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity caused by any reason whatsoever by any party offering such services. All terms and conditions offered are governed by the laws of Massachusetts. The right is reserved to cancel the tour prior to departure with a refund, less applicable credit card and processing fees, made as full settlement to the passenger. The right is reserved by Marathon Tours, Inc. to deny acceptance of a booking application by any person. Marathon Tours, Inc. may make any changes or alterations in the itinerary as it deems necessary for the proper handling of the tour. The sole responsibility of any airline used is limited to that set out in the passenger contract evidenced by the ticket. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time that the passengers are not on board their aircraft.
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Testimonials
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"Marathon Tours & Travel did an excellent job..." - 2022
Marathon Tours & Travel did an excellent job of coordinating everything – the hotels, the tours, the restaurants, the dinner shows, etc. I plan to schedule at least two Marathon Tours trips in 2023.
"The Dublin Marathon was very well run..." - 2022The Dublin Marathon was very well run, great crowds and support during the run!
"Ann was very friendly and provided excellent service..." - 2022Ann was very friendly and provided excellent service on the Dublin Marathon Tour. She was always available for questions, very pleasant, very easy to work with.
"If you are interested in history..." - 2022If you are interested in history, the Belfast extension is a do-not-miss experience. We learned so much!
"Galway & Ennis were great to see more of Ireland..." - 2022Galway & Ennis were great to see more of Ireland and to learn history. It is definitely worth adding to the trip.
"Using MTT was recommended to me. It did not disappoint..." - 2022Using MTT was recommended to me. It did not disappoint. I appreciated the detail and all of the information ahead of the trip. I liked that this trip was structured with many optional “add-ons” It allowed me to concentrate on training.
"I had decided at the beginning of the year that I wanted to run Dublin..." - 2019I had decided at the beginning of the year that I wanted to run Dublin because I had never been to Ireland and thought it would be a great way to start my journey to the Seven Continents Club. While trying to register, I discovered that I had to book through Marathon Tours and recognized the name from my work with Back on My Feet Boston (Marathon Tours is a sponsor). I also figured that if I wanted to get more adventurous with my running, it would be beneficial to work with a company who could make that experience as amazing as possible, and I was not wrong.
"I am one of the running Ambassador's..." - 2019I am one of the running Ambassador’s for the Fleet Feet Marathon Running group. I sent out an email tonight to my group in regards to the Indy Monumental marathon this weekend that many in my group are running. In this email I told them about the wonderful experience I had with Marathon Tours and was very pleased at how well they organized all meals, day trips, travel, and group receptions. I would highly recommend using this group if you are considering running a foreign marathon.
"Definitely enjoyed the extensions!" - 2019Definitely enjoyed the extensions! So glad I splurged with both the pre-race and post-race extensions. It will be on my list to return to Belfast next time visiting Ireland.
"This was my first time using Marathon Tours..." - 2019This was my first time using Marathon Tours, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to friends and I’m sure I’ll be a return customer at some point. Thank you!
"Ann and Jacqui were not only knowledgeable about Dublin..." - 2019Ann and Jacqui were not only knowledgeable about Dublin and the specifics of race day, they even came out to cheer us on! I worked with Ann to book my trip and she was great. Even when she was in Australia, she responded to my emails and answered my questions thoroughly and in a very timely manner.
"The Optional Merry Ploughboy Dinner..." - 2019The Optional Merry Ploughboy Dinner was a great way to end our time in Dublin. Very fun show and the food was delicious.
"Love, love, love the people..." - 2019Love, love, love the people. You should really promote how encouraging and wonderful the crowd is. WOW.
"As always, EXCELLENT staff onsite from Marathon Tours..." - 2018As always, EXCELLENT staff onsite from Marathon Tours. Always available to answer questions or just to chat. Kept everything on schedule. Communications were informative.
"Marathon Tours made racing the Dublin Marathon easy..." - 2018Marathon Tours made racing the Dublin Marathon easy – we were centrally located and never had to worry about any of the details leading up to the race.
"One of the best international race experiences..." - 2018One of the best international race experiences with no worries about language barriers, plenty of friendly people to meet, and a race equivalent to many big city races in the US.
"I can't say enough wonderful things about Jacqui..." - 2017I can’t say enough wonderful things about Jacqui. She truly made this trip special, especially being a first time traveler with Marathon Tours. Her knowledge of the destination, organization skills, and hostess warmth are like no other. I want to participate on every tour she manages!
"The entire trip was easy..." - 2017The entire trip was easy – direct flight to and from Dublin, easy to get around the city by foot from the hotel (very walkable), marathon was really fun, and there were just enough organized events with plenty of time to do some things on our own.
"I've done my major trips through Marathon Tours..." - 2017I’ve done my major trips through Marathon Tours (16 to date) and have complete confidence in the company’s ability to organize a great trip and provide great service.
"What a fantastic way to tour Dublin..." - 2017What a fantastic way to tour Dublin, step by step, 42.2 km later!
"It was the trip of a lifetime for me!" - 2016What did I like best? Being with family, meeting people from different areas of the country and being able to see Ireland, be educated about it’s history & traveling thru Galway, County Clare/Burren region, saw a little bit of everything, it was the trip of a lifetime for me!
"Great balance of running, site-seeing, and culture!" - 2016The Dublin Marathon experience through Marathon Tours proved to be the friendliest running event; great balance of running, site-seeing, and culture!
"Everything was fantastic!" - 2016Everything was fantastic! Jacqui was friendly, knowledgeable and very welcoming and inclusive. Accommodations & meals were great! Will definitely use marathon tours again and recommend to other runners!
"Jacqui was amazing..." - 2016Jacqui was amazing. She’s approachable and knowledgeable. I appreciate her enthusiasm for running marathons and for runners, and also for taking adventures. All of the tour guides we had were passionate about Ireland and open about sharing their knowledge of the country.
"All staff and tour guides radiated confidence..." - 2015Knowledge base, felt like it wasn’t their first time doing this. All staff and tour guides radiated confidence in what to do, when to do it and how to do it.
"Overall our experience was very positive..." - 2015Overall our experience was very positive. Jen did a great job from start to finish. It is nice to actually go on a trip with the guide that has set it up for you.
"Ireland is very special..." - 2015Ireland is very special. I loved being there, although it was short. Best – I think the Cliffs; then the Stud farm. Dublin was terrific.
"Marathon tours did so much of the work..." - 2015Marathon tours did so much of the work that I was able to basically just go and have a great time. Good mix of planned activities vs free time.
"A very beautiful city course, with abundant Irish hospitality..." - 2013A very beautiful city course, with abundant Irish hospitality. PS: I meant to mention that the Dublin Marathon Volunteers were excellent, as was course maintenance by the police – the course was very well marked, especially through possibly confusing right and left turns at beginning and end. I felt very welcome in Dublin.
"I loved meeting other runners and their families..." - 2013I loved meeting other runners and their families. Ireland is a beautiful country but it wouldn’t have been the same without the others who were a part of the tour.
"It wasn't ALL about the marathon..." - 2012It wasn’t ALL about the marathon, which was great for my non-runner spouse! Met awesome people, had a great tour guide. I had such a crazy schedule with work/family before the trip, it was nice I didn’t have to do much planning.
"Very well organized!" - 2011Very well organized! This was my first experience with MT&T (and first international race). I had no idea what to expect going into it. The whole thing went extremely well though. Better than I could have ever expected. You will definitely be seeing me again in the future.
"The destination...easy to get to...culturally appealing..." - 2011The destination…easy to get to…culturally appealing…great variety of food and entertainment. The marathon was well organized and a pleasure to run.
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Abbott World Marathon Majors Age Group World Championship
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This event is an Abbott World Marathon Majors Marathon Tours & Travel Age Group World Championship Qualifying Race. If you achieve the automatic qualifying time for your age group, found here, you’ll be invited to the 2025 Age Group World Championship race (destination still to be announced). For more information on the Age Group World Rankings and Championship click here.
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Meet the Reps
MaryKate Riordan
Trip Designer
MaryKate Riordan
Trip Designer
MaryKate joined the Marathon Tours & Travel team after receiving her B.A. in Sport Leadership & Administration from UMass Boston. Prior to completing her degree, MaryKate spent five years as a stewardess in the private yachting industry where she developed strong skills in customer service, travel logistics, and cultural immersion while exploring the world on the high seas. These remarkable years fueled her passion for travel and led her to a new hobby: marathon running. MaryKate has completed multiple marathons including Boston (2022) and Chicago (2023) as well as a variety of ultramarathons including the Comrades Marathon (Back to Back finisher 2018-2019). She also enjoys playing tennis, skiing, swimming, and searching for the best cup of coffee in town. She is excited to bring the knowledge she has gained from these experiences to the team where she will assist in cultivating many unforgettable trips.