Dublin Marathon: 8 Reasons Why We Love The Dublin Marathon

My face cannot help but smile thinking about this past weekend at the Dublin Marathon and all my experiences in Ireland for this event.

I love this race for so many reasons that I decided to write a blog, so I can share them with you. Keep reading for 8 reasons why we love the Dublin Marathon.

#1: The People

The race organizers, volunteers, spectators, and people of Dublin are so friendly. It was my first international marathon and I am so grateful it was. It has that hometown welcoming feel and kindness you need when completing a marathon in a destination abroad and this kindness has been the number one reason I continue to return to this event. It’s reputation precedes it: The Dublin Marathon is truly the Friendliest Marathon!

#2: History

Within walking distance, you have access to Trinity College, the Book of Kells, The GPO, O’Connell Street, Kilmainham Gaol, the National Gallery and so much more!

#3: Touring

Take a walk through St. Stephen’s Green or down Grafton Street, visit the Guinness Storehouse or the Jameson Distillery.

#4: The best pubs for music and food

What’s not to love about a hearty meal, a hefty pint & some happy music! The best of times can be had in a cozy pub with new friends! Visit Dublin’s oldest pub, The Brazen Head, or the local pub near the FIT hotel, O’Donoghue’s.

#5: The Course

Dublin is a beautiful city, home to the largest park in all of Europe, Phoenix Park, and the course takes you right through over two miles of this beautiful area. The course then heads a bit out of the Dublin to neighborhoods, giving you a taste of local towns. In my opinion this offers the best blend of city, stunning park and small town feels in one race.

#6: All the Finishers

This race stays open for the finishers. They have a longer completion time of 7 hours and they even move the finish so that you can cross the mat and get your medal and shirt. This is for sure dedication. Thank you volunteers and race directors!

#7: The swag and Celebrations

This year’s medal is one of the best. And most importantly, it looks very nice wrapped around a post race beer. Guinness is good for you!

#8: Ireland

Last but not least, the best part of the Dublin Marathon is the location. On top of a beautiful race course and everything else I shared above, Ireland is a stunning country with so much to offer.

There is so much beauty in the green landscape and stone walls of Ireland, the lush inviting fields…the harshness of the jagged, rocky ocean cliffs. Rent a car or book a tour and see the rest of what Ireland has to offer - from Galway, to the Cliffs of Moher, Connemara and Kylemore Abbey to Dingle, Kerry, Kinsale, Waterford, Cork and more…you cannot go wrong! Ireland is a beautiful country with beautiful people and we cannot wait to return!

It was serendipitous: I had no idea why I took this video. Guess I was surprised to see the fading brand with a spot at Logan Airport Terminal A. I actually even deleted the video. And then… as I began to write about the Dublin Marathon… it hit me. It was a sign. I was heading to Dublin. And there is was: the friendliest marathon.

Interested in running Dublin in 2024? Packages are open now. Book your place today.