Can't Get Into the Dublin Half Marathon? Try These Instead

The Dublin Half Marathon sells out fast. If you've missed the window — or you're on the waitlist and not feeling hopeful — this is for you.

The good news: there are excellent alternatives. Not consolation prizes. Genuinely good races that deserve to be on your calendar regardless of whether Dublin was your first choice.

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Why Dublin Half sells out

Phoenix Park is a genuinely excellent venue — flat, closed roads, good surface, well-organised. Word got around, the field got bigger every year, and now it's one of those races you need to plan for months in advance.

The park has a capacity limit, the organisers have a permit limit, and there are a lot of runners in Dublin. Simple maths.

The best alternatives to Dublin Half

Within Dublin

There are other half marathons in Dublin throughout the year — not just the Phoenix Park event. The calendar has a few that don't get the same marketing budget but run on comparable courses with competitive fields.

Browse all races in Dublin to see what's coming up.

Just outside Dublin (within an hour)

Wicklow — hilly, scenic, and well-organised. Not ideal for a flat PB, but brilliant if you want a challenge with a proper payoff at the finish.

Kildare — flat roads, less glamorous, genuinely fast. Good for a time.

Meath — underrated. River and countryside routes, good club organisation, usually with entry available closer to race day.

Further afield (worth the trip)

Connemara Half Marathon — one of the most scenic races in Ireland. Makes a brilliant weekend.

Great Limerick Run — atmosphere that rivals anything in Dublin. The city genuinely turns out for it.

What to consider when choosing

Course profile — if Dublin Half's flat Phoenix Park course appealed because you're chasing a time, filter for flat alternatives. Hills add 5–10% to finishing times at minimum.

Date — build your training plan around the race date. Already been training since January? Look for something in May or June. Starting fresh? October gives you time to build properly.

Field size — smaller races have their own appeal. No crowding at the start, more personal finish line, you might actually place in your age group.

More half marathon help

Half marathons in Ireland 2026 — the full guide · Races still open for entry · Best running races in Ireland 2026

Browse all upcoming races in Ireland → — updated daily.