This race is "the best kept secret in Irish trail running"

The Bluestack Way Ultra is a hidden gem of Ireland’s trail running calendar. Held every August Bank Holiday weekend, this grassroots event takes participants through the heart of County Donegal, along one of the most scenic and challenging trails in the country. With two distances on offer, 50km and 25km, the event draws seasoned ultra runners and adventurous first-timers alike, all eager to test themselves on rugged terrain with spectacular views of the Bluestack Mountains.

If you’re looking for a wild, remote, and rewarding Irish running experience, this is it. But be warned, the Bluestack Way doesn’t give up its glory easily.

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Bluestack Way Ultra: When and Where

The 2025 edition of the Bluestack Way Ultra takes place on Saturday, 2 August, with both events finishing in the bustling village of Ardara, a town famed for its music, tweed, and welcome pints.

The 50km Ultra starts from the iconic Donegal Castle.

The 25km race begins near Letterbarrow FC.

Buses are provided from Ardara to the respective start lines, and both routes follow large sections of the Bluestack Way, a National Waymarked Trail.

Bluestack Way Ultra: The Routes

This event is not your average mountain race. The trails are tough, the weather unpredictable, and the scenery second to none. You’ll pass through wild uplands, ancient valleys, forest tracks, and boggy ridgelines while navigating some of Donegal’s most dramatic terrain.

Bluestack Way Ultra: What You Get

Bus transport to the start line
Live GPS tracking
Bag drop service
Emergency response support
Clearly marked route
Hot meal and refreshments at the finish line
Finisher’s medal

While the route is marked, runners are encouraged to upload the official GPX file to their watch or navigation device before setting off.

50k Route GPX

25k Route GPX

Bluestack Way Ultra: How Tough Is It?

This isn’t just a physical test, it’s mental too. The combination of rugged terrain, isolation, and self-reliance makes for a serious adventure. But that’s exactly why people come back.

Past participants describe the event as “a truly wild Irish ultra,” “brutal and beautiful,” and “one of the best-kept secrets in Irish trail running.”