Hey Kenmare, The Lost Sheep Triathlon Is Coming To Town!

 

The Lost Sheep Triathlon is one of the premier races in the country starting and finishing in Kenmare – but let us assure you, this ain’t just any old triathlon!

This is an extremely challenging course set in the beautiful Beara Peninsula continually attracts some of the country’s top triathletes

Lost Sheep Triathlon is taking place on Saturday September 5th 2015

Since its inception in 2003 it has gained a reputation both nationally and internationally as the toughest half iron distance race on the Irish triathlon circuit. The Lost Sheep Half Iron triathlon is entering its 13th year and this year will be the biggest race ever with space for 400 individual competitors. The race will fill fast so set your alarm clock now!

Traditionally staged in September each year the event starts with a 1900m swim in the scenic Kenmare Bay.

Lost Sheep Triathlon: Kenmare Bay…so who fancies a swim here?

Lost Sheep Triathlon, Kenmare Bay

This is followed by an 83km cycle which takes competitors from Kenmare out along the Ring of Beara peninsula before going up and over it to the other side.

This journey takes competitors over two category one climbs. Firstly the Healy Pass.

On reaching the top you cross the county border from the northern Kerry half of the peninsula into the southern Cork side after just over 27km into the cycle. You now have to navigate your way down the other side with its 6 switch-switch back hairpins to test your Tour de France style descending technique on what can only be described as Ireland’s answer to l’Alpe d’Huez’s 21 switch-backs.

Here’s a superb video from the Lost Sheep Triathlon Kenmare 2014 which showcases the sheer endurance required for this truly unique event:

Continuing back down to the Ring of Beara, through the small town of Adrigole, from here you continue on into  Glengarriff. On this stretch of road you will be treated to stunning views over Bantry Bay with Sheeps Head, Whiddy Island in the background.

You now face the Caha Pass which will take you from Glengarriff back to Kenmare over the Caha Mountains.

This time at the summit the border from Cork into Kerry is marked by a dark tunnel (don’t be scared!) some 150 meters long which takes you straight through the side of Baurearagh Mountain.With just over 60km of the cycle completed at this point another spectacular 6km descent awaits down into the village of Bonane.

This town gets its name from Fionn Mac Cumhall, the legendary leader of the Fianna who had house here some 6,000 years ago (Both-Fhionáin or Fionn’s house, now anglicised to Bonane).

The section of road here has been poor in recent years but this year there are plans afoot by Kerry county council to have it resurfaced before the start of the race. From here it is a simple 14km mainly downhill TT back to T2.

The bike course is 10km short of a ‘normal’ half iron event but ask anyone who has done it if they wanted any more!

For further information on The Lost Sheep Triathlon Kenmare 2015 – visit the website of Triathlon Ireland.

Of course, if all of this sounds far too energetic & too much hard work – why not kick back & view the beauty of the Beara Peninsula and some elements of the Lost Sheep Triathlon route with this relaxing video clip:

So whether you’re planning on taking part in the Lost Sheep Triathlon or will merely be cheering on the participants, we’ll be ready to welcome all those tired limbs here at No. 35 Kenmare Restaurant with a warm welcome & a fine selection of cuisine that will have all concerned fully revitalized and rejuvenated!

And if you are staying overnight in Kenmare, don’t forget to check out our sister property – Brook Lane Hotel Kenmare.