13 June 2026

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13 June 2026

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Event Overview

As part of each year’s Bloomsday celebrations, the Royal Canal Odyssey is an annual run from Sandycove to Mullingar, a distance of just over 100km. The Odyssey takes place on the Saturday before Bloomsday, which this year falls on 13 June 2026.

  • A relaxed, friendly fun run from Sandycove to Mullingar via the majestic Royal Canal Way.
  • Open to runners of all levels. Join for 5km, 10km, a half marathon, a full marathon or the full distance! Choose your own start and finish points anywhere along the route.
  • Cyclists and relay teams are welcome.
  • No registration fees, no pressure – just a day of running, chatting, and making memories to last a lifetime. 

Route

Our journey begins, as Ulysses does, at the Martello tower in Sandycove, now home to the wonderful Joyce Tower Museum. We set off at 6am, touching the stone wall of the tower to mark the beginning of our journey. We follow a scenic coastal route into Dublin city centre, passing several Joycean points of interest before crossing the River Liffey to join the Royal Canal at Spencer Dock. From there, we follow the canal all the way to Mullingar, a town dear to Joyce that features in several of his works including Ulysses.

For the hardy literary pilgrims who make it all the way to Mullingar, touching the Joe Dolan Statue in Market Square marks the end of their Odyssey.

The Odyssey Route page provides a full interactive route map. 

Not a Race

The idea is simple – participants choose the distance that suits them, start from an appropriate point along the route, and ideally aim to arrive in Mullingar around 5-6pm for an evening of craic and camaraderie. Our aim is to have a lovely day out running with pals on the canal.

Many participants will stay overnight in Mullingar, but for those returning to Dublin, Bus Éireann offers late buses back to the city.

Looking forward to an unforgettable journey!

Run Your Own Distance - Be Part of Something Bigger

Individual Distances of over

Time Remaining

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Follow Our Journey

How to Register Your Interest

  • We kindly request you fill out the form below to help with planning.
  • You can start in Sandycove or jump in anywhere along the route.
  • Suggested meeting points at Maynooth, Enfield, Kinnegad for those running shorter distances with a detailed list provided on the Odyssey Route page.
  • Fill out the form below and then join the enclosed WhatsApp group for updates and coordination.

Support & Logistics

  • This is a self-supported run so bring your own water, snacks, and gear.
  • Shops & cafés along the canal provide refuelling options.
  • No official timing, pacers, or medals just a fun day out with a bit of a challenge.
  • Public transport back to Dublin (by train or bus) is available from Mullingar and several points along the route.
Register

Estimated Schedule

  • We set off from the Joyce Tower Museum in Sandycove at 6am on 13 June 2026, with the aim of arriving in Mullingar by about 5pm.
  • See the Odyssey Route page for details of the planned route, including an estimated schedule.
  • The respective distances from the start and end are provided for regular points along the route, together with an estimate time of arrival for each location for runners covering the full distance. If you plan to join for a shorter distance, use the estimated times to find a meeting point.

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