Kilkee Hell of the West

Olympic Distance Triathlon – Kilkee

The Kilkee Hell of the West Triathlon is an Olympic Distance Triathlon which is up and running since 1985 – making it one of the longest continuously  running triathlons in Ireland and in the World. Organised by the Limerick Triathlon Club this race traditionally falls on the last weekend in June. Hell of the West starts with 1500m in the relatively calm waters of Kilkee’s Horseshoe Bay, followed by a 44km cycle against the winds of West Clare and a 10km hilly run along the rugged coastline of Loop Head – this race is one for your calendar. The route stays the same annually, route maps are below.

You can view footage of the race and it’s stunning West Clare surrounds through the following link (YouTube):

Hell of the West 2021 –  Saturday, July 3rd 2021.

The 2021 Hell of the West Triathlon returns as part of the BMW National Series on Saturday, 3rd July. This year the Hell of the West is also the 2021 National Standard Distance Championship Race.

Entries will open in January 2021 – details will be posted here and on our Facebook page when they are finalised.

This triathlon is not suitable for first time triathletes. You should be able to swim 2000M continuously in a pool prior to attempting this race, as the sea swim will be a challenge at 1500M.

The ethos of this event revolves around hard safe racing where all athletes, officials, marshals and stake holders show respect and dignity towards each other in order to enhance the sport of triathlon.

This event is NON-REFUNDABLE.  Entries may be transferred until June 18th, 2021.  This is a strict deadline and no swaps will be considered after this date.

Full details and a race briefing will be sent out in advance of the event.

In an effort to minimise interactions, registration will be a virtual event.  Unfortunately, we will be unable to hold a prize-giving ceremony, but prizes will be announced online and prizes will still be distributed to winning athletes as outlined in the Race Briefing.

For further updates see Facebook www.facebook.com/KilkeeHelloftheWestTriathlo

Volunteers

Limerick Triathlon Club are very proud of the Hell of the West, and are happy each year to have outstanding support from the club and all our volunteers. We thank the volunteers and ask that when dealing with them you remember that they give their time voluntarily to organise this race. If you would like to get involved please email [email protected]

Accommodation and Local Information

Kilkee itself is a beautiful seaside town, sitting along the west coast of Clare. It is particularly loved by those from Limerick as a holiday destination July-August, bsut for the last weekend in June there is an influx of triathletes and bikes.  Accommodation is usually easy to find but should be booked in advance – lists of Hotel, B&B, self-catering and other options are available here: https://www.kilkee.ie/stay