Quest Lough Derg
Why do I do this to myself? My fourth and final race of the Quest series, with a run up Moylussa.
10
Posts
Adventure-Racing
Knock-Me-Down Adventure Race
Cycling, running and kayaking across Waterford's Knockmealdown Mountains. It almost broke me!
Quest Killarney
The hardest race of the year, from the lakes to Mangerton. Good thing I'm getting used to these.
Gaelforce Connemara
The most beginner friendly race in Ireland. Running, cycling and kayaking along Killary Fjord.
Malin to Mizen
Phase 3; Cycling the Length of Ireland, from Donegal to Cork. A week of battling the wind!
Dingle Adventure Race
Our most iconic mixed-sport event, through the water, roads and hills of the Dingle peninsula.
RedBull Conquer the Cashel
A 2km obstacle course under the Rock of Cashel, made huge by Red Bull money!
Gaelforce Turf Warrior
How I won Gaelforce's 8km mud run through the depths of the Connemara bog!
Quest Kenmare
Time for more suffering! My second race of the Quest series in normally beautiful Kenmare.
Quest Glendalough
Bike, run, bike, run, kayak, run! A whole new challenge through beginners eyes.
5
Posts
Kayaking
Shannon Source to Sea
Phase 1; The first solo unsupported descent of Ireland’s longest river. 10yrs of kayaking led to this.
Morocco - Surfing in Sidi Ifni
A week of sun, kayak-surfing, exploring and great food on the Western coast of Morocco.
Zambia - The Mighty Zambezi
The greatest river on Earth! Huge rapids, multiday trips and exploring Victoria Falls & the Devil's Pool.
India - The Meghalaya Classics
Multi-day paddling on the Umtrew, Kopili & Kynshi. Grade V monsters in the worlds rainiest place.
Uganda - Kayaking the Nile
Personal notes from my two months living in Bujagali Village as a full time kayaker.
7
Posts
Mountaineering
The Ecuador Volcanoes
Reaching the closest point to the sun, and summiting the worlds most iconic volcano.
Mount Elbrus (5,642m)
Climbing the Highest Peak in Europe.
13 Peaks - The Irish Munros
Breaking the self-supported record by climbing every 3,000ft peak in Ireland in one day!
Mont Blanc (4,808m)
Climbing the Highest Peak in Western Europe.
Mount Kosciuszo (2,228m)
Climbing the Highest Peak in Australia.
Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m)
Climbing the Highest Peak in Africa.
Ireland's County Tops
Breaking the self supported record by climbing 32 peaks in one week. The ultimate Irish adventure.
3
Posts
Off-The-Trail
100,000 Steps in a Day
How hard could it be?
My Gaisce Journey
The project that shaped my life for ten years. The Bronze, Silver & Gold Gaisce Awards.
My Favourite Board Games
I love board games, so this is a completely subjective list of my favourites.
11
Posts
Running
Salento Marathon
My experience of Colombia's toughest marathon. A day of deep mud, river crossings and steep hills.
100 Days of Running 5K's
Raising €2,000 for the Alzheimer Society through three months of runs in hail, rain, snow & sun.
Seven Sisters Ultramarathon
It doesn't get hillier than this! 4,600m of climbing across 55km of Donegals highest peaks.
Mourne Seven Sevens
All seven peaks above 700m in the Mourne mountains in one notoriously tough race.
Marrakech Marathon
A very Irish race, in the ancient red city. Camels, deserts, tea & Will Smith. This was a fun trip!
Chiang Mai Marathon
Running through Thailand's ancient city at night to beat the heat. It was still very hot.
Auckland Marathon
Racing through the most beautiful country on Earth, but during their worst rainstorm!
Vancouver Marathon
A week with the friends who emigrated, exploring the mountains, circus, escape room and marathon!
Valentia Half Marathon
Getting to revisit my favourite island. This time running the hills with views of the Skelligs.
Rome Marathon
My first official marathon, with ancient wonders, cobbled streets and a heat stroked Brian!
Gap of Dunloe Half Marathon
The first race of the HARDMAN calendar; a hilly route through Ireland's most picturesque valley.
5
Posts
Thru-Hiking
West Highland Way
Scotlands most famous trail. 154km of lakes and hills to the snow covered summit of Ben Nevis.
The Kerry Way
Ireland's longest waymarked trail, fastpacked in a rain storm. Unadvisable, but incredibly memorable.
Tour du Mont Blanc
The most famous & scenic hike in Europe. 170km through the French, Italian & Swiss Alps.
The Wicklow Way
Phase 2; Hiking 130km on Irelands oldest trail. Revisiting the hills and valleys that shaped me.
The Explorer Belt
10 days of hiking through Slovakia & Hungary, in search of Scouting Irelands most coveted award.
3
Posts
Travel
Backpacking Central America
3 Months in Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica & Panama.
Backpacking South East Asia
The most famous backpacker route in the world. Temples, islands, hot air balloons and lots of food.
Backpacking New Zealand
Seven weeks exploring the cities, mountains, rivers & skies of my favourite country in the world.
8
Posts
Triathlon
Ballinskelligs Olympic Triathlon
HARDMANs Olympic distance race over a sandy and hilly Kerry coastline. In a heatwave!
Killarney Olympic Duathlon
Starting the triathlon season with a fast race through Killarney National Park, minus the water.
Valentia Triathlon As An Ironman
A return to Valentia for my favourite sprint triathlon, this time as an experienced triathlete.
Killarney Full Ironman
My journey from complete beginner to finishing Ireland's most scenic Ironman distance triathlon.
Bantry Half Ironman
My jellyfish nightmare. An itentionally brutal race that's set on a remote airplane landing strip.
Waterville Half Ironman
My go to recommendation for a longer distance race, tough as hell, but absolutely worth it!
Compostella Sprint Triathlon
I hosted my own triathlon! Here's how it went.
Valentia Triathlon As A Beginner
Ireland's best sprint triathlon, from the perspective of a complete novice.