Quest Lough Derg marks another major success for County Clare

OVER 1,300 adventure racers descended on County Clare and the Lough Derg area at the weekend to run, cycle and kayak their way around Lough Derg.

Now in it’s fourth year, participants in Quest Lough Derg enjoyed incredible temperatures and fabulous sunshine as they competed one of three routes - 22km, 45km and 69km - that took them from the start in Ballina up as far as Tountinna and out to Moylussa.

The winners of the Expert Route were Sebastien Giraud and Ruth Candon; the winners of the Sport Route were Declan Donnellan and Geraldine Heery while the winners of the Challenge Route were Paul Feeney and Emer Monaghan - click here for full results.

A unique feature for this adventure race is its impressive finish that involves participants running across a temporary pontoon bridge spanning the Shannon from Killaloe to Ballina.

A spectacle taking many days to build and put into place especially for Quest Lough Derg, it attracts a significant number of spectators to the area, and is the longest temporary bridge ever built across a river in Ireland.

The final stage of the race sees participants race to the finish line across the river to the cheers of friends and family.

Event organisers Elite Event Management work closely with Clare County Council, Tipperary County Council, Destination Lough Derg Group and Failte Ireland to bring this high-profile event to the region, and extend their thanks to Waterways Ireland for their help facilitating the installation of the pontoon bridge.

Quest events are well known for their choice of stunning locations, and Lough Derg is no exception, providing an incredible opportunity for participants to explore the area in the best way possible, as routes take in Tountinna, Garrykennedy, Ballycuggaran and Moylussa.

At the finish line, outside Flanagan’s on the Lake, competitors were treated to hot food, music and a festival-like atmosphere.

Event organiser Oliver Kirwan commented: “We were delighted to make a return to Lough Derg this year, and that the event has once again been such a great success. We remain grateful for the incredible support we receive locally, and extend a special thanks to the local community, businesses and to volunteers for their time.”

Ciara Sugrue, Head of Festivals and Events Fáilte Ireland said: “Festivals and events are a key element of the tourism offering in Ireland, and Fáilte Ireland is pleased to support this year’s Quest Lough Derg, which will showcase Ireland’s fantastic outdoor activity offering to domestic and international visitors.

"Developing unique visitor events like Quest Lough Derg, plays an important role in the recovery of the tourism sector for Lough Derg and the wider Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands region. Participative festivals like Quest Lough Derg, create new and compelling reasons for visitors to explore Ireland and experience first-hand our world-class outdoor activity offering."

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Fáilte Ireland says events like Quest Lough Derg have the ability to drive footfall for local businesses, which in turn generates revenue and supports jobs in communities.

Quest Lough Derg will to return to the twin towns of Ballina and Killaloe on September 7, 2024.