An event designed for the experienced cyclist, organised by Audax Ireland, and run in accordance with the rules of Audax Club Parisian. It incorporates over 10,800 metres of climbing over a distance of 1200 kilometres, on moderately challenging gradients. The time for completion of the MF 1200 is 90 hours.
The event start/finish will be in Neptune’s Town Hostel, New Street Killarney. This will be your base for the duration of the event. The event itself is in a clover leaf formation. It has four loops or stages, you will start each stage from the hostel and return there for a hot meal, shower, change of clothes and if you are lucky, a few hours’ sleep before you set off again on the next stage of your great adventure.
373.4 k | 3016 m
A 6am start from the Mile Failte HQ in Killarney, takes you on the quieter roads to Tralee. From here you head for the Killimer/Tarbert ferry, where you will cross the majestic Shannon estuary. If you are lucky, you may be escorted to Clare by some of our resident dolphins. From Killimer you cycle on to your first control in Kilrush. The route then continues north to Ballyvaughan and from there you travel through the Burren to the village of Carron. Next stop is Cratloe and after passing through Limerick, you follow the coast west to Glin. From Glin you then make your way back to Killarney for some welcome food and sleep.
300.8 k | 2769 m
After leaving Killarney, the route for day 2 takes you to Charleville and then Tipperary town. From there you make your way to Mitchelstown and mallow. Macroom is next on the route. Then Back to Killarney. Day 2 is noticeably shorter than previous years. This is intended to give a somewhat easier day, where you can enjoy some of the quieter inland scenery.
346.3 k | 3432 m
Day 3 is arguably the toughest day of the Mile Failte. With over 600 kms completed, day 3 is going to be a real test of strength and stamina. Starting again from killarney. The route goes through Kenmare, Waterville, Castlemaine, and Dingle. The route from Dingle forms a loop which takes you out to Ballyferriter and back to Dingle. The iconic Conor’s pass takes you away from dingle as you head east to the village of Camp and then back to killarney.
204 k | 1665 m
Day 4 and the final stage of your Mile Failte adventure. This time you head north again to the seaside town of Ballybunion. Listowel is your next destination followed by Abbeyfeale, Newmarket and finally, return to killarney signalling the completion of your Mile Failte adventure.
It incorporates over 10,800 metres of climbing over a distance of 1200 kilometres, on moderately challenging gradients. The time for completion of the MF 1200 is 90 hours.