The RDJ Dublin City Triathlon returns to Phoenix Park on Saturday 22 August, bringing competitive swim, bike and run racing to one of Dublin’s most iconic settings. Whether you are racing, spectating or simply curious, here is everything you need to know about race day 2026.
Event Overview
| Date | Saturday 22 August 2026 |
| Venue | Phoenix Park, Dublin |
| Race HQ | Garda Boat Club, Chapelizod Road |
| Organiser | Piranha Tri Club |
| Formats | National Series Sprint, Try-a-Tri, Aquabike, Corporate Relay |
Race Formats Explained
Four formats are on the programme in 2026, and there is a significant change from previous years: the organisers have confirmed there is no Standard Distance race this time.
The Try-a-Tri is the entry-level option, built for first-timers: a 150m swim, 14km bike and 2.5km run. The bike leg is a single lap in and out of Phoenix Park, and any bike with working brakes will do.
The National Series Sprint is the competitive centrepiece and part of the Triathlon Ireland National Series, covering a 750m swim, 20km bike and 5km run over a technical multi-lap bike course through the park.
The Aquabike covers the same 750m swim and 20km bike with no run, which suits strong cyclists and swimmers. The Corporate Relay splits the disciplines across a team, each member completing one leg, and is popular with workplace groups.
Note the swim cut-offs: 25 minutes for the 750m races, seven minutes for the Try-a-Tri.
The Phoenix Park Course
The swim takes place in the Upper River Liffey, with a route mixing upstream and downstream sections. Water quality is controlled for safety, and the start is supervised. The bike leg heads in and out of Phoenix Park, one of the largest city parks in Europe, before a flat run course finishing at the Garda Boat Club under the RDJ arch.
Plan your journey carefully. Chapelizod Road is closed from 08:30 to 14:30 on race day, with diversions on Dublin Bus route 26.
There is no parking at the Garda Boat Club or on the footpath outside on either Friday or Saturday, so use St Brendan’s GAA Club instead. Numerous bus routes serve the area, including the 11, 26, 37, 38, 39, 69, 70 and 99, each around a 15 to 20 minute walk from the park.
How to Follow the Action
Live results are published by Sportstiming, which also hosts the results archive once racing finishes, so you can track a competitor through each discipline from anywhere.
Spectators are welcome along the bike and run routes inside Phoenix Park, and no ticket is required. The finish area at the Garda Boat Club gives the best atmosphere, since every format finishes there.
Registration also takes place at race HQ, so arrive early if you are competing. Course maps and recommended viewing points are published on the official site closer to race day.
Betting on Triathlon at TonyBet
At the time of writing, triathlon does not appear among the sports listed on TonyBet Ireland, and no markets for the Dublin City Triathlon are confirmed. Irish sporting events including Gaelic football, hurling, rugby and horse racing are covered, so it is worth checking the sportsbook closer to race day.
Responsible Gambling
Gambling should always be a form of entertainment, never a way to make money. Set a budget before you play and stick to it. If gambling is becoming a problem, free and confidential support is available at gamblingtherapy.org.
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