Art O Neill Ballot 2026

Its route retraces a historic escape from Dublin Castle that happened on January 6th, 1592. That night, Art O'Neill, his brother Henry, and Red Hugh O'Donnell broke out of the Castle, pursued by their captors, and made for Glenmalure, to safety. On a freezing night the three made their way on foot and without the benefit of winter coats, having had to leave them in their cells. Henry and Hugh both made it to safety but sadly Art, for whom the Challenge is named, succumbed to hypothermia along the way.

The AON Challenge

The AON Challenge continues to claim its place as one of the toughest outdoor events in Ireland.

• 60km route on road and open mountain
• Suitable for runners and walkers
• Dublin Castle to Glenmalure.
• Entry limited to 200 places - decided by Ballot.
• Entries are not transferable
• Refunds are not allowed- you can defer your entry under exceptional circumstances for 1 year by agreement in advance with the event organisers

Pricing

• Entry fee: €175 (t-shirt is included)

IMPORTANT: Entry is controlled by Ballot.

Payment of €5 (non refundable) is required to register for the Ballot.

Strictly ONE entry per person.Multiple entries where identified will be removed from the ballot.

If your entry is drawn in the ballot, payment of entry fees and optional costs are required to confirm a place in the event.

Expressions of interest for the upcoming event will close at Midnight Saturday 11th of October 2025. Participants who have been successful in the ballot will then be contacted soon after with additional details including payment options.The Deadline for accepting this offer of a place will be midnight on Sunday 22nd October 2024. After that date places which are unclaimed will be offered to the next people from the ballot draw