YOUR GUIDE TO LOUGH CUTRA CASTLE FOR RACE WEEKEND
The Lough Cutra Triathlon & Multisport Festival (24-25 May 2025) takes place in stunning County Galway. Whether you're travelling from Ireland or further afield, here’s everything you need to make the most of your time at Lough Cutra Castle—from accommodation and transport to places to eat, sports shops, and things to do while you’re here.
Venue
County Galway
Lough Cutra Castle Multisport event is the backdrop to this festival of triathlon and multisport event in County Galway.
The Castle, built during the Gothic revival period and once home to now King Charles during a 3-day visit to Ireland, is idyllically situated overlooking the Estate’s 1,000 acre lake; the largest privately owned lake in Europe and home to this event’s open-water swims.
Throughout the weekend, athletes and spectators will have the rare opportunity to enjoy the private grounds of Lough Cutra Castle, which are normally closed to the public. A fun-packed festival village awaits, featuring live music, shopping, food and drink, children’s entertainment, yoga, and more.
Getting to Lough Cutra Castle
Lough Cutra Castle is located in County Galway, in the west of Ireland, about 3 kilometers (2 miles) south of the town of Gort. It’s nestled beside Lough Cutra, a large private lake, and surrounded by woodlands and parkland.
BY AIR
Lough Cutra Castle is only 40 minutes’ drive by motorway from Shannon Airport.
BY TRAIN
The closest train station to the Castle is Gort, only 10 minutes away. From here you can connect to Galway and on to the rest of Ireland.
BY FERRY AND CAR
If you’re driving, ferry routes from Holyhead to Dublin or Fishguard (Pembrokeshire to Rosslare offer convenient access to Ireland. From there, it’s approximately 2.5 hours from Dublin and 3.5 hours from Rosslare to Lough Cutra Castle.
Lough Cutra is easily reachable by road from anywhere in Ireland or Northern Ireland, with drive times varying by location.
LOCAL TRANSPORT
While having a car is the most convenient option for getting around, taxis and public transport are also available in the area.
Tip: Don’t forget to check your confirmation email for access to our exclusive ferry travel discounts.
Where to Stay
Luxury & Boutique Hotels
Gregan Castle Hotel – stunning 18th century manor house is set in its own established and lovingly-attended gardens on the Wild Atlantic Way
Bealkelly Country House – a tastefully restored Georgian B&B residence overlooking Holy Island and Lough Derg
The g Hotel – Galway’s only 5 star spa, swaddled in five-star luxury and surrounded by exhilarating design
Mid-Range & Budget Options
Lady Gregory Hotel, Gort – Providing an ideal mix of value, comfort and convenience, it offers a family-friendly setting with an array of amenities
The Queens Hotel, Ennis – Enjoy old world charm & good old fashioned Irish Hospitality
Cartron House – a simple and elegant B&B, with a range of rooms including single, twin, double and family.
We also offer a family-friendly campsite for tents and caravans at Lough Cutra Castle. Conveniently located just a short walk from the Events Village, the site includes access to shower and toilet facilities, as well as electric hook-up points.
Race Essentials: Sports Shops & Facilities
For last-minute gear or repairs, these local stores can help:
McInerney Sports – family run sports store in Galway selling leading brands in sports footwear, sportswear and accessories.
The Bike Shop – independent bike shop in Athenry, providing servicing, repairs and accessories as well as a selection of bikes.
Kearneys – premium bike shop in Galway with the largest selection of bikes in the West. Top brands include Trek, Giant, Scott, Raleigh and Cube. They also offer a full bike repair and servicing.
West Side Cycles – your one stop shop in Galway for all your cycling needs; bicycle sales , repairs and bike hire.
For swim training, check out Leisureland, Galway. Nearby supermarkets include Aldi in Gort and Tesco Superstores in both Athenry and Galway, which stock energy gels and hydration products.
Best Places to Eat & Drink
Whether you need a pre-race meal or a post-race celebration spot, these options are worth considering:
The Village Inn Bar and Restaurant – great drinks, homely food and good craic.
The Abbey Restaurant – offers a variety of meals and a warm atmosphere – ideal for that special occasion.
Things to See & Do
If you’re staying a little longer, there’s plenty to explore in the area.
Coole Park – 1,000-acre parkland nature reserve with walking trails in woods immortalised by Irish poet W B Yeats. Perfect for a gentle pre-race run.
Aillwee Burren Experience – Atmospheric cave and passage network with guided tours, plus farm and craft shops and birds of prey.
Cliffs of Moher Experience – Interpretive center built into a hillside with exhibits themed around the ocean, rock, nature & man.
The Hunt Museum – Former custom house holding a 2000-strong collection of ancient & modern ethnographic treasures.
Weather In May
Daytime temperatures typically reach around 16°C (60°F), while nights are cooler, averaging 8°C (46°F).
With up to 6 hours of sunshine daily, May is Galway’s sunniest month.
These pleasant conditions, combined with long daylight hours, make late May a fantastic time for racing and taking in the stunning local scenery.
Enjoy Your Race Weekend
With some planning, your trip to the Lough Cutra Castle Triathlon & Multisport Festival can be a smooth and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re competing, supporting a racer, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, this guide will help you make the most of your time in Galway.
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