Tourmakeady Wood Parkrun celebrates a successful first year

Tourmakeady Wood Parkrun will celebrate its first anniversary on Saturday, August 15, marking a year of weekly 5km events that have attracted hundreds of participants and helped establish a vibrant Saturday morning tradition in the village.

Since its launch, the free community event has welcomed runners, joggers, and walkers of all abilities to its scenic woodland course. By August 1, 2026, the parkrun had staged 47 events, with 515 registered participants completing the 5km course a total of 1,228 times.

The event has been supported by 48 volunteers, who help to ensure the event can happen weekly.

Held every Saturday at 9:30 am, the route starts from the Wood Car Park and consists of two 2.5km laps through Tourmakeady Wood.

Over the past year, the parkrun has become an important social occasion for the local community. Many participants round off the morning with a swim at the Tourmakeady Waterfall pool or nearby Lough Mask before visiting Caife Glas beside the Community Hall for refreshments.

While the event enjoys strong local support from families and residents of all ages, it has also attracted visitors from across Ireland and overseas. Participants have travelled from Britain, mainland Europe, North and South America, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, reflecting the growing international appeal of parkrun tourism.

Organisers say an increasing number of people are arranging to meet friends and family at parkrun events before spending the day or weekend exploring the local area.

Visitors to Tourmakeady can also enjoy a range of attractions, including the village playground and all-weather basketball court, a weekend mobile sauna at Lough Mask Quay, and yoga sessions overlooking the lake.

The anniversary weekend coincides with Ceol na Locha, the annual traditional Irish music summer school and festival, which runs from August 9 to 15 and features nightly music sessions in local venues.