However you detox, be it a Tough Mudder race or a trip to a sensuous spa, Dublin is the perfect place for a reenergizing city break. After an indulgent Christmas and New Year’s, the races and challenges open for registration in Dublin now are the perfect goal to help you keep to your New Year’s fitness resolutions. Find out more about Dublin’s 2014 races below, with extra information on where to eat healthily and relax tired muscles before and after the races.
Upcoming Dublin Challenges
10K Run
Whether you’re training for a half marathon or just want to take in the sites of Dublin, the famous Great Ireland Run is a great 10K to take part in. Ireland’s leading 10K event is televised and the €29 entry fee includes a t-shirt, medal and finishers pack. The course is a single lap of the beautiful Phoenix Park, one of the largest walled parks in Europe. If running is in the genes there is a mini and junior event for children on the same day too.
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When: Sunday 6th April 2014
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Where: Phoenix Park, Dublin
12K Assault Course
If a standard 10K isn’t enough of a challenge, take on the fearsome ‘Hell and Back Apollo’ 12K challenge. There are no timing chips; it’s not about the winning and all about the taking part. Obstacles include water jumps, half pipe ramps to climb, a paintball sniper attack, river crossings, bog swamps, crawl tunnels and loads and loads of mud! The event has a festival atmosphere, with plenty to keep those not taking part entertained including live music, great food and face painting.
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When: Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th June 2014
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Where: Belmont Estate
Half Marathon
Take part in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Dublin half marathon to raise money for the SeriousFun Children’s Network. The fantastic route weaves around Dublin’s best attractions, from St Stephen’s Green South to St Patrick’s Cathedral, down to the quay and past Christ Church, around Phoenix Park and passing the National Concert Hall – it’s one of the best sight-seeing runs in Europe.
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When: 4th August
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Where: Dublin city
Full Marathon
If you’re ready to take on a full marathon, Dublin’s has been labelled as the ‘friendly marathon’. Run for the Irish Heart Foundation around the city; it’s a largely flat, single course lap starting at Fitzwilliam Street Upper in the city centre and finishing at the Merrion Square North.
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When: Monday 27th October 2014
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Where: Dublin city
Tough Mudder Dublin
The infamous Tough Mudder events are held all over the UK and Ireland and Dublin’s surrounding countryside is the perfect location to test your strength. Originally designed by the Special Forces, these 12 mile long events are incredibly popular and the registration costs are cheaper the quicker you book your place. You’ll need to scale wooden walls, scramble under barbed wire, take ice cold plunges and brave electric shocks before you can call yourself a Tough Mudder champion!
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When: Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th October 2014
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Where: Punchestown Racecourse
Dublin Spas
sansanaSPA, The Royal Marine Hotel
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Best for: All out indulgence
The impressive sansanaSPA offers a number of packages that are the perfect way to detox and recover. Try the simple but effective shoulder and back massage or try something more exotic with their Lazy Days Seaweed Bath or Voya Salt Glow treatments.
BaanPai Thai Spa
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Best for: Massage on a budget
Step into a world of elegant massage at BaanPai. Ornately decorated with Thailand furnishings, including bamboo beds, white linen and candles, this massage spa is in the famous Temple Bar area of Dublin. For ladies it’s very purse friendly, with an hours massage costing just €40 on a Wednesday.
Mandala Eastern Retreat Spa
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Best for: An immersive experience
The Mandala spa recommends arriving at least 20 minutes early to your appointment to give yourself enough time to properly unwind in their Lotus Relaxation Room over a cup of complimentary herbal tea. As well as soothing massages, Madala offers incredible acupuncture facial treatments. Using a special oxygen compression method, their most intensive facial is said to nourish every skin cell with a high-performing serum that will leave your skin looking young, beautiful and radiant.
Healthy Eating in Dublin
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Toscana: Perfect for a healthy dinner that won’t leave you feeling guilty; Toscana is an Italian style restaurant overlooking the sea. The organic vegetables and salads come straight from the Toscana Wicklow gardens and the tastiest and healthiest options include the Salmone al Forno or the Pollo alla Diavola (served with salad).
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Blazing Salads: This vegetarian take-out deli sells a large selection of wholesome meals and organic breads, perfect for a healthy quick bite. The menu includes plenty of options for vegans too and even tasty gluten and sugar free cookies.
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Aobaba: This simple fuss-free Asian restaurant serves up delicious noodle soups and broths that aren’t going to leave you feeling bloated and greasy. The soups and summer rolls can be made vegetarian or vegan if required and the food is great value, roughly €6 for a sizeable portion.
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Zumo: This Irish chain of juice bars has ten outlets in and around Dublin. The smoothies and juices are all made without any concentrates, preservatives or anything artificial – try a Kickstart Cleanser with carrots, apple and ginger to really get into the detox spirit.
Dublin Travel Info
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By car: There are five tariff parking zones in Dublin, see full Dublin car park map and prices at Parkopedia.
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Dublin by train: The tram and rail network in Dublin sets an example for other cities. See the DART, Commuter and LUAS routes all marked clearly here.
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Visiting Dublin from England? Flights to Dublin with London City Airport take roughly an hour right from the centre of London.