Art O'Neill Trek

The hike will commence at the traditional time of 12 midnight, the time of the dramatic escape of Art, Henry and Hugh from Dublin Castle. Following the escape, the route leaves the city lights behind and heads deeper into the wilds and darkness of the moonless Wicklow Mountains and the hope of sunrise. (see the route page).

This promises to be an exceptional night in the hills, whether it's the lonely silence of the long distance runner or the banter of a walking group you will be taking in the surroundings and re living the history of this great event. The hike is ideal for groups, friends, families, teams and solo hikers who are all competent navigators. Guides can be provided for those who would like to take part but who would like to be part of a guided group.

Checkpoints / Rest Stations

Competitors can avail of support facilities on offer at the rest stations - hot food and drinks, and transport of tired limbs from finish back to civilisation!!

The hike will be punctuated with 2 rest and recoup zones where hikers can continue on with their own group or wait for the next group to follow through. These are Red Hugh's Kitchen at Ballynultagh Woods after 30km, Art's Breakfast after 41km at Oakwood and the glorious Finish at Barravore in the valley of Glenmalure!

At these zones there will also be some hot drinks and food provided and Red Bull to keep the eyes open, with some tasty porridge and coffee to revive challengers after the sun comes up! This TLC will all be provided as part of your entry fee.

Checkpoint 1:
Ballynultagh Woods. Red Hugh's Kitchen

Checkpoint 2:
Oakwood. Art's Breakfast - Porridge & Tea station

Finish:
Barravore. HOT CHOCOLATE! and a hearty WELCOME and WELL DONE before getting buses to Glenmalure Lodge.

Kit Check

In early January, at night time, conditions can be harsh. We have specified some mandatory kit. Please take a moment to get familiar with the kit list. We've added links to the Great Outdoors to make it easy. Best be sure and be properly prepared. There will be a kit check at registration for all competitors. Make sure you have all your kit. It is for your safety and comfort. There is an option for a bag drop too but please note that for safety reasons any use of 'support vehicles' will result in a DNF. See below.

get kit check list

Bag Drop

You will be able to leave a bag (50l for ultra runners and hybrids) with the organisers at the start with a change of clothes and shoes and extra food. This bag will be accessible at Checkpoint 1 and then again at the finish in Barravore.

Value for Money

110 Euro (inclusive of costs)

The entry fee includes:

  • Transport from the finish in Barravore to Glenmalure Lodge by mini bus.
  • Transport by coach from Glenmalure Valley to Dublin.
  • Hot drinks (coffee, tea, soup) and food (sandwich, flapjack) at Checkpoint 1 (30k mark)
  • Hot drinks (tea, coffee) and food (porridge, flapjacks) at checkpoint 2 (40k mark)
  • Transport of a bag with change of clothes and footwear to Checkpoint 1 and on to the Finish for your arrival.
  • Official AON T Shirt
  • Dropout bus transport at Checkpoints
  • First Aid
  • Guiding where needed
  • Marshalling/Marking as required
  • Chip timing and recording
  • All Profit goes to Dublin Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team

Please note that we operate a No Refunds and No Transfers policy In the event of extreme weather which would compromise safety, the event will be rescheduled if the permissions allow.