Leenane will be out in force tomorrow morning as runners, joggers and walkers hit the road along Killary Harbour – and every step will help keep a vital lifeline running in one of the most remote corners of Connemara.
The Leenane 5 Mile Run/Walk/Jog takes place on Sunday, 15 November, and is hosted by the Leenane/Maam branch of the Irish Red Cross. The money raised goes to the Leenane/Maam Cardiac First Responders, according to the Connemara and the Islands race calendar.
It is one of the most scenic charity routes in the country, following the shore of Killary – Ireland’s fjord – with the Mweelrea and Maumturk mountains looking down on the field.
Why the Leenane first responders matter so much
Community First Responders are trained local volunteers who can be sent to a suspected cardiac arrest or other life-threatening emergency in their own area while an ambulance is on the way. In a place like Leenane, where the nearest hospital is a long drive away, those first few minutes can decide whether someone survives.
That is why locals turn out for this run year after year. The defibrillators, training and equipment that keep a voluntary group on call all cost money, and events like Sunday’s are how small rural groups pay for them.
The wider ambulance picture in Connemara has been a long-running battle. After years of campaigning, the new ambulance base at Recess is due to open early next year – we reported this week that the Minister still won’t commit to a date. Until then, local responders remain the first line of help in north Connemara.
READ MORE
➤ FINALLY? Connemara’s ambulance base at Recess set to open in January
➤ WHAT’S ON THIS WEEKEND in Connemara and Galway
➤ GALE OFF CONNEMARA: what the weather has in store
What you need to know if you are heading out
- When: Sunday, 15 November 2026
- Where: Leenane village and along Killary Harbour
- Who can take part: runners, joggers and walkers – it’s a run, walk or jog event
- In aid of: Leenane/Maam Cardiac First Responders, hosted by the Leenane/Maam Irish Red Cross branch
- Start time and entry: check with the organisers locally or on the Connemara Ireland events page before you travel
Dress for the conditions. Met Éireann was warning of gales off the Connemara coast today, followed by frost, so expect a cold start on the Killary road.
Connemara’s busy charity calendar
The Leenane run is just one of a string of community fundraisers across Connemara this season. During Conamara Sea Week in Letterfrack last month, the programme included a fundraiser for Renvyle Cat and Dog Rescue, the local animal rescue.
And Christmas in Clifden, which runs from Friday, 27 November to Sunday, 13 December, is supporting Galway Hospice with workshops, markets, trad music and Santa visits. Galway Hospice Foundation says it supported more than 1,600 patients across its services in 2025. You’ll find all the festive dates in our guide to every Galway and Connemara Christmas market.
Can’t make it on Sunday?
If you can’t get to Leenane tomorrow, you can still help. Local groups across Connemara rely on small donations, sponsorship cards and volunteers giving a few hours. Ask the Leenane/Maam Red Cross branch how to donate, or check what’s on near you in our weekend guide.
For a village of Leenane’s size, a good turnout on a cold November morning says everything about Connemara – people look after their own.
Sources: Connemara.ie, Connemara Ireland events calendar, Galway Tourism
Leave a Reply