Triathlon Celtic Cup 2026
Get your applications in: Represent Ireland at the 2026 Celtic Cup
Triathlon Ireland, Triathlon Cymru and Triathlon Scotland are going head-to-head in the ultimate showdown – the Celtic Cup 2026 held on 28th June in the seaside town of Llandudno, Wales!
Triathlon Ireland is inviting Age-Group athletes to express their interest in representing Tri-Team Ireland at the 2026 Celtic Challenge – an exciting international competition bringing together Age Group athletes across the island of Ireland, Wales and Scotland.
The Celtic Challenge is a unique nation-versus-nation event, giving Age-Group athletes the opportunity to race in a team environment and wear either your age group Tri-Team Ireland or your club kit!
This initiative forms part of a longer term ambition to strengthen collaboration between the federations – with the potential to host the event in Ireland in future years.
Why Take Part?
The Celtic Cup offers:
- The opportunity to represent Ireland in international competition
- A unique team-based Age-Group experience
- Racing alongside athletes from Wales and Scotland
- A new pathway towards international racing
This event is intended to become an annual fixture, providing ongoing opportunities for athletes to represent their nation and develop within a team environment.
Selection Process
Expression of Interest Open: Friday 20th February – Friday 20th March 2026.
Two places are available per age group (Open and Female)
Selection will be based on final positions in the 2025 Irish Age Group Rankings, ensuring that selection reflects performance across the full season rather than a single race.
- Open Rankings:
https://www.mytriranking.com/triathlonireland/irishrankings-triathlonopen - Female Rankings:
https://www.mytriranking.com/triathlonireland/irishrankings-triathlonfemale
For more information on Open and Female categories see here.
Selection review
Selection review will take place week commencing 23rd March 2026.
Team confirmation
Team confirmation will happen by 30th March 2026. Athletes will then enter the race directly with the event organiser.
Race registration deadline
Celtic Cup race registration deadline is 14th June 2026.
A €10 administration fee will apply at the application stage.
Key dates at a glance
20th February – Applications Open
20th March – Application Deadline
23rd March – Selection Review
30th March – Team Confirmation
14th June – Race registration Deadline
28th June – Race date
Event Approach
- Athletes will travel independently
- Race entry fees: €122 / £105.99 (A direct entry code will be supplied to selected athletes)
- Triathlon Ireland membership must be valid for the event
- A team hotel option will be explored to support athletes who wish to stay together and build team spirit.
To reduce barriers to entry in year one, athletes may race in Triathlon Ireland Age Group kit but this is not mandatory.
For anyone wishing to purchase Tri-Team Ireland kit please ensure you check kit ordering times in advance of placing your order.
An optional event-specific top may be made available closer to the event.
What happens next?
Subject to final confirmation with Triathlon Cymru, further information will follow including:
- Full event details and athlete guidance
- Appointment of a Team Captain
- Potential Triathlon Ireland representation at the event
register your Interest
Register now
Athletes wishing to be considered must complete the ‘Expression of Interest’ via their Triathlon Ireland account under:
‘Age-Group Selection Application’ and select the Celtic Cup event
Triathlon Ireland, Triathlon Scotland and Triathlon Cymru believe the Celtic Cup represents an exciting opportunity for Age Group athletes to compete internationally, connect with fellow competitors and be part of a growing team representing Ireland on the Celtic stage.
