The long awaited and much anticipated IRONMAN Ireland, Cork is fast approaching. The event is expected to bring 2,670 athletes from 62 countries across the world, as well as an expected €8 million boost to the local economy!
What do IRONMAN athletes want?
Many Ring Of Cork members will be heavily involved in the IRONMAN and fringe events associated with it, from providing accommodation, serving food and hosting entertainment.
We have put together a quick guide to help you provide IRONMAN athletes with what they really want.
For Accommodation Providers
Many IRONMAN athletes will be staying in hotels and B&B’s but as these booked out so fast there will be a great deal of athletes and supporters staying in houses and rooms offered up by locals too.
Athletes will want somewhere safe, clean and dry to store their bikes for the event. Many competitors will be fiercely protective of their bikes and may want to keep them somewhere very close-by. They may also want facilities to wash and tend to their bikes so being prepared for this is advisable.
Athletes will also need a suitable place to store and dry their gear such as wetsuits so bear this in mind as you prepare. And don’t forget how unpredictable the Irish weather can be, you may need to be ready for the rain.
IRONMAN competitors will need plenty of fridge space and kitchen facilities for food prep and storage. Think nutri-bullets and blenders for protein shakes, overnight oats and fresh fruit for breakfast and nutrient dense foods that are suitable for on the go. Coffee is also often hugely popular with IRONMAN athletes so be sure to stock up!
For Businesses
Local businesses are expected to benefit greatly from the IRONMAN. The wonderful thing about an event such as this is the knock-on effect it can have for so many local businesses. One athlete may bring a few supporters with them, and they will all need food and accommodation. An athlete may need to visit the physio, the pharmacy, the florist, the sports shop, the pool, the gym and the supermarket. This brings huge benefit to the locality especially considering the volume of athletes and supporters that will be visiting. All businesses have a role to play and all businesses can reap the rewards of the IRONMAN.
The proud supporter scheme exists to encourage local businesses to engage in supporting the IRONMAN event, view more information on this here.
- Cyclist Friendly Cafés and Bike Service Stations will be well appreciated by any athletes practicing the route in the run up to the IRONMAN. The Village Greengrocer in Castlemartyr is a great example, as is the Shanagarry Design Centre
- Shuttle bus services will come in very handy for supporters and competitors alike
- Overall the aim is to provide excellent service to these competitors as always to encourage repeat business and more visitors to the area.
IRONMAN Checklist
- Safe, Secure Bike Storage
- Bike Cleaning Facilities
- Bike Pumps
- Nutri-Bullet / Blender
- Wetsuit Drying Facilities
- Coffee
- Early Morning Breakfasts
- Adequate Food Storage
- Brochures, Maps & Route Information
- Race Day weather forecast & temperatures
Special Offers
A number of Ring Of Cork members will have special offers for the IRONMAN weekend for competitors, supporters and the general public.
Devon View House, Youghal will be providing breakfast for any athletes who’s accommodation does not provide them with meals. Contact Michael Walsh on +3532492298 +353857359734 for more information.
La Tratoria, Midleton have a special offer for free coffee with every meal for competitors and supporters all day long from Friday 21st until Monday 24th.
Youghal Clock Gate will be offering a special 10% discount on Family Entrance to the Tower on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd June, IRONMAN weekend.
The Quality Hotel, Youghal be serving food at the following times. This is available to the public, not just guests. Of special note will be the early breakfasts and late pizzas
Breakfast
- Saturday morning from 6.00am Athletes & Regular Breakfast
- Sunday morning Athletes Breakfast from 3.00am & regular breakfast from 5.00am
Lunch
- Regular food offering on Saturday all day and PIZZA available if required until 12.00
- Sunday Carvery from 12.00 as normal, carvery runs until 8.00pm. Bar food served until close and PIZZA until 12.00
The Shanagarry Design Centre is a very bicycle friendly stop along the IRONMAN route that is open seven days a week (10am to 6pm) and cyclists can park their bikes, fill up their water bottles and pump their wheels if they are going flat. They also offer cyclists tea/coffee and a scone for €5.
For those wishing to visit East Cork before or after the Iron Man Race on Sunday June 23rd, the Shanagarry Design Centre is located in picturesque Shanagarry overlooking Ballycotton Bay. Home to the largest and very best collection of Irish Design, and the renowned Kilkenny Café serves delicious freshly made Irish artisan food. They are also located next to Penn Castle which was home to William Penn, founder of Pennsylvania.
The Fota Collection, both Fota Island Resort and The Kingsley have created IRONMAN packages for competitors, and will be offering an early morning breakfast including protein shakes and more for their guests.
Mackey Coaches are situated on the route for the bike event. They have been offering free tap water for cyclists since last September and have shuttle services available to hire over the course of the few days surrounding the IRONMAN.
Zip It Farran Woods are offering a 20% discount which will run until the 28th of June. To redeem your discount enter the code ‘ROCIRON19’ when booking online. Please note this is only valid for the Farran Woods ZipIt course. This code can be used by IRONMAN competitors, family and friends.