Kerry Challenge 2025 - Debra Ireland
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Take on our Kerry Challenge

Friday 16 – Sunday 18 May

Challenge yourself and have a positive impact on the lives of those impacted by butterfly skin

 

EB can impact people in many ways. Most struggle to walk because of the blisters on their feet. But if you join us in our annual Kerry Challenge, each step you take will lead the way to a better quality of life for those impacted by EB.

Meet other determined people and unite with others committed to raising funds for EB. By joining us and taking part in the challenge, you can make a real and valuable difference by raising funds for Debra.

Register

One of the hardest parts of the challenge weekend is listening to the heartbreak and challenges faced by those living with EB.

Why take part in the Challenge?

Because we know you care and like us, want everybody to know and understand the impacts of EB.

Over the weekend you will meet people impacted by EB, its challenges, difficulties and heartbreaks that come with EB. Their stories are real living truth about EB and the pain they endure. They are a testament to resiliency. No one should have to live in pain.

Together, we can compel everyone to care and move everyone to act.

Each year we need to raise €2 million to deliver on our ambitions around family support, advocacy, and research programmes.

With your support, we can make sure we are here to help in all kinds of everyday ways, to listen, support, empower and alleviate unimaginable pressures.

Register

Fuel their journey—support our participants and help make every step count!

Be part of the Kerry Challenge by supporting our dedicated fundraisers! Every euro you donate fuels vital research, provides essential services, and transforms the lives of those living with butterfly skin. Together, let’s make a lasting impact.

Support Kerry Challenge participants

Your fundraising target

Every euro you raise goes directly towards more services and supports for people with EB.

The costs to take part in the Kerry Challenge is €1,080 in total:

  • €80 upon registration (non-refundable) to secure your place
  • €500 to be paid by 19 April to offset your costs for the weekend (accommodation. Food, transport, challenge participation)

As our work relies on donations, we ask you to raise a minimum of €500 on top of this. Our fundraising team will be more than happy to support you with your efforts with practical advice and guidance.

I love love love Debra's Kerry Challenge The walking part is tough, scenery is beautiful But the crack is mighty. I wouldn’t miss it every year. The biggest reason is the work Debra do for all the incredible Debra patients, it’s a humbling experience to partake, knowing your donations are actually helping to try improve people's lives ❤️

How will your fundraising help

€1,200

will provide a nursing coordinator to support families with bandage changes for 5 days.

€4,500

will provide 10 home visits by a family support worker.

€9,200

will provide a stairlift or ramp for a family.

€21,000

will provide a respite weekend for 15 families at Barretsown

€54,000

will provide a family support worker for one year to reach more families.

About the Kerry Challenge

Join over 100 other participants and help us prove the power of the butterfly effect, that seemingly small acts of kindness can indeed have the most monumental impact for people impacted by EB.

What makes the Kerry Challenge so special?

Imagine immersing yourself in the most picturesque town in Ireland, while exploring the spectacular scenery that surrounds it. Based in the luxurious surroundings of the 4* Dingle Skelligs Hotel, you will spend three days discovering magical routes that showcase the very best of the Dingle Peninsula, while experiencing the very best of Irish hospitality. But what makes Kerry really special is the people who take part and those you help support through your participation in the Challenge.

What are the routes like?

On Friday and Saturday, you will have two fully marked routes that will immerse you in the depths of the stunning Dingle Peninsula.

The routes are along quiet country boreens, forest trails, beaches and high mountain tracks. Expect to be walking between 5 and 7 hours each day with plenty of climbing! On the Sunday, there is an optional 3-4 hour guided walk.

What is each day like?

Whether you are joining us for the first time or returning again, this Challenge will also give you the opportunity to see the wild side of Kerry and immerse yourself in some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery not listed in any guidebook.

These routes are marshalled and flagged to keep you on track with a full back up support service throughout.

About your day

Each morning a hearty breakfast will be ready for you in the hotel before the coach arrives to pick you up to bring you to the start point.

Friday and Saturday

Friday and Saturday’s walks will take you to the wilds of the Dingle Peninsula, each is between 5 and 7 hours in duration. A packed lunch is provided each day with snacks and water available along the route.

At the end of the day, you can enjoy some refreshments before you are transported back to the hotel, where you’ll enjoy a delicious meal.

Sunday

On the Sunday, if you are not too tired there is an optional 3-4 hour guided walk available.

Who can take part? Do I need to be physically fit?

A reasonable level of fitness is required, some of the routes are committing- there is no escape points so you must continue. You should be able to walk up 15km on the hills.

When does the Challenge take place?

The Challenge itself takes place from Friday 16th to Sunday 18th of May 2025.
But your fundraising can start soon after you register.

What sort of footwear is required?

We recommend all participants were hiking boots.

What's included as part of the Challenge's fee?
  • Two weekend nights’ accommodation in the luxurious Dingle Skelligs Hotel.
  • Three days of beautiful scenic routes, marshalled and flagged by Adventure.ie – experts in challenge events since 1999.
  • All meals from Friday to Sunday (packed lunch provided on walking days).
  • Transport to and from the route.
What sort of clothing and equipment do I need for the challenge?

Every participant must carry and wear the following:

  • Appropriate footwear should be worn
  • Rain Gear – top and bottoms.
  • At least one litre of fluids per person.
  • A warm spare top.
  • Jeans are not allowed.
  • Blister pads – such as ‘Compeed’.
  • Some high energy food.
  • ID card with your name, address, contact phone number and any relevant illnesses and if you are on any medication. Also, on the card should be the name and phone number of a person to contact in case of emergencies/accident. Place the card inside a plastic bag or have it laminated. This card must be carried in your own backpack at all times.
  • A backpack
  • A plastic bin liner to keep your equipment dry – no backpack is 100% waterproof.
  • Sun factor

Every team must carry one set of the following:

  • A small first aid kit
  • At least two mobile phones (for emergencies). Please ensure that one mobile is kept dry and turned off and numbers are given to the organisers.
  • A whistle.
  • Waterproof sun cream and insect repellent.
  • A torch with spare batteries
Can corporate teams take part?

Absolutely, we have many corporate teams that join us for the challenge weekend as it is an amazing team building opportunity.  We would be delighted to come in and speak with you about the Kerry Challenge.

Please contact Paddy.Galsworthy@debra.ie to arrange.

If I am travelling down to Dingle can you arrange accommodation the night before?

Many participants who have a long journey to Dingle choose to stay in the hotel the night before. We have arranged a special price with the hotel for the Thursday night.

Please do contact us if you wish to avail of this and we can make the necessary arrangements for you.

Is it possible to book a single room?

Entry into the Kerry Challenge includes two nights’ accommodation (Friday and Saturday) on a twin or double room capacity.

Based on availably we can book you a single room which will have a single room supplement per night payable directly to the hotel.

Please email us to arrange.

Is it possible to get a refund of the registration fee?

Unfortunately, no. We cannot refund your fee.

What's your cancellation policy?

Any cancellations received after April 18th will result in full payment of event costs (€500) to Debra to prevent us having to cover these costs ourselves.

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