Sorry, this trip is sold out!
ITINERARY
DAY 1 | ARRIVAL + GO WEST
It’s going to be a big week, so this running trip begins with eating! We start with a welcome lunch in Dublin, giving everyone the opportunity to meet each other and discuss everything that we’ve got in store. Once everyone is well-fed we will begin the journey to the Connemara region on the west coast. Those who just flew in may be sleepy, but try to stay awake – it’s a beautiful drive to Leenane, our destination for the night. We’ll stay at a beautiful new lodge with stunning views of the Killary Fjord and enjoy a locally-sourced, home cooked dinner before resting up for tomorrow’s morning run.
Running: No scheduled run
Meals: Lunch & dinner (LD) included
DAY 2 | RUN THE FJORD
Wake up for a light breakfast and then get ready for our first run! We will ease you in with a historically signifiant route (we’ll tell you all about it) that takes you along Ireland’s only fjord, passing sheep farms and homestead ruins with views of the beautifully desolate Twelve Bens mountain range the entire way. After the run we will get our hands dirty with the first ‘cultural challenge’ on a nearby farm and enjoy lunch - and a bit of downtime! - back at the lodge. That night we’ll recover with another home cooked feast and - weather permitting - kick back around the fire pit.
Running: ~13 mi/21km; 500 ft/150 m gain; pavement, gravel road & grass path
Meals: BLD
DAY 3 | WELCOME TO IRISH MOUNTAIN RUNNING
It’s time to climb! Today’s route begins from our front door and will take you up into the mountains lining the fjord. This is classic Irish mountain running: a boggy, off-trail route that requires sheep-dodging and fence-jumping while following a ridgeline up, around and back down a horseshoe valley. Don’t forget to turn around on those steep climbs and soak in the views out across the fjord and across to the mountains of Mayo further north! Afterward we'll embark on a spectacular drive along the Wild Atlantic Way, down into the Burren region of County Clare. Spend the evening enjoying dinner and a cozy village pub.
Running: 11 mi/18km; 3000ft/1000m gain; off-trail, bog, mountain, road finish
Meals: BLD
DAY 4 | THE CLIFFS, AND SO MUCH MORE!
Today the famed Cliffs of Moher are our destination, but we will be dodging the tourists and taking the lesser-trodden path. A rolling 9 miles will take you along stunning single track right on the edge of the towering cliffs. Enjoy a sense of satisfaction as you pass through the throngs of sightseers at the visitor’s center, knowing that some of the best views are found on quiet spots along the trail, awaiting those who put in the effort to get there. Finish with lunch, but don’t get too comfortable - that was only the beginning of today’s fun! We can’t give it all away, but you can expect a boat, the Aran Islands, more running and a scavenger hunt. A hearty meal and another cozy pub mark the eventual finish line…
Running: ~13-15 mi / 21-24km; no significant gain; single-track trail and pavement
Meals: BLD
DAY 5 | SEE IT ALL ALONG THE DINGLE WAY
Today is a big travel day, starting with an early morning ferry before driving further south into County Kerry: the Kingdom. The beautiful drive will take us to the Dingle peninsula, widely regarded as one of Ireland’s greatest gems. Once we reach the westernmost point of mainland Ireland we’ll begin our run. This one has just about everything - pavement, trail, off-trail, beaches, history, famous film sites and jaw-dropping views! Finish at our B&B then enjoy an evening to explore Dingle Town on your own.
Running: 13mi/21km, 1500ft/475m gain; single track, gravel road, some pavement
Meals: BL (Dinner on your own tonight)
DAY 6 | MT. BRANDON
The mountains are calling again, and we’re going! Today we set our sights on the summit of Mt. Brandon, the third-highest mountain in Ireland best known as a Catholic pilgrimage route and for the extremely rare (but extremely epic) 360° views that can be found on a clear day. Expect a long, challenging and rewarding morning on the trail, then tuck into a well-deserved lunch in a warm pub at the finish line. Once everyone is done and refueled we will embark on the short drive to Killarney, our home for the next two nights and the basecamp for tomorrow’s grand finale run. Get some rest tonight - Mt. Brandon was just a warm up…
Running: 10 mi/16km, 3200ft/1000m gain; single track, grass and a short pavement finish
Meals: BLD
DAY 7 | THE TOP OF IRELAND
The grand finale: we’ve saved the biggest and best for last! Today we’ll take on iconic Carrauntoohil (1039m), Ireland’s highest peak. We will ascend as a group via a steep trail laden with boulders, waterfalls, stream crossings and jaw-dropping views. After the summit you’ll be free to open up and run the remainder of the route, enjoying a cruise-y ridgeline and switchbacking descent back to where we began. This is a looped trail involving some light scrambling, exposed sections and, as always in Ireland, the possibility of strong wind and rain. Be ready for an adventure! That evening we’ll celebrate with a special farewell dinner and one last night out on the town.
Running/hiking: 10 mi/16km, 3500ft/1065m gain; rocky single-track, bog, light scrambling
Meals: BLD
DAY 8 | DEPARTURE
Wake up for a final Irish breakfast before transferring to Cork for departures.
Running: No scheduled run
Meals: B
PRICING & DETAILS
DATES
Friday, August 30 - Friday, September 6, 2019
REQUIREMENTS
An ultra-running background is not required, but strong endurance abilities, some trail experience and a sense of adventure is a must! Participants should arrive prepared to cover the full distance each day (and yes, hiking is totally fine). If you’re aren’t sure whether it’s a good fit for you, drop us a line and we’ll discuss!
COST
A $600 deposit secures your spot, and the total cost depends upon signup date:
Early Price (through May 30): $3895
Standard Price (after May 30): $4050
Private room upgrade (2 available): $550
We prioritize unique, family-run accommodation which are often limited in size. Because of this we have only 2 private rooms available; solo travelers will otherwise be placed with a same-sex roommate.
Balances due by May 30, 2019. Registrations after that date must be paid in full. Please refer to the FAQs on our website for our cancellation & refund policy.
COST INCLUDES
Pre-trip guidance + communication
Arrival transfer from Dublin airport (DUB) on August 30
Departure transfer to the Cork airport (ORK) on September 6
Transportation: clean, comfortable minibuses, fuel, tolls, and professional drivers
Seven nights in comfortable bed & breakfast or lodge style accommodation (double occupancy)
Six unique organized and supported runs
All entry fees, boat tickets, etc per the itinerary
Experienced Rogue Expeditions trip leaders plus a local logistics team
All breakfasts, all lunches and all but one dinner from lunch on arrival day until breakfast on departure day
Endurance Adventure Ireland tech shirt
COST DOES NOT INCLUDE
Flight
Alcohol and beverages other than water (coffee, tea & juices are provided with breakfasts)
1 dinner
Travel Insurance
Personal purchases/souvenirs
Tips
GROUP SIZE
There will be a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 14 runners. Spots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, so early deposits are recommended!
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
This trip begins with a welcome lunch in Dublin and then a drive to Connemara afterward. Participants are encouraged to arrive in Dublin at least one day before our trip begins and then meet us at lunch to ensure that flight delays do not cause you to miss the start of the trip (plus, you’ll want to see Dublin!). Airport transfers will be provided for those who choose to fly in on the 30th, but please ensure that your flight lands no later than 10am.
The trip will finish in Cork on September 6; we will provide transfers to that airport (ORK) on that day and are also happy to get you to the bus/train station or a hotel if needed. Please ensure that your flight/bus/train departs no earlier than 12 noon.
US citizens will need a passport with at least 6 months of validity left; no visas or vaccinations are required. Participants from other countries should check with their consulate for entry requirements.
Please note that travel insurance is strongly recommended. Although we hope you never need it, we've seen enough to know that it can be a lifesaver in the event of a medical emergency, flight delays that cause you to miss the start of the trip, lost baggage or cancellation on your part (broke your leg two weeks before departure? Insurance could cover the entire cost of your trip!).
CONTACT
Allison Macsas at allison@roguexpeditions.com
Sorry, this trip is sold out!