DAY 1: ARRIVAL + GO WEST
The trip begins with a pickup in central Dublin and we immediately hit the road west - to Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. Our destination is Connemara: wild, rugged, and beautiful. We’ll stay at an historic, locally-owned lodge set amongst beautiful grounds with views of the Atlantic Ocean. The first evening is for decompression after the journey, breathing in the fresh air, and hearing about a week of runs ahead along with a hearty home cooked dinner!
Running: No scheduled run
Meals: Dinner (D) included
DAY 2: RUN THE ONLY FJORD IN IRELAND!
Wake up, grab breakfast, and then get ready for our first run! The historically signifiant route (we’ll tell you all about it!) will take 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. Finish with lunch at a locally famous food-truck and enjoy some downtime before a trip to nearby Kylemore Abbey - an historic estate with beautiful grounds to explore. That night we’ll dig into another home-cooked feast and - weather permitting - enjoy an Atlantic sunset.
Running: up to 11 miles; pavement, gravel road & grass path
Meals: BLD
DAY 3: DIAMOND HILL TO DOOLIN
Today begins with a run (well, maybe more of a hike…) to the summit of Diamond Hill, a small mountain with huge views of Connemara National Park. After descending back down to the bottom we’ll head a few minutes down the road for lunch and a chance to freshen up. From there we’ll head south along the Wild Atlantic Way towards the picturesque seaside village of Doolin where we’ll get settled into our B&B and then spend the rest of the evening enjoying a hearty dinner, perfectly pulled pints and the nightly trad session at the local pub!
Running: 5 mi/7km (1200 ft / 400m gain); trail
Meals: BLD
DAY 4 : THE ARAN ISLANDS
This morning we have a boat to catch! We will take a day trip out to Inis Mór (Gaeilge for the Big Island - plenty more about the Gaeilge language on this day!) and explore the island the best way possible - running all around! This is a place that makes you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time, and the paths that crisscross the island will lead you along dramatic sea cliffs and beautiful beaches, past lively seal colonies and through a maze of stone walled fields; it’s sure to be unlike anywhere else you’ve ever been! Once we’ve finished exploring and enjoyed lunch at a great local spot we will make our way back to the mainland for a relaxed evening at our lodge.
Running: up to 10 miles; pavement/dirt paths
Meals: BLD included
DAY 5: RUN THE CLIFFS
It’s time to see Doolin’s most well-known sight by way of a less-common method – running! After breakfast we’ll hit the trail, running along the edge of the world-famous, vertigo-inducing Cliffs of Moher. 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. Take your camera, take your time and expect more than a few jaw-dropping moments! Finish with lunch back at the lodge before hitting the road once more as we head for the Dingle Peninsula, often claimed to be the most beautiful area of the country and our home for the next two nights.
Running: 8 miles; single track trail
Meals: BLD included
DAY 6: SEE IT ALL ALONG THE DINGLE WAY
After breakfast we’ll head over to the westernmost point of mainland Ireland to begin our run. This one has just about everything - pavement, trail, off-trail, beaches, history, famous film sites and jaw-dropping views! You’ll have the rest of the day to enjoy lunch, recover and explore the town of Dingle before dinner - and, once the music gets going, maybe after dinner as well!
Running: up to 9 miles; pavement, single track, grass path, beach
Meals: BLD included
DAY 7: CASTLE, BOAT, RUN, PUB!
Our final run will be one to remember! Today we head to the heart of Killarney National Park - the place where tourism in Ireland began. After breakfast we’ll grab our gear and catch a boat that will take us from a castle, through the Lower, Middle and Upper Lakes and eventually to the Black Valley with lots of local lore to keep us company during the journey. From there we begin running the gently rolling road through the ruggedly beautiful Gap of Dunloe. The run finishes with lunch at a legendary local spot, where we’ll kick back until everyone has finished and had a chance to refuel. From there, it’s time to soak in your final afternoon in Ireland before we all gather for a very special farewell dinner.
Running: 7 miles; pavement
Meals: BLD included
DAY 8: DEPARTURE
Wake up for one last full Irish breakfast before transferring to the Dublin airport for departures.
Running: No scheduled run
Meals: B included