8-Day Running Adventure in Ireland

8 Days, Multiple Departures

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8-Day Running Adventure in Ireland
  • About
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  • Itinerary
  • Location
  • Things to keep in mind
  • FAQ

Daily trail runs through wind-swept fields and along cliff edges challenge your inner explorer to dig deep and use all the senses to take it in.

With no planning on your end, the morning trail runs roll into afternoons of high adventure and laid-back cultural excursions. Discover what we have in store for you in Ireland.

Who Goes On The Trip?

Solo Travelers

CONNECT WITH YOUR CURIOSITY
You can arrive solo, but you're never alone. Surrounded by like-minded travelers, you just may find your new travel companion — and a new favorite hobby to boot!

Dating + Daring

ENTERTAIN NOVELTY
You may be partners, but that doesn't mean you want the "typical" romantic getaway. You two are more of the high-adventure type.
Hop on in!

Best Buds

LET MOMENTS BECOME MEMORIES
When's the last time your friends have had an excuse to get away? If smiling and laughing your butts off while exploring beautiful destinations isn't a good enough reason to get together, we don't know what is!

Turning a New Leaf

EMBOLDEN YOUR HEART
Chin up and feet forward! You're looking for change or at least a week to turn your back on whatever you left behind. Escape, refresh, and leave with a new perspective.

IRELAND TRAIL RUNS
Exact trail runs may change based on permitting and weather

Lighthouse Run (5.5K)
Point-to-point
Elevation Gain: 394 ft
Easy to Moderate

Off the Beaten Path (6.7K)
Point-to-point
Elevation Gain: 1,010 ft
Challenging - we'll hike mostly!

The Abbey Run (10K)
Point-to-point
Elevation Gain: 364 ft
Easy to Moderate

The Island Run (8.6K)
Loop
Elevation Gain: 620 ft
Moderate

Famine Trail Run (10K)
Point-to-point
Elevation Gain: 606 ft
Moderate

Cliffs of Moher Run (5.6K)
Point-to-point
Elevation Gain: 849 ft
Moderate

About

6+ trail runs or hikes (7-12K)

Expert team of staff, guides, and a medic

Daily activities and outings

Hotels and lodging

Most meals (and drinks!)

Local transport

Travel swag and race medals

ACCOMMODATION

Hotels and lodging are included

We typically have 3-star lodging booked for you. Rooms will be comfortable, clean, and safe, but no frills; a place that you would feel ok relaxing in!

On some adventures, we have alternative lodging like glamping tents. Check your itinerary and the photo gallery for pictures and additional information.

FOOD

Most meals (and drinks!) are included

We can accommodate most dietary restrictions with some advance notice. Please fill out your traveler information in Run Signup after you register so that we can make plans successfully.
If you have a particularly specific or complex dietary requirement, please reach out to us. While we cannot guarantee full accommodations, we'll always try our best!

Ireland is breezy and cool - pack lots of layers!
Bring some euros for souvenirs and snacks.

Packing & Prep
Coverage: You may want to consider travel insurance for such an epic adventure! Companies like Safety Wing offer flexible coverage for your trip.

Packing List: These are fast-paced events. We'll send you a packing list before the trip to help you feel ready to tackle...well, just about anything!

What’s not to love?!? I have been involved with them since the inaugural Yellowstone half and every single time I am impressed with how well-organized and amazing each race is. From the beautiful race destinations, the swag, the communication, and amazing support…. I can’t say enough good about every single person that has a part in making these races happen. Thank you, team!

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8-Day Running Adventure in Ireland
About The Host

Cherie has been working with us since our inaugural run in Zion when she worked on the race crew, and since 2014, Cherie has brought the best expos and customer experience to our runners.

Cherie may live in Southern Utah but her soul still lives in Southern California where she grew up surfing and sailing in the sun.

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Dublin

You'll want to arrive by early afternoon so you can check in to our first hotel (from 4 pm). We will meet as a group at our hotel and then head to a local restaurant to get to know each other over appetizers, drinks, and dinner. We will also be giving a welcome presence to make sure you are informed about our week of adventures ahead!

Day 2: From the East to the West

Good morning to the cliffs of Ireland! Our first race is a marvelous introduction to the lush beauty of coastal Ireland. After getting the salty wind in our hair, we'll drive west to Mount Falcon Estate, where we'll explore the beautiful grounds of Mount Falcon Estate and relax in the hotel spa. We'll end the day with dinner at a nearby castle to enjoy locale fare and learn stories of the surprising history of the site.

Day 3: Off The Beaten Path in County Mayo

Wake up your taste buds to a delicious wholesome breakfast before we get on the bus to travel along Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way to discover Carrowteige, one of the most spectacular undiscovered coastal trails in Ireland. It’s a feast for the eyes, with golden sandy beaches, rugged cliffs jutting into the Atlantic, and of course lots of friendly sheep. After we run, we'll grab lunch and a beer at a local pub in town!

On our drive back to town we will stop at Downpatrick Head. The stone-walled fields, extending over hundreds of hectares, are the oldest known globally, dating back almost 6,000 years. They are covered by a natural blanket bog with their own unique vegetation and wildlife. Where we will also see Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, Ireland's most impressive cluster of ancient stone tombs.

Day 4: Ballina & Westport

We're on the move today, stopping by several landmarks throughout the day and enjoying time on the rugged mountains and sea cliffs that mark Achill Island. We'll get to explore the coast of Ireland in its wild beauty and see the port towns nestled into the countryside. Our run brings this morning brings us to an abbey.

The afternoon brings lunch and an opportunity to try our hands at traditional sports like falconry, archery, and clay shooting on the Mount Falcon Estate grounds.

In the afternoon, we'll head to Westport - Ireland's friendliest town, so they say! Here you'll check into our next hotel and have a free afternoon and evening to explore the town.

Day 5: A Day on Clare Island

We're taking a ferry to Clare Island for today's run! This storied island has a rich history of castles, pirates, and the Spanish Armada. We'll end the run on a sandy beach and grab lunch at the Sailor's Bar.

What better way to spend the day than with local stories and sports by the shores? We'll stay on the island for the day, dip into the sea, immerse deeper into the Irish islander's way of life or learn how to play 'Gaelic football'.

Day 6: Galway

Today we're heading out to the Famine Trail of Ireland's only fjord - Killary Fjord. This race brings us under the shadow of the majestic Mweelrea mountains.

Today's activity will have you yipping for more - we'll experience a sheepdog show and soak up the culture of Irish fishing communities.

Next, it's off to Galway! One of the most unique areas of Ireland, this area is a true gem of rich history where music spills from pubs, traditional crafts like wool knit sweaters are made, and cobbled streets invite you to lose yourself in this beautiful city!

Day 7: Cliffs of Moher

Well, we've made it to a true treasure of the Irish Isles. Let's celebrate an incredible adventure by running the Cliffs of Moher, iconic sea cliffs that have inspired travelers, geologists, and artists for generations. This UNESCO Global Geopark is a protected area and haven for puffins, falcons, and other seabirds that call the coast home.

We'll finish the day by returning to the Dublin area and having a free afternoon to relax, enjoy the seaside town or Malahide or hotel spa, and reflect on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure!

In the evening we'll gather together one last time for our Celebratory Dinner and spend our final night with good drinks and lots of laughter!

Day 8: Farewells

We'll say our goodbyes in Dublin - but the friendships and memories of this trip will never leave us!

Location
Things to keep in mind

Refunds are only available for trips that are happening in the future. You cannot receive a refund for an event that has passed. Further, you cannot receive a refund for a deferred or transferred registration. If your registration meets these two criteria, your refund options are as follows.

3+ months before the trip, you are able to receive a full refund on your payment contributions minus a 5% processing fee (this fee covers non-refundable costs we incur from our booking platform and card payment facility)

Between 1-3 months before the trip, you are able to receive a partial refund. Your refund amount is your payment contributions minus a 5% processing fee and minus $1,500 to account for non-refundable booking fees that we have paid our in-country hosts (these typically include payments for transportation, hotels, staff, meals, and activities).

Less than 1 month before the trip, you are still able to receive a partial refund. Your refund amount is your payment contributions minus a 5% processing fee and minus $3,000 to account for non-refundable booking fees that we have paid our in-country hosts (these typically include payments for transportation, hotels, staff, meals, and activities).

Covid-19 Policy (updated!)

As of September 1, 2022, a Covid-19 vaccination is no longer required to attend a trip. This decision comes after we’ve reviewed the recommendations from the United States CDC and the various health recommendations of the countries where we travel.

While not required, we recommend the vaccine for those who don’t have infection-induced immunity. We trust that you will make the best decision for your health.

What to Expect From Us

After registration, you'll receive a welcome email with information to get ready for your trip! After this initial email, you can expect to hear from us regularly starting about 3 months before with further trip details, a packing list, and more!

Keep an eye on your mailbox - we'll also send you a welcome packet one month before your trip.

Your Pre-Trip Homework
BOOK YOUR FLIGHT

Flights or other transportation to our host country are not included in the trip cost. You'll want to book these well in advance to get the best prices. For this trip, please fly into Dublin Airport (DUB).

GET COVERED

We recommend having travel insurance to keep you protected while you're out enjoying each day. Companies like Safety Wing offer flexible coverage for your trip.

While we no longer require participants to be vaccinated, we encourage you to understand the travel requirements of each country you will visit or pass through on a layover.

COMPLETE YOUR TRAVELER PROFILE

Once registered, you'll have a traveler profile with us. Leading up to the trip, we will ask you to complete this profile with information about your flights, dietary needs, etc. This information is private to our event directors and is used to coordinate nitty-gritty trip logistics.

MORNING RUN (~7:00 AM)

Ok, we know you're on vacation, but starting the day early means we get to show you so much more. You didn't think we'd be sleeping on this trip...right?

On most trips, we'll have breakfast at the hotel before departing for a 7-12K trail run. Pack your day bag (included as trip swag!) with a fresh outfit and an activity for the journey.

After the race, we'll regroup to shower (when available) and refuel with lunch.

AFTERNOON ACTIVITY (~11:00 AM)

After our run, each day brings something new! We'll have lunch and then head out for a range of activities depending on your trip.

Active Adrenaline - These trips keep your heart racing with more active fun like glacier treks, rock climbing, and more.

Culture Kick - These trips focus on giving you a backstage pass to each country's culture. We'll tour historical sights, learn traditional skills, and taste the local fare.

Expect to have a few hours of free time each afternoon to explore the towns we visit and take in the grandeur of the landscape. Our goal is to have enough adventure to fill your days without feeling rushed from location to location.

EVENING WIND DOWN (6-8:00 PM)

It's time to wind down and enjoy the night! We'll have dinner together as a group at a local restaurant or at the hotel. Dinners typically include set menu options and wine or beer.

For two of the evenings, you will be free to explore and find dinner on your own (not included in the trip cost). Ask our local team for recommendations...or grab some food at the hotel, turn your phone on silent, and enjoy hotel amenities to re-coop from an active day. The night is yours!

We got you! Expect a team text before bed with details on tomorrow's race, weather conditions, and packing suggestions.

Trail Runs and Hikes

Our trail runs will take you into the countryside, where you'll feel like part of the iconic landscapes that drew us here. We'll have a crew on course to mind you, markings to guide you, and finish-line food to revive you.

You can take these runs at your own pace - or go for gold! At the end of the week, everyone earns a finisher medal, plus special awards for our fastest racers.

RUN DIFFICULTY & TRAINING

A typical trip includes 6 trail runs ranging from 7-12K in length. Most of these trail runs will have a decent amount of elevation gain and the terrain will be varied. It is not uncommon for us to walk the uphill portions and run when the terrain is flat or downhill. If you want to train, we recommend working up to back-to-back trail runs with varied elevation gain.

We ask runners to maintain at least a 20-minute trail pace on these runs.


FAQ