Begin your trip at Knocknarea, a beautiful hill that stands sentry over the Sligo coastline with views for miles around. Lunches at a beautiful sweep of beaches called Mullaghmore, a local holiday destination with views dominated by the Benbulben mountains. Nestle into the village of Carrick, where colorful pubs and cozy restaurants give a peek inside rural Irish culture. Climb Sliabh Liag, Ireland’s highest cliffs nearly 2,000 feet above the water below for one of the best views in the entire country. Explore the Glenveagh National Park in the heart of Donegal which spans 40,000 acres of pristine lakes, rugged mountains, and beautiful forests surrounding a 19th century caste.
In Ireland’s windswept northwest, ancient paths climb to remote clifftops nearly 2,000 feet above crashing Atlantic waves and weave through glacial valleys where Celtic legends still echo. Far from the tourist trails, this route reveals a wilder Ireland of island-dwelling Gaelic speakers, mountaintop queen’s tombs, and cozy pubs where storytelling and traditional music flow as freely as the Guinness.
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About The Host
Each person on our small, multinational team brings a unique set of running abilities, travel experience and guiding expertise to the table, but something that we all have in common is an addiction to exploration, a borderline obsession with running and a love of helping others experience the world in this very unique way. Our guides are certified Wilderness First Responders, practice Leave No Trace principles and have guided well over 200 running trips combined. When you join a trip you’ll be traveling, running and exploring with at least one (if not 2 or 3) of us - click below for our bios!
Itinerary
Things to keep in mind
FAQ
Why choose a running tour in Ireland?
Ireland’s Hidden Northwest offers runners a chance to explore less-traveled paths, including the rugged coasts of Sligo and Donegal, mythic mountains, and remote islands. This running tour ventures off the beaten track, immersing you in wild beauty, Celtic heritage, and authentic Irish experiences away from the usual tourist routes.
How far do I need to be able to run?
While there’s no set requirement, we recommend being comfortable with runs ranging from 6 to 12 miles (10 to 20 km) over varied terrain. The Hidden Northwest tour includes challenging climbs, so hill training is beneficial. All routes can be adjusted to suit different abilities.
What sort of terrain will we be running on?
Expect diverse terrain including coastal trails, mountain paths, bog lands, and some road running. Be prepared for steep climbs, particularly on runs like Sliabh Liag cliffs. Both road and trail running shoes are recommended for this Irish running adventure.
What will we do when we aren't running?
Your Hidden Northwest tour includes exploring mysterious caves, ferrying to isolated islands like Arranmore, relaxing in cozy pubs with traditional music, and visiting unique sites like Glenveagh National Park and its castle.
What is the weather like for running in Ireland’s Northwest?
Weather in Ireland’s northwest can be unpredictable. Expect a mix of sunshine, rain, and wind. Temperatures are generally mild, but can be cooler in mountainous areas. Layers are key for comfort during your runs and activities.