Run wild
Welcome to my home
Join me on a 7-day small-group trail running adventure through the wild landscapes of Mayo and Sligo—the part of Ireland I call home. As a local trail runner, I want to take you onto some of my favourite trails and to the places I know and love.
From rugged mountain paths and remote bogland to dramatic Atlantic coastlines and sandy beaches, we’ll run through some of the West of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery, with routes taking us from the ancient landscape of Knocknarea and the remote trails of Wild Nephin National Park to the rugged beauty of Achill Island and the shores of Killary Fjord.
I’ve also made sure there’s plenty more to the week than just running. I want you to fully experience the places we visit and meet some of the people who make this corner of Ireland special.
We’ll see Irish sheepdogs in action and get up close to to some of Ireland’s incredible birds of prey. There’ll also be time to slow down and unwind while taking a traditional seaweed bath or enjoying a “hot & cold sauna” by the Atlantic.
And, of course, plenty of great local food, good company and craic along the way.
Contact Me
Reserve your spot now
Your trail running adventure awaits
THE trail running ITINERARY
Enjoy browsing through the itinerary day by day. This tour is designed for you to experience iconic views and to discover hidden gems. I’m looking forward to sharing this adventure with you. Any questions? Get in touch and we can have a chat!
Belfast
We will start this adventure in Belfast in the afternoon (16:00)*
Highlights:
Stay: Belfast – Crowne Plaza
Dinner incl.
The Mourne Mountains
Hike: Slieve Donard (10km | 839m)
Slieve Donard (Irish: Sliabh Dónairt) is the tallest peak of the Mourne Mountains and is Northern Ireland’s highest point.
Highlights:
Stay: Portballintrae – Bayview Hotel
Dinner incl.
The Giant’s Causeway
Hike: Along the Causeway Coast (15km | 590m)
Highlights:
Stay: Portballintrae – Bayview Hotel
Derry & Glenveagh National Park
Hike: Errigal (5.6km | 507m)
Highlights:
Stay: Glenties – Highlands Hotel
Dinner incl.
Slieve League & Donegal
Hike: Slieve League (7.7km | 541m)
Highlights:
Stay: Donegal town – Gateway Lodge
Dinner incl.
Sligo’s Wild Atlantic Way
Hike: Knocknarea – Queen Maeve Trail (8km | 412m)
Highlights:
Stay: Enniscrone – Waterfront House
Dinner incl.
A taster of Mayo
Walk or cycle: Belleek Woods (distance optional)
Highlights:
Stay: Enniscrone – The Waterfront
Dinner at Belleek Castle incl.
Daparture
Train back to Dublin incl.
Trail Running in Ireland: What to Expect
Belfast
We will start this adventure in Belfast in the afternoon (16:00)*
Highlights:
Stay: Belfast – Crowne Plaza
Dinner incl.
All levels of experienced trail runners are welcome. You don’t need to be a fast or highly competitive runner—I’ll adapt the pace and routes to suit the group, with options to make some runs longer or shorter depending on the runners. This tour is best suited to runners who already have some trail running experience and are comfortable running on uneven and varied terrain. It’s not designed for complete beginners.
Most runs will be around 5–10 km, although this will vary depending on the route and the group. Stronger runners who want more mileage will have opportunities to extend some of the runs, while shorter options will be available when needed. The focus is on enjoying the trails rather than chasing a particular distance.
Yes, for the most part. This is a small-group adventure, so we’ll share the trails and enjoy the experience together rather than everyone heading off at their own pace. I’ll adapt the pace to suit the group and we’ll regroup along the way when needed, especially on climbs or more technical sections. There’ll also be opportunities for stronger runners to add a little extra distance on some days. The idea is to enjoy great trails, take in the views, and have good company along the way—not to worry about keeping up with the fastest runner.
Expect plenty of variety! Depending on the day, we might run across boggy ground, open mountain, rocky paths, forest trails, and green roads. Irish trails can be wet, uneven and sometimes a little wild, which is all part of the fun. Good-grip trail running shoes are essential for this trip—road running shoes won’t cut it.
There will be some elevation gain on every run, although the amount will vary from day to day. Ireland is perhaps less flat than you might expect! That said, we’re not spending the week charging up huge mountain passes. The climbs are manageable, and we’ll take them at a pace that suits the group.
No problem. There will be options to walk or take a shorter route on some days. The shorter option may not always follow exactly the same trail as the main run, but you’ll still get to experience the landscape and enjoy the adventure.
Welcome to Ireland! June can bring plenty of sunshine, but rain is always a possibility—and it won’t stop us getting out. We’ll keep an eye on conditions and adapt the route if needed, but the right clothing makes all the difference. Come prepared for changeable weather and we’ll be ready to embrace whatever the Irish skies throw at us.
Layers, waterproofs and a good pair of trail running shoes with plenty of grip are essential. You’ll want clothing that can handle changeable Irish weather, plus whatever you normally like to have for a day on the trails. I’ll send you a detailed packing list before the trip so you know exactly what to bring.
