Experience Ireland like a local
My Ireland, Your Adventure
2027 Tour date: Saturday, June 5th – Saturday, June 12th
Join me on an 8-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.
Your Trail Running Tour Itinerary
Small Group Trail Running Vacation
2027 Tour date: Saturday, June 5th – Saturday, June 12th
Included in your tour
*Single room supplement available on request
Your Trail Running Guide
Rachel Nolan
Trail running has been a big part of my life for years. I’m a trail runner and adventure racer, and I want to show you my home turf – where I love to get out and explore. These are trails I’ve run, mountains I’ve climbed, and coastlines I’ve spent countless hours discovering. I’ve designed this adventure around some of the routes and places that make this part of Ireland so special to me. Along the way, I’ll share some of my favourite trails, local spots and hidden gems, as well as the stories and people that make this corner of Ireland so unique. For me, trail running is about much more than the kilometres — it’s about getting outside, discovering somewhere new, enjoying good company and having an adventure along the way. And that’s exactly what I want you to experience here.
Local knowledge
This is my home. I know the trails, landscapes and hidden corners that make Ireland special.
Beyond the guidebook
Experience Ireland through the eyes of someone who lives here and loves exploring it.
Your host
From the first run to the final evening, I’ll be there to guide, organise and share the adventure with you.
Contact Me
Reserve your spot now
To book a tour, simply send me an enquiry through the “Contact Me” form. I’ll get back to you personally with the next steps, answer any questions you may have, and help you complete your booking.
Your trail running adventure awaits
The trail running ITINERARY
Enjoy browsing through the itinerary day by day. This isn’t a race or a training camp. It’s a trail running vacation designed to combine great running with everything that makes the west of Ireland special. I’m not taking you around Ireland with a map and a checklist. These are trails I know personally — places I run, explore and return to because I love them. I’m looking forward to sharing this adventure with you. Any questions? Get in touch and we can have a chat!
Your Irish trail running adventure begins
Saturday, June 5th 2027
Leave Dublin behind and make your way west to Ballina, County Mayo. Whether you arrive by train from Dublin city centre or take the direct bus from Dublin Airport, your adventure starts the moment you leave the city.
I’ll meet you at Ballina station and bring you to Enniscrone, where you’ll settle in, meet your fellow runners and get your first taste of the Wild Atlantic coast.
The evening is all about good food, good company and getting excited for the trails ahead. We’ll celebrate the start of the week together over our first dinner — with plenty of running, adventure and Irish hospitality still to come.
Highlights:
🛏️ Enniscrone
🍽️ Dinner included
Mountain trails, Atlantic views & a very Irish recovery
Sunday, June 6th 2027
Your first trail running day takes you into the spectacular landscapes of Sligo, where mountain, forest and Atlantic coast come together.
We’ll start with the Queen Maeve Trail, one of my favourite ways to experience Sligo. Climb through forest trails and rugged mountain terrain towards the summit, where incredible views open out across Sligo Bay.
Then it’s back down towards the coast and the laid-back surf village of Strandhill. From there, we’ll follow the Wild Atlantic Way through Easky and along some of the rawest, most beautiful coastline in the west, stopping at the Beach Bar in Aughris Head for a well-earned drink and a taste of local life.
Back in Enniscrone, there’s no better way to finish a day on the trails than with an Atlantic dip followed by a traditional Irish seaweed bath. Your legs will thank you.
Highlights:
🛏️ Enniscrone
Forest trails, birds of prey & wild Atlantic magic
Monday, June 7th 2027
Today we explore my local trail playground, starting with a run through the enchanted woodland of Belleek. Follow winding forest paths onto the Fairy Trail before continuing along the River Moy, where riverside scenery and the fascinating Concrete Ship add a little unexpected history to the adventure. Then it’s time to meet some rather impressive locals as we get up close with birds of prey during a unique falconry experience. After lunch at Foxford Woollen Mills, we’ll head west to the wild and dramatic Downpatrick Head, where towering cliffs meet the Atlantic, before finishing the day with dinner at the magical Belleek Castle. An unforgettable mix of forest trails, riverside running, wild Atlantic scenery and a little Irish magic.
Highlights:
🛏️ Enniscrone
🍽️ Dinner incl.
Untouched wilderness, mountain landscapes & an Atlantic sauna
Tuesday, June 8th 2027
Our route takes us deep into the wild landscapes of Wild Nephin National Park, one of Ireland’s most remote and untouched wilderness areas. We’ll head off the beaten path through open bogland and rugged mountain scenery, surrounded by vast landscapes with hardly a soul in sight.
From there, we continue west towards Achill Island, taking our time to soak up the spectacular scenery along the way. At Keel Beach, we’ll finish the day with a hot-and-cold sauna experience right beside the Atlantic — warming up in the sauna before taking the ultimate cold plunge into the sea. After a day immersed in the wild, there’s really no better way to finish.
Highlights:
🛏️ Achill island
🍽️ Dinner incl.
Run and explore Ireland’s largest island
Wednesday, June 9th 2027
Achill’s wild beauty takes centre stage as we follow in the footsteps of Grace O’Malley, Ireland’s legendary Pirate Queen, on a trail run through the island’s rugged landscape. This loop combines quiet country roads with an old, uneven bog track, taking us deep into the wild character of Achill.
Later, we’ll slow the pace and explore the atmospheric Deserted Village on foot, wandering among the haunting remains of the old settlement at the foot of Slievemore. From there, we’ll head to Keem Beach, one of Ireland’s most spectacular hidden beaches, tucked between dramatic cliffs at the western tip of the island.
For anyone with energy left in the legs, there’ll be the option to hike up towards some of Ireland’s highest sea cliffs for even more spectacular views. A day of island adventure, fascinating history and wild Atlantic scenery.
Highlights:
🛏️ Achill Island
🍽️ Dinner included
Oysters, coastal views & an optional climb up Croagh Patrick
Thursday, June 10th 2027
Leaving Achill behind, we’ll follow the shores of Clew Bay towards Westport, taking in some of Mayo’s most spectacular coastal scenery along the way. We’ll stop at a local oyster farm for a tour and taste before continuing to the colourful town of Westport.
In the afternoon, you can choose your own adventure: follow me to take on Croagh Patrick for a challenging hike with incredible views across Clew Bay from the summit, or slow things down in Westport, where you can wander the colourful streets, browse the shops and soak up the atmosphere of one of Ireland’s most charming towns.
Highlights:
🦪 Visit a local oyster farm
🌊 Scenic journey along Clew Bay
🏞️ Spectacular coastal & bay views
🥾 Optional Croagh Patrick hike — 7 km / 764 m
🏘️ Explore colourful Westport
🛍️ Local shops & cafés
🛏️ Westport
A final run through one of Ireland’s most dramatic landscapes
Friday June, 11th 2027
Our final trail running day takes us through the spectacular Doolough Valley, often described as one of Ireland’s most scenic road trips, with dramatic mountains and remote landscapes unfolding around every bend.
From there, we’ll run the historic Famine Trail beside Killary Fjord, surrounded by rugged mountains and sweeping views across the water.
After the run, we’ll watch a traditional sheepdog demonstration overlooking the fjord, before continuing to Westport for a celebratory dinner — the perfect way to finish an incredible week of running, adventure and exploring Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.
Highlights:
🛏️ Westport
🍽️ Celebratory farewell dinner incl.
One last breakfast, then back to Dublin
Saturday, June 12th 2027
After a week of trail running, wild Atlantic landscapes and unforgettable Irish experiences, it’s time to say goodbye. You can take the train from Westport back to Dublin. If you’re staying in Ireland a little longer, I’m always happy to share local tips and recommendations to help you plan the next part of your journey.
