Embark on a transformative journey through Ireland's most sacred landscapes, blending physical and spiritual exploration.
This retreat offers daily runs through breathtaking sites like the cliffs of Howth, the Famine Trail, and the rugged beauty of Connemara National Park, where the ascent of Diamond Hill rewards with panoramic views of the Twelve Bens, Kylemore Abbey, and the Atlantic Ocean. Take a ferry to the mystical Aran Islands and run along the windswept paths of Inis Mór.
Mindful Running is this retreat's defining experience. Your dedicated Retreat Leader will lead you through practices, on and off the trail, that are designed to help you discover how to run with more ease and flow. If you've never run trails before, you'll learn how to adapt your road running technique for this new terrain. And if you're an experienced trail runner, you'll take your running to a whole new level of efficiency and joy. Connect more deeply with nature, yourself and other women through this powerful practice that provides you with skills and insights to maximize the stress-reducing effects of running.
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This retreat is a Level II. This means it’s suitable for you if:
This retreat can be the kind of vacation that truly transforms your state of mind and body, if you're open to it. Our retreats are designed to support you as a whole woman, not just a runner. That means you can expect free time to yourself, away from the group. It means that there are wellness experiences included in your retreat package to support your nervous system reset. This is your chance to heal from the effects of stress and focus on doing the things that energize you, inspire you and feed your soul.
Spend your first night on retreat at the Portmarnock Hotel which is a luxurious seaside resort located just outside Dublin. Set on a pristine stretch of coastline with views of the Irish Sea, the resort boasts stunning ocean vistas and offers a blend of modern elegance and rich heritage. Its location offers easy access to both Dublin city and nearby attractions like the Howth Cliffs. With its perfect mix of relaxation, recreation, and coastal beauty, Portmarnock Resort is ideal for those seeking a tranquil escape with a touch of sophistication.
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Ireland 
We recommend flying to Dublin International Airport the day before the retreat begins, or the morning of Day 1. If you fly in on Day 1, our driver (who will be holding a Run Wild Retreats sign) will meet you at the Arrivals Hall of the airport at 12:00 p.m. at Terminal 1’s Currency Exchange Desk. If you arrived the previous day, we will rendez-vous at the Clarence Hotel located at 6-8 Wellington Quay, Temple Bar, Dublin..jpg?fit=crop&crop=entropy&h=45&w=45&auto=format)
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Once everyone has arrived in Dublin, our driver will transport you to the Portmarnock Resort where you will check in and get settled. You'll have some time to change your clothes before we gather for our official retreat opening meeting, after which we'll meet out front for a relaxed, refreshing, short shake-out run.
After breakfast at the hotel, check out of your room and we will head to Howth. At the trailhead, your retreat leader will lead your first mindful running clinic, Natural Running Form. Running the trails along the cliffs of Howth is a breathtaking experience, where every step brings panoramic views of the rugged coastline, shimmering sea, and lush, rolling hills. The trail winds along dramatic cliff edges, revealing hidden coves and seabird colonies, with the occasional fishing boat dotting the ocean below. Surrounded by the crisp, salty air and the vibrant greens of Ireland's iconic landscape, each runner feels a deep connection to nature, history, and the wild beauty of the Irish coast.
Fill up your hydration packs, we are headed to the Famine Trail which follows an old road (or rather a track) built by the local population during the Great Famine of the 1840s to reach Leenane where people were going to get food. You will see the ruins of the abandoned village of Foher on the way. After the Famine Trail, you will jump on the Western Way trail which will take you all the way to Leenane. On this trail, you will have beautiful views of the Killary Fjord. We will have lunch in Leenane before heading back to the lodge to freshen up. At 3 pm, we will head to Clifden for a Seaweed Bath and followed by dinner. 
On Friday, we will say goodbye to the Lough Inagh Lodge. After checking out, we’ll head to Connemara National Park, where the rugged landscape invites exploration and awe. Our route will take us up Diamond Hill, a trail that climbs steadily, revealing expansive views with each turn. Reaching the summit, we’ll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the Twelve Bens mountain range, their peaks a stunning contrast against the sky. From here, we can gaze upon the historic Kylemore Abbey nestled beside a glistening lake, its silhouette framed by forested hills, and the vast, shimmering expanse of the Atlantic Ocean stretching toward the horizon. This run offers not only a physical challenge but also a powerful connection to the wild beauty of Ireland's west coast.
We’ll take the ferry to the iconic Aran Islands, setting foot on the captivating island of Inis Mór. As we arrive, the rugged beauty of this windswept landscape unfolds, with its ancient stone walls, dramatic cliffs, and rolling green fields dotted with grazing sheep. Running on Inis Mór offers several options, each leading us along narrow, scenic paths that wind through charming villages and past historic sites. Along the way, the sound of waves crashing against limestone and the crisp ocean air heighten the sense of adventure, making each step a journey through time and Ireland’s enduring spirit. Our run will end at a sacred site where a local Celtic priest will walk you through a traditional Irish votive offering and meditation. After the offering, you are on your own for lunch on the island. 
