While Ireland isn’t that far from North America, this magical land can feel a world away. Our friends at Trail Running Ireland advised us on where to find the Emerald Isle’s hidden trail-running gems, which is where we’ll take you on this seven-day adventure. From the rolling, heather-covered hills of the Wicklow Mountains to soaring Cliffs of Moher to Killarney’s majestic waterfalls, this retreat immerses you in Irish running culture, history and beauty.
Soon after you arrive in Dublin, we leave the city far behind in our private charter motorcoach and escape to Glendalough, steeped in history, evident through every turn at the charming inns, cozy pubs and castle ruins dating back millennia. Our daily runs, which vary in length from one to 3+ hours, take us along boardwalks, over rolling hills, along serene lakeshores and along breathtaking clifftops. Each day offers up something different: a lively lunch at an historic Irish pub, live traditional music, hearty meals and scenic drives through the Irish countryside.
And of course, to balance out all fun and adventure, we’ve also left time free for shopping, quiet contemplation or a relaxing spa treatment. Let this country’s warm hospitality, natural beauty and tonifying salty air fill your heart and invigorate your spirit. As with any retreat we offer, you never know what spontaneous moments may take place; once our Irish running guide, upon encountering a hiker who happened to be from her same home town, broke out into “sean nós” (traditional Irish song) in acknowledgement of their kinship.
You’re in for a special treat when you run with us on the Emerald Isle’s most stunning and famous trails like The Wicklow Way, Valley of Glendalough, Cliffs of Moher and Killarney National Park. Even if you’re new to trail running or don’t usually run consecutive days in a row, you’ll surprise yourself with how you feel when you employ the mindful running techniques offered by your retreat leader.
This fully guided running retreat will take you through Ireland’s most stunning natural landscapes, fascinating historic sites and off-the-beaten path trails and hidden gems that only our locally based guides know about. Freed from the burden of having to think about navigating, planning meals or taking care of others, you are able to focus fully on your self and your well-being.
You must be able run at least 8 miles on the road.
You’re OK with running/hiking on trails with loose dirt, rocks and some muddy sections. These trails feature a variety of surfaces, not all of which are easy to run on, but your retreat leader will provide tips and techniques for navigating the terrain and pacing yourself in this hilly environment.
You're OK with some exposure to cliffs or other high terrain
You’re game for running in the rain (don’t worry about what to wear; we provide you with a comprehensive packing list).
You have (or are willing to acquire before the retreat) trail running shoes.
Learn more about how we manage run pacing here: https://runwildretreats.com/about-the-run-wild-retreat-experience/levels/
Located in the Northern Atlantic, Ireland's vast landscape is characterized by agricultural lowlands, hills, lakes and bogs surrounded by coastal mountains. Known as the Emerald Isle for its lush vegetation, this is a diverse island of extraordinary natural beauty and has a deep artistic and historical heritage.
THE WEATHER
The weather in Ireland is mild and ideal for trail running, as the country typically avoids the extreme temperature fluctuations. In September, the temperatures are typically between 48 and 55 degrees. We undoubtedly will encounter wind and some rain, however. For this reason, we recommend carrying a light wind/rain shell jacket on every run.
THE ELEVATION
We spend most of our time at sea level, so elevation is not a factor in this retreat. A couple of our runs do take us into the "mountains" though these are low mountains that take us no more than a few hundred feet above sea level.
THE TRAILS
The trails we're running are well-established, and some have been in use for millennia. The trail surfaces include dirt road, wide dirt pathways, singletrack trail and boardwalks (to traverse the shoe-sucking mud bogs!).
Learn how to run more mindfully to become a better runner. This includes natural running form clinics during which you'll learn about the Power Posture: use proper alignment to make gravity do more of the work. This reduces the muscular force involved with running so it feels easier and less strenuous on muscles and joints.
Focus on efficiency: use natural running techniques to drastically improve efficiency. You'll practice changing stride length, cadence and tempo on various types of terrain. Then put the pieces together to achieve the ultimate trail running experience. Learn to cultivate the circumstances for flow to occur by being relaxed and mindful.
Our highly trained retreat leaders provide the space and support for you to have a potentially transformational experience. As experts in mindful leadership, she provides valuable guidance on how to be mindful on and off the trail. Here's more about what you can expect from your retreat leader:
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The Falls Hotel & Spa in Ennistymon, is at the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way, and at the gateway to the Cliffs of Moher & Burren Geopark. This hotel & spa passionately supports sustainable tourism and has been designated as a Carbon Neutral property by Green Hospitality Ireland. When staying at The Falls Hotel, you are staying in a hotel that gets its hydro electricity from the power of the river running alongside it. By staying here, you will have significantly reduced your own carbon footprint and your impact on the wonderful environment around us. The hotel is just 10 minutes from the majestic Cliffs of Moher, and is the perfect base to explore this beautiful part of the country.
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This hotel offers a traditional and warm Irish welcome in a truly magnificent setting. In the 1940’s Ms Hilda Huggard became the proprietor of The Lake Hotel and passed it to her four nephews in the late 1990’s, thus ensuring that her legacy of true Irish hospitality was carried on. Experience for yourself the stunning lakeside location and the friendly Irish welcome.
Experience exceptional dining on our retreats!
Most meals are included in your retreat package, and we handpick high-quality restaurants for unforgettable culinary experiences.
We cater to your special dietary needs. You'll have a chance to indicate your specific dietary requirements in the retreat participant intake form.
Please note that alcoholic drinks are excluded, and snacks and beverages outside of meals and trail runs are not included.
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The Mindful Running Inspiration Kit is filled with custom items that will support and inspire you to consistently practice your healthy running habits.
Get inspired to continue your practice every time you reach for your mindful running gear, and take to the streets and trails knowing you are feeding your soul and fueling your good health in the long run.
Your Mindful Running Inspiration Kit Includes:
Share and celebrate the joy of maintaining a daily running practice, while reminding you that no matter where you take your shoes — from Moab to the Mediterranean — you’re part of a community of healthy runners who support you on this path.
Shipping is FREE!
One of the best ways to deepen your experience with mindfulness during and after your retreat is to add the Transformational Travel Journal to your package. This co-branded journal by Run Wild Retreats in partnership with the Transformational Travel Journal provides an intentional space to write, draw, sketch and otherwise creatively express what meaning this travel experience has for you. Filled with thoughtful writing prompts, inspirational quotes and mindfulness-inspired ideas, we highly recommend using this journal to help you enhance your mindful running experience.
You're in for a real treat at the award-winning, Spa at Muckross, Killarney.
You'll begin with an hour to enjoy the serenity of the Vitality Suite. This sacred space features an indoor swimming pool, steam room, jacuzzi, ice fountain, herbal steam room and more.
Then you will meet your massage therapist for a 50-minute full body massage.
By the time you leave your Muckross spa experience, you’ll feel utterly revived.
Dublin, Ireland 
