Itโs easy to see why running in Ireland captures the imagination of so many runners. The sheer, natural beauty of its seaside cliffs, the verdant rolling hills, and the charming towns with as many great pubs as inviting people. What better place to train and travel than a running holiday Ireland?
Still, Ireland is big, and finding the right Ireland running holiday isnโt an easy feat. As an example, one of Irelandโs top destinations is the Wild Atlantic Way, a rugged piece of the Atlantic Coast. An ideal place for running and hiking, some well-known guides suggest you take up to two weeks to discover it!
And that doesnโt even begin to take into account the other gorgeous parts of Ireland throughout the country.
So, how can you find the right running trip thatโll take you the sights you want to see, while also still letting you enjoy all of Irelandโs other great qualities?
Weโre here to help. As runners ourselves who have lived and traveled throughout Europe, we know the importance of finding that balance between a good morning running and a relaxing afternoon exploring!
Below weโve highlighted four of the best Ireland running holidays that combine the must-see spots and must-run trails throughout the country.
So letโs lace up and get to it!
Our Favorite Benefits from running in Ireland
Trails
Home to some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe and some of the most rugged trails, as well as Ireland’s highest mountain, Carrauntoohil, which tops out at over 1,000 meters, Ireland is a dream for trail runners looking to test themselves in a new environment.
Adventure
Ireland is great for runners and even better for explorers. With ancient Irish castles, world-class beer and whisky makers, and Irish delicacies like colcannon, seafood pie, and Irish stew, thereโs as much to see, eat, and drink as there are beautiful trails to run.
Environment
The Wild Atlantic Way is a 2,400km route (nearly 1,500 miles) that goes along the west coast of Ireland. With over 150 viewpoints, itโs easy to see how one could dedicate an entire trip just to running here. A perennial favorite?
The Cliffs of Moher, the dramatic cliffs that are in many films and series, have found a home on many runnersโ bucket lists of running travel destinations.
The Costs Of Running Holidays in Ireland
All-inclusive run retreats in Ireland last between 7 and 8 days and cost between $4,200 and $5,100.
Run retreats of similar lengths in the United States can cost $2,000-4,000 for a week.
Best Running holidays In Ireland
Best Classic Running Holidays In Ireland
Tap into the Ireland youโve been dreaming about with this Ireland running vacation by Rogue Expeditions. From the castle and pubs to green hills and sheer cliff faces, this classic route criss-crosses Ireland and gives you a wild, run-forward adventure.
Where this Ireland running vacation takes you:
- Start in Dublin
- Connemara
- The Cliffs of Moher
- Dingle Peninsula
- County Kerry
To get all the details of this Ireland running holiday, head to Rogue Expeditionsโ Run Ireland site.
Best Women-Only Running Retreat In Ireland
Who says daily runs of 1-3 hours canโt also be relaxing? This guided, women-only running tour of Ireland by Run Wild Retreats features the best of both worlds.
Youโll enjoy challenging runs that reveal captivating lakes and stunning cliffs as well as a lively and laid-back adventure throughout the Irish countryside.
Where this run retreat in Ireland takes you:
- Start in Dublin
- County Wicklow
- Upper Glendalough Lake
- Wicklow Way and Djouce Mountain
- Spinc Trail, the Poulnass waterfall
- The Cliffs of Moher
- Black Valley
- Killarney National Park, Torc Waterfall
- Muckross Abbey
For more on this blend of mindful running and magnificent Irish landscapes, hereโs the link for Run Wild Retreats Trail Running + Wellness 7-day running camp.
Best Adventure-Packed Running Holiday Ireland
If youโre looking to pack your time in Ireland with as much running as revelry, this Vacation Races Ireland Global Adventure could be for you.
In addition to time spent on the Wild Atlantic Way, runners can expect whiskey tastings, dancing, falconry, archery, shooting, and more in the Emerald Isle.
Where youโll run in Ireland:
- Start in Dublin at Howth Cliffs
- Ballina
- Carrowteige
- Achill Island
- Clare Island
- Famine Trail
- Galway
- And the Cliffs of Moher
For more on this eight-day exploration and Ireland running holiday, head to Vacation Races Ireland Global Adventure.
Best Off-The-Beaten Path Running Holiday Ireland
For as beautiful and untamed as much of Ireland is, its most celebrated trails are well-known. If youโre looking to see a side of Ireland that few runners and travelers have tried before, look over Rogue Expeditionsโ Hidden Northwest Ireland running trip.
While youโll still see parts of the Wild Atlantic Way, youโll add on dramatic new sights, too, like the underground wonders of the Marble Arch Caves Geopark and the wide-open beaches of Sligo.
Where youโll run in Ireland:
- Start in Dublin
- Head cross country to the Wild Atlantic Way
- The surf coast of Sligo
- County Fermanaghโs Marble Arch Caves Geopark
- County Donegal
Curious to know more about Irelandโs Northwest region? Check out Rogue Expeditionsโ Run Ireland: the Hidden Northwest here.
Best Single Day Run Training In Ireland
Already got your Ireland itinerary planned?
If you do find yourself with an extra day while youโre in Dublin, Go Running Tours has a number of routes that help you get to the Irish capital while also keeping the miles up.
Here are a few of our favorites:
- The Dublin City Highlights – 9km – See Temple Bar, the Georgian quarters and the Liberties as you jog down Dublinโs cobbled streets
- Dublin By The Sea – 8km – Head out from the capital to the coastline, the Victorian pier of Dun Laoghaire, Martello Tower, and more
- Dublin Half Marathon – 21km – Combine the highlights of the Dublin city tour with more exploration of the cityโs greener side, including a run through Phoenix Park
Explore More Of Europe Through Running
While we couldnโt be more excited about hitting the trails in Ireland, we know itโs not the only country in its area thatโs catching runnersโ eyes.
We shared some of our favorite England and Scotland running retreats in this roundup here, as well as some ideas for other European gems like Mont Blanc and the Italian Dolomites here.
To take your inspiration global, check out our country-by-country guide of running holidays here.
