Skip to content Skip to sidebar Skip to footer

Running Holidays in Ireland – Our Top Four-Clovered Picks

Itโ€™s 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 isnโ€™t an easy feat. As an example, one of Irelandโ€™s 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 doesnโ€™t even begin to take into account the other gorgeous parts of Ireland throughout the country.

So, how can you find the right running trip thatโ€™ll take you the sights you want to see, while also still letting you enjoy all of Irelandโ€™s other great qualities?

Weโ€™re 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 weโ€™ve highlighted four of the best Ireland running holidays that combine the must-see spots and must-run trails throughout the country. 

So letโ€™s 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, thereโ€™s 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, itโ€™s 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 youโ€™ve 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 canโ€™t also be relaxing? This guided, women-only running tour of Ireland by Run Wild Retreats features the best of both worlds. 

Youโ€™ll 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, hereโ€™s the link for Run Wild Retreats Trail Running + Wellness 7-day running camp.

Best Adventure-Packed Running Holiday Ireland

If youโ€™re 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 youโ€™ll 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 youโ€™re 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 youโ€™ll still see parts of the Wild Atlantic Way, youโ€™ll add on dramatic new sights, too, like the underground wonders of the Marble Arch Caves Geopark and the wide-open beaches of Sligo.

Where youโ€™ll run in Ireland:

  • Start in Dublin
  • Head cross country to the Wild Atlantic Way
  • The surf coast of Sligo
  • County Fermanaghโ€™s Marble Arch Caves Geopark
  • County Donegal

Curious to know more about Irelandโ€™s 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 youโ€™re 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 Dublinโ€™s 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 cityโ€™s greener side, including a run through Phoenix Park

Explore More Of Europe Through Running

While we couldnโ€™t be more excited about hitting the trails in Ireland, we know itโ€™s not the only country in its area thatโ€™s 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.

Get Run Inspiration In Your Inbox

Motivate your training with Run Far, Travel Farther, our monthly update featuring just-announced run adventures, guides to the best destinations all around the world, and more.