Ireland: Northwest Route

Running tour

Discover Ireland’s untamed north, where Queen Meadhbh’s wild coast awaits explorers.

June 30-July 7, 2025

Duration:   8 days
Level:   All Levels
PRICE FROM:   $5,695

tour highlights

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In Ireland’s windswept northwest, ancient paths climb to remote clifftops nearly 2,000 feet above crashing Atlantic waves and weave through glacial valleys where Celtic legends still echo. Far from the tourist trails, this route reveals a wilder Ireland of island-dwelling Gaelic speakers, mountaintop queen’s tombs, and cozy pubs where storytelling and traditional music flow as freely as the Guinness.

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL + GO WEST
Overview
The trip begins with a meet-up location in the heart of Dublin, and we waste no time as we head straight northwest across the country to the Atlantic coast and County Sligo, our base for the first two nights. You’ll arrive to sea views, the smell of salt in the air and beautiful views of the mountains around the bay. No scheduled running today, just some decompression time and a walk over to our first group dinner where we’ll give you all of the details for your first run, happening the following morning!
meals included:
Dinner
Running:
No scheduled run
Overview
After a light breakfast we will head off for our first run on Knocknarea, a beautiful hill that stands sentry over the Sligo coastline with views for miles around. We will tell you all about the legend of Queen Meadhbh (and tell you how to pronounce her name!) whose shrine tops the hill. A great mixture of challenging stair steps, seaside paths and gentle forest trails will satisfy every type of runner, and we’ll finish right back at the hotel for the chance to clean up before taking a walk down to the seafront for a cafe lunch. After a bit of downtime we will head into nearby Sligo Town to explore the city center and enjoy a nice dinner together.
meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Running:
Up to 9 mi / 14km (1400 ft / 450m gain); trail
Overview
After breakfast we will head out for a short drive to our second run in the heart of the Dartry Mountains at the Gleniff Horseshoe. This tranquil road run covers a route steeped in folklore with stunning views of the glacially formed valleys and cliffs along the way – have your camera ready! Lunch will take place at a beautiful sweep of the beach called Mullaghmore, and then we’ll head just over the border into Northern Ireland and County Fermanagh. The rest of the day is spent kicking back at our cozy lakefront lodge complete with spa facilities for those tired legs!
meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Running:
Up to 6 mi / 10km (600 ft / 200m gain), pavement
Overview
Sean, one of our long-time guides and the original designer of this trip, grew up here in Fermanagh and today you get to enjoy his favorite local loop! There’s no way to disguise it – it’s a steep start up to the top of the locally infamous Magho Cliffs. Nearly 700ft of climbing in the first half a mile will work off breakfast and reward you with huge views over Lough Erne and several surrounding counties! From there you’ll settle into a great run through the Lough Navar Forest, past several picturesque lakes and along quiet forest trails, enjoying glimpses of the wild landscape all around. Afterward we will head back across the border and onwards to Donegal and the village of Carrick where colorful pub with cozy rooms awaits to welcome us in for the night.
meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Running:
up to 11 mi / 17km (1500 ft / 500m gain); mix of trail, gravel road, paved road
Overview
The Cliffs of Moher may be Ireland’s most famous cliffs but they aren’t the tallest – not even close! The highest point of Sliabh Liag towers nearly 2000 ft above the water below and – on a clear day! – the cliffs command astonishing views of a vast section of beautiful coastline. After breakfast we will head off on an epic run (perhaps more of a hike…) following a single track route up, up, up to the top of the cliffs, where some interpretive bog sections and unbelievable views await. Eventually you’ll enjoy cruising down a gravel road back to the village, where lunch awaits. Once everyone is finished and fed, we’ll take a short drive to our next stop of the trip where you’ll get to indulge in unpacking your bag – we’re staying for two nights!
meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Running:
8 mi / 13km (1800 ft / 600m gain); mix of trail, bog & gravel road
Overview
This morning we will take a short ferry ride out to the charming island of Arranmore. Thanks to their remote locations, Ireland’s islands have preserved culture, heritage & language like nowhere else in the country, and Arranmore is no exception Today’s run takes us on a full loop of the island for firsthand look at the realities of this isolated existence: mountain sheep farming, turf cutting on the bog, storm-battered cliffs and the delight found in a cozy pub at the end of it all. Late in the afternoon we’ll head back to the mainland for a nice evening back at our lodge – complete with plenty of modern comforts.
meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Running:
up to 8 mi / 13km (400ft / 120m gain), dirt path & pavement
Overview
After breakfast we’ll head to nearby Glenveagh National Park in the heart of Donegal, which spans over 40,000 acres of pristine lakes, rugged mountains and beautiful forests surrounding a 19th century castle. Our run takes us right through the center of the park, along the shores of Lough Veagh, past the castle (make sure to stop and explore!), and through beautiful gardens and native woodland. If you’re lucky you might even spot some Irish Red Deer or a Golden Eagle! This is a cruise-y run that will feel great at the end of a big week, and lunch awaits at the finish line. From there we head to our last stop of the week, an elegant manor house – nearly a castle itself! – on the shores of Drongawn Lough, for a very special final dinner and evening together.
meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Running:
up to 8 mi / 13km (400ft / 120m gain), dirt path & pavement
Overview
After breakfast we’ll head back to the Dublin airport, arriving by 1pm to say our reluctant goodbyes! Catch an afternoon or evening flight home, or connect to onward travel from there.
meals included:
Breakfast
Running:
No scheduled run

dates & pricing

June 30 - July 7, 2025
$5,695
Speak With Our Trip Experts

inclusion + DEtails

Not Included

TESTIMONIALS

FAQS

Why choose a running tour in Ireland?

Ireland’s Hidden Northwest offers runners a chance to explore less-traveled paths, including the rugged coasts of Sligo and Donegal, mythic mountains, and remote islands. This running tour ventures off the beaten track, immersing you in wild beauty, Celtic heritage, and authentic Irish experiences away from the usual tourist routes.

The run tour price includes pre-trip communication & guidance, pickup in Dublin on arrival day, Dublin airport drop-off on departure day, all accommodation, all meals from dinner on the first day to breakfast on the final day, all transportation, experienced Rogue Expeditions trip leaders, local logistics team, 6 organized guided runs, boat tickets, sightseeing entry fees, and Rogue Expeditions swag. Almost everything is covered for your Irish running adventure!

The cost does not include flights, transport to the first-day meeting spot (detailed instructions provided), alcohol, travel insurance, tips, or personal purchases/extra activities.

While there’s no set requirement, we recommend being comfortable with runs ranging from 6 to 12 miles (10 to 20 km) over varied terrain. The Hidden Northwest tour includes challenging climbs, so hill training is beneficial. All routes can be adjusted to suit different abilities.

Expect diverse terrain including coastal trails, mountain paths, bog lands, and some road running. Be prepared for steep climbs, particularly on runs like Sliabh Liag cliffs. Both road and trail running shoes are recommended for this Irish running adventure.

Your Hidden Northwest tour includes exploring mysterious caves, ferrying to isolated islands like Arranmore, relaxing in cozy pubs with traditional music, and visiting unique sites like Glenveagh National Park and its castle.

Enjoy diverse accommodations including seaside hotels, lakefront lodges, cozy pub rooms, and even an elegant manor house. Each night offers a unique experience reflective of the local area you’re exploring on your Irish running adventure.

Weather in Ireland’s northwest can be unpredictable. Expect a mix of sunshine, rain, and wind. Temperatures are generally mild, but can be cooler in mountainous areas. Layers are key for comfort during your runs and activities.

Savor a variety of Irish cuisine throughout your running tour. Enjoy hearty breakfasts, picnic lunches, and dinners featuring local specialties. Expect fresh seafood along the coast, traditional Irish dishes, and modern interpretations of classic fare. Most dietary requirements can be accommodated.

The Hidden Northwest tour explores less-traveled areas of Ireland, including parts of Northern Ireland, focusing on rugged coastal areas and more remote experiences. It offers a deeper dive into Celtic heritage and island life.

The Classic Route, in contrast, covers more well-known areas in Ireland’s southwest, including famous spots like the Cliffs of Moher and the Dingle Peninsula.

We’ve done our best to create a cancellation policy that balances flexibility with our advance costs. For detailed information on cancellations, transfers, and refunds, please review our full Booking Terms & Conditions. We strongly recommend obtaining travel insurance to cover potential cancellations.

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Ireland: Northwest Route

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We appreciate your interest in Rogue Expeditions and look forward to helping you plan the running adventure of a lifetime.

Someone from our team will be in touch within a matter of hours. If you have questions or would like to start planning your next running tour, contact us at +1 860 559 7598.

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