Running
With the Wings for Life App Run taking place, we've rounded up some of the best running routes in Ireland that you should try out.
The 11th edition of the Wings for Life World Run will take place on Sunday, May 5, 2024. For registration updates, complete global results and unforgettable highlights: visit www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com and download the new Wings for Life World Run App for iOS or Android.
With the glorious long stretch in the evenings, there is no longer any excuse not to pop on your trainers and head out for a run. We are so lucky here in Ireland to benefit from a number of breath-taking runs – and we are not just talking about challenging your fitness levels, we are talking about views that will quite simply take your breath away.
Here are six of our favourite running routes in Ireland – go out there and give them a go, and prepare to be amazed.
01
The Great South Wall
Distance: 8km
Located in Irishtown, a stone’s throw from the city centre, the Great South Wall is a great place to get away from it all after a long day of hard graft. Kicking off on Sandymount Strand, the route makes its way through a nature reserve before opening out onto the Great South Wall itself. Jutting right out into the sea, the wall offers panoramic views of the city, from Howth to Dun Laoghaire and even up towards the Dublin Mountains.
Essential info: The route is totally flat and is 4km from the Irishtown end of Sandymount Strand to the vibrant red lighthouse that stands proudly at the end of the South Wall.
02
Dun Laoghaire to Killiney, Co Dublin
Distance: 10km
There are few more scenic running routes in Dublin than that along the coast road from Dun Laoghaire up to Killiney.
The best thing about this running route are the abundance of distractions on offer. As you pass the Forty Foot, you can watch brave souls throwing themselves into the icy waters of the Irish Sea, while further up the coast you can soak up the atmosphere in the bustling Bullock Harbour as the local fisherman go about their business. Slightly further up the coast, you will be treated to views of Ireland's premier real estate and of course the views across to Dalkey Island and beyond.
Those not afraid of a hill can jog all the way up to the Obelisk on Killiney Hill to really make the most of their surroundings before enjoying a gentle descent, through the quarry and into Dalkey Village as you head towards home.
Essential info: If you start this route at Dun Laoghaire DART station, simply follow the coast road past the pier, along by the Forty Foot, past Bullock and Coliemore Harbours, up Vico Road and up to the top of Killiney Hill via the entrance at Killiney Stores. This is a hilly route.
03
Howth Head Cliff Loop
Distance: 6km
Offering breathtaking views across Lambay Island and Ireland’s Eye, if you haven’t run the Howth Cliff Path you should do so ASAP! This marked route follows a narrow path along the cliffs, climbing to ‘The Summit’ (don’t worry it’s not as daunting as it sounds), as the sea crashes against the rocks beneath you. The path then loops its way back to the starting point.
Essential info: Starting at the DART station in Howth village you need to follow the green arrow markers towards the cliff path itself. The route is fully marked and very easy to navigate. Be warned though, it is definitely not completely flat – there is a steady climb from the moment you leave the DART station to the Summit.
Bray Head Loop Walk, Valentia Island, Co Kerry
Distance: 7km
This is a running route with the WOW factor. Weaving its way along the dramatic cliffs of Valentia Island you will be treated to incredible views of the Skellig Islands, which became famous thanks to their starring role in Star Wars, The Force Awakens.
Runners can follow the path all the way to the tower where you can catch your breath while soaking up the views across to Dingle, south along the Skellig Coast, Portmagee and Puffin Island. If you are really lucky, you might even spot some whales ambling around in the water below.
Essential information: There is a carpark at the trail head which costs €2. From there you can follow the looped route out as far as the tower and back, covering a total distance of 7km.
The Western Greenway, Co Mayo
Distance: 42km
Looking to up the ante and go the distance? Well why not take on the 42km, off-road route from Westport all the way to Achill Island? Following the old Westport to Achill railway which closed in 1937, this is the longest off-road walking and cycling route in Ireland and offers views across Clew Bay towards Clare Island that are hard to beat.
Essential information: The Western Greenway starts in the centre of Westport and finishes on Achill island which means it is a one-way route, unless you are brave (or mad) enough to take on the mammoth 84km out and back route.
04
Graiguenamanagh to St.Mullins, Co Kilkenny
Distance: 12km
If you are looking for a flat, peaceful jogging route with uninterrupted river views then this is the one for you! One of our favourite things about this route is the post-run swimming spot – there is no better way to cool off.
In summer, you can jump off one of the diving boards, while in winter you can enjoy the crisp, deserted waters of the Barrow all to yourself.
Essential information: This out and back route is completely flat and has a mid-way refreshment stop at St Mullins if you need it.
