Do you love sports, thrills, and nature? Why not try a trail run in Ireland? It’s a perfect chance to discover the best of the Emerald Isle while enjoying exceptional sporting routes!
Among the top events right now, we highly recommend the EcoTrail Wicklow, a day of races held in the southeast of Ireland. This event, dedicated to fearless athletes, features a series of 4 epic races taking place in the heart of Wicklow Mountains National Park, a completely wild national park in Ireland. A unique setting, perfect for discovery and adrenaline!
If you have a taste for adventure and pushing your limits, and you have the strength, desire, and endurance, then we recommend signing up for the EcoTrail Wicklow! This annual event, held every September in Ireland, offers 4 distinct races, each with different levels and distances.
All races start on the same day from Bray Head in County Wicklow:
Each race takes you through the stunning Wicklow National Park, a truly unique place with wild, majestic landscapes made up of barren moorland, mountains, forests, waterfalls, and deep lakes. It’s a one-of-a-kind location to run at full speed alongside other passionate thrill-seeking runners!
This year, the event takes place on September 25, 2021. It will bring together trail enthusiasts from across the country… including international athletes eager to enjoy Ireland’s exceptional scenery! (The EcoTrail has a strong reputation even internationally, attracting runners from all over the world each year!).
If you’re interested, don’t wait to register on their website: wicklow.ecotrail.com. This type of trail is extremely popular in Ireland, so early registration is highly recommended to secure your bib and participant number before the race fills up!
We also advise booking your accommodation early, at the same time as your race registration. Events like this tend to fill hotels, B&Bs, and campsites in the region very quickly. It would be a shame to have your race spot but no place to stay! Expect to pay between €45 and €80 per person per night (camping or hostels are cheaper). Don’t delay your booking!
All races start near Bray Head in County Wicklow. You’ll need to be well-equipped: trail running shoes, technical clothing, hydration vest… basically everything necessary to support you throughout your trail!
Among the mandatory gear, you’ll need:
If you need good trail running shoes, here are some sites we regularly use:
We recommend investing in quality gear: this trail is demanding and will challenge you on rocky, earthy, rugged, and sometimes wet paths. On race day, you might face sun or rain, so prioritize technical clothing and shoes designed for trail running—they’ll be your best allies to finish strong and fully enjoy the adventure!
Note: We only recommend this event for experienced trail runners. A good fitness level is required to participate. Don’t start this adventure without prior training or if you’re a beginner. You can also attend the start and finish to soak up the atmosphere. The vibe is simply fantastic and friendly—Irish people know how to celebrate their love of sport like no one else!
Essential information to help you plan your visit, including key landmarks, access information, and booking options.
53.190654781306044, -6.084338664642097
Saturday, September 27, 2025
Check the opening hours and admission requirements before you leave, especially during peak season or on Irish public holidays.
3.56/5 (96 votes)