This Spring the Outsider Trail Community has a challenge for you! The Outsider Trail Community is the place for you! The Outsider Trail Community is a space for Irish trail runners regardless of your level. We share challenges, running gear recommendations and giveaways, route recommendations, itineraries, in-person events and so much more.
We have 10 routes across the country for you to try. Each completed route will give you one entry into an end-of-series giveaway. One lucky member will receive a “from trail to top” Dynafit trail outfit: trail running shoes, socks, shorts, a top, a vest and a hat! An estimated value of €500! To get more information on how to be involved and how to be in with a chance of winning this amazing prize join our Strava Club!
The Outsider Spring Trail Series
Get Involved
- Join our Strava group – https://www.strava.com/clubs/outsiderie
- Explore the routes in this article.
- Complete at least one route before 5 May 2024
- How to let us know! You can:
Tag @outsider.ie in your Instagram post or story
Comment on the route in the Strava Club Page
Tag @outsider in your activity on Strava
This Season’s Prize
We have teamed up with premium-running brand Dynafit to give you a chance to win a “trail up” package. That means Dynafit shoes, socks, shorts, a shirt, a running vest and a a running hat could be yours! Valued at over €500. The winner will be picked on May 6th so get running!
1. Ticknock Trail
The Route
One of the most accessible and nicest hills in Dublin, this route will bring you around Ticknock hill. Starting at the Biking.ie cabin this route will bring you up to Fairy Castle, a stunning lookout over Dublin City, Dublin Bay and the Wicklow Mountains.
Fuel Up
You are going to get a snack in the Biking.ie cabin right? Trails Café is one of our favourite hillside cafés in Ireland. They offer a selection of delicious snacks, Fixx coffee and some delicious lunch options.
Dogs
Dogs are allowed on this loop but must be kept on a lead on the upper mountain sections. There are sheep on the upper mountain section and there are often deer in the forest.
2. Vartry Reservoir
The Route
This is a lovely, flat, gentle route. Ideal as an introduction to trail running or as a recovery run.
Fuel up
Why not grab a bite to eat after your run? Our favourite spots near this route are: The Roundwood Stores for lunch, Turquoise Café for coffee and treats and Sugar Mountain for a big feed.
Getting There
Did you know you can get a bus to Roundwood? The St. Kevin’s Bus will leave you in Roundwood Village.
Dogs
Dogs are allowed on this trail but it is advised to keep them on a lead.
3. Tomies Woods
The Route
This is a lovely rolling route perfect as a Parkrun substitute on a Saturday morning or a plan B if the weather isn’t “mountain-day-friendly”. Enjoy the serene trails through the forest on the shores of Lough Leane at the foot of the McGillycuddy’s Reeks. The O’Sullivan Cascades are located in this forest and are well worth visiting. Are you brave enough to go for a dip here?
Dogs
Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead here.
4. Durrow Woods
The Route
A beautiful forest loop along the banks of the Nore. This is a lovely 5k loop that would be the perfect introduction to trail running.
Fuel up
If you are in Durrow we highly recommend you have lunch at Bowe’s Foodhall & Cafe. This award winning day time café is a must visit in our books. From locally sourced produce, to they offer a unique experience.
Dogs
Dogs are allowed on this trail but it is advised to keep them on a lead.
5. Lough Key Forest Park
The Route
A lovely 6k loop in the stunning Lough Key Forest Park. You could also take part in the Lough Key Parkrun at 9:30am on Saturday morning if you don’t want to bother with finding your way! Explore this forest on the shore of Lough Key which is steeped in history.
Fuel up
After your run, grab some food or a coffee in Lovage in Boyle to treat yourself! They have a beautiful set up here right beside the river and they serve a wide variety of delicious lunch and treat options.
Dogs
Dogs are allowed on this trail but it is advised to keep them on a lead.
6. Bansha Woods
The Route
We love this forest. It offers fun, in some places technical trails that are very manageable for all abilities. This route will offer you some amazing views of the Galtees and surrounding areas too. This is a brilliant option if the weather is not “mountain-friendly” or as a recovery jog the day after a big day in the Galtees.
Dogs
Dogs are allowed on this trail but it is advised to keep them on a lead.
7. Ballyhourigan Woods
The Route
A very accessible 8.5k loop through some lovely forests! This loop follows forestry tracks and woodland trails to explore the lower afforested shoulders of Keeper Hill. On the descent through the townland of Boolatin look out for the stone sweat house.
Dogs
Dogs are allowed on this route.
8. Ards Forest
The Route
Starting and finishing at Ards Friary this loop takes in some beautiful beaches and fantastic forests.
Fuel up
Ards Coffee Tree is a quaint little café in the forest which is a worthwhile stop if you want a coffee or a post run treat!
Dogs
Dogs are allowed on this trail but it is advised to keep them on a lead.
9. Clonbur Woods
The Route
This is our favourite forest fro running and cycling in the west of Ireland. There are seemingly endless trails to explore and all from the village of Clonbur.
Fuel up
Bacús Bakery in Clonbur for baked good and coffee and Burkes in Clonbur for lunch!
Dogs
Dogs are allowed on this trail.
10. Portumna Forest Park
The Route
Starting and finishing in the town of Portumna, this route will bring you past the incredible Portumna Castle which dates back to the 1600s. Spring is the prefect time to explore this route as the bluebells are stunning this time of year!
Fuel up
CaToCa Fine Food is the café on the grounds of the castle and is a great place to get a post run treat. All of their treats are huge and very tasty. Much needed after a jaunt around the forest!
Dogs
Dogs are allowed on this trail but it is advised to keep them on a lead.
