At 50, I embarked on a journey that would test my limits - to run around Ireland. It was more than just a challenge; it was a pilgrimage to reconnect with my heritage. My parents, Irish immigrants, had always taken us back home for summer visits, but I felt like I knew only the surface of this beautiful country.
With 1,400 miles on my feet, I ran from Dublin down through Wicklow mountains, past Cork, up Wild Atlantic Way, through Galway and Donegal, before returning to Dublin. The journey took just under 10 weeks, averaging over 20 miles a day. My family joined me on the road in their motorhome, meeting me with food and rest.
As I ran alone or with company, I encountered rolling landscapes of farms, cows gazing at me from hedges, new-build houses picked straight from a book called Bungalow Bliss. But it was the people who truly made this journey special - locals inviting themselves into our motorhome for meals, sharing their homes and stories over pints in cozy pubs.
The Irish welcome is legendary, but I found myself often invited into people's lives. One evening, my wife and son encountered a hardware shop owner who fixed their blown fuse without charge. Another time, we stumbled upon a 'trad session' - an impromptu gathering of musicians - where the atmosphere was warm and convivial.
Ireland has vast spaces, yet it feels like one big village. I ran through forests, mountains, coastline, and lakes, discovering secluded swimming spots like Derrynane Beach in Kerry or Poulanassy waterfall in Kilkenny. The Giant's Causeway, with its rugged beauty, left me awestruck.
As the miles slipped by, I began to grasp Ireland's unique charm - a country that lets you linger over tea and conversation. Running around this beautiful land gave me an impressionistic view of it all - an image that I've retained long after my journey ended.
Finally, on my last day, I ran alongside the River Liffey in Dublin with 30 fellow runners, belting out Molly Malone at the top of our lungs before finishing at Ha'Penny Bridge. It was a moment to cherish and celebrate this incredible journey that had brought me so much more than just a personal best - it gave me a deeper understanding of Ireland's people and a sense of belonging I'll carry with me forever.
With 1,400 miles on my feet, I ran from Dublin down through Wicklow mountains, past Cork, up Wild Atlantic Way, through Galway and Donegal, before returning to Dublin. The journey took just under 10 weeks, averaging over 20 miles a day. My family joined me on the road in their motorhome, meeting me with food and rest.
As I ran alone or with company, I encountered rolling landscapes of farms, cows gazing at me from hedges, new-build houses picked straight from a book called Bungalow Bliss. But it was the people who truly made this journey special - locals inviting themselves into our motorhome for meals, sharing their homes and stories over pints in cozy pubs.
The Irish welcome is legendary, but I found myself often invited into people's lives. One evening, my wife and son encountered a hardware shop owner who fixed their blown fuse without charge. Another time, we stumbled upon a 'trad session' - an impromptu gathering of musicians - where the atmosphere was warm and convivial.
Ireland has vast spaces, yet it feels like one big village. I ran through forests, mountains, coastline, and lakes, discovering secluded swimming spots like Derrynane Beach in Kerry or Poulanassy waterfall in Kilkenny. The Giant's Causeway, with its rugged beauty, left me awestruck.
As the miles slipped by, I began to grasp Ireland's unique charm - a country that lets you linger over tea and conversation. Running around this beautiful land gave me an impressionistic view of it all - an image that I've retained long after my journey ended.
Finally, on my last day, I ran alongside the River Liffey in Dublin with 30 fellow runners, belting out Molly Malone at the top of our lungs before finishing at Ha'Penny Bridge. It was a moment to cherish and celebrate this incredible journey that had brought me so much more than just a personal best - it gave me a deeper understanding of Ireland's people and a sense of belonging I'll carry with me forever.
Ireland is literally the most chill country to visit ever. Like, you can just wander around and everyone is so friendly and welcoming. I ran across a thing about this dude who ran 1,400 miles around Ireland and it was like wow... that's dedication! But what really got me is how the people made his journey special. It's not just about the landscapes or the history, it's about the connections you make with locals. The Irish welcome is real, fam 
. It reminds me of Forrest Gump running across the US – that feeling of connection with nature and community. I mean, who wouldn't want to linger over tea and conversation in a place as beautiful as Ireland? 
His journey felt like an epic adventure, but also super personal, you know? And that final moment at Ha'Penny Bridge with 30 other runners belting out Molly Malone is just pure magic 
.
. This guy's journey sounds like an incredible experience, and it's amazing how much you can learn about a place and its people when you immerse yourself in it. The fact that he got to connect with locals on a deeper level and feel like part of the community is really inspiring 
.
i think what resonated with me most was that he wasn't just chasing a personal best, but also trying to reconnect with his heritage & find a sense of belonging. it's like, life is about more than just achievements, right? 
but at the same time, that's kinda awesome. Like, if you're gonna do something crazy, you should really commit, right? 
And I guess it's cool that he was able to connect with his Irish heritage and stuff like that.
I mean, don't get me wrong, it sounds like he had an amazing time, but what about all the other things you should be doing at 50, like... um, resting? 
Like, they joined him on the road and stuff. That sounds really sweet.
like, didn't he get tired of being on his feet all the time? 
but at the same time, if you're gonna do something crazy, you should really go all out. 
. They're supposed to track your every move, monitor your vital signs, and even make you stronger or something? Sounds like a bunch of hooey to me. What's next, shoes that can cook breakfast in the morning? Give me a good ol' pair of sneakers any day 
. And don't even get me started on these fitness trackers – what's wrong with just wearing a watch like normal people? 
and it sounds like an EPIC adventure 
And with your daily average of 20 miles, that's a whoppin' 1,200 calories burnt each day alone 
. I mean, have you seen the Wild Atlantic Way coastline? It's like nature's own work of art 
. And those rolling hills and mountains? Like, did you know that 1 in 5 people worldwide suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) due to lack of sunlight? 
But running through all that beautiful Irish landscape must've lifted your mood for sure 
!
I mean, it's Ireland! The Emerald Isle is famous for its warm hospitality 
. And with your family joining you on the road, I'm sure it was even more special 
but seriously though, the guy in this story seems like he had an amazing time. But, wait, isn't it kinda weird that he's saying Ireland feels like one big village? I mean, I've been there and it does feel cozy, but it's still got loads of individual places and stuff 
Not trying to be negative or anything, just saying...
Not only did you challenge yourself physically, but you also immersed yourself in the culture and people of that beautiful country. It's amazing how a journey like this can help you connect with your heritage and find a sense of belonging. And let's be real, who wouldn't want to run through those stunning landscapes and experience the famous Irish welcome? 
i love how they ran through farms and fields just chillin' with cows 
. did they try any of that famous irish grub while running? 
I need to go find myself an impromptu musical gathering stat! The Giant's Causeway is on my bucket list too... has anyone been there recently? 
. Like, who wouldn't want to stumble upon impromptu trad sessions and meet people who'll invite themselves over for a pint? 
also i stumbled upon a trad session once and it was SO COZY 