Fitness & Wellness Excursions: Ireland Spring 2025

Ireland Trip Facts

• What is the cost of the trip?

  The walking trip to Ireland will cost $2,300*. This price includes:

  • Round trip airfare from Boston to Dublin
  • 8 nights lodging (BnB) on the walk with double occupancy
  • 2 nights lodging in Dublin 
  • Baggage transfer from BnB to BnB for each night of the walk
  • Transfers from Dublin to Galway, and Westport to Dublin
  • Breakfast each day and snacks for the hike
  • Travel Insurance

  What's NOT Included:

  • Dinner each evening 
  • Any excursions you choose to participate in
  • Equipment needed for the hike (hiking boots, hiking pack etc.)

  *Price subject to change until all deposits are made

• When is the first deposit due?

  The first deposit of $1,000 is due on February 7, 2025. Final payment is due on March 7, 2025.

• What is this walking trip all about?

  The goal of the walking trip is to provide students an opportunity to travel internationally and explore one of the most rugged parts of Ireland. Connemara is "Ireland as it was",  the coast line is stunningly beautiful and the landscape varies from rugged mountains to green valleys as far as the eye can see.

  Throughout each day of the walk, you will get to experience this beauty in the best way possible, by watching it surround you with each step that you take.

  At the end of a long day's walk, you will be able to take off your hiking boots, relax, and explore some of the small villages and towns that make Ireland so special. While the quaint countryside of Ireland is unparalleled, the friendliness of its people and the warmness of the culture will be some of your fondest memories.  Nothing better than a night in a pub listening to the local craic!

• What is Connemara and the West of Ireland all about?

  The walk this year is different from years' past.  We will start our journey out on the Aran Islands, exploring what has been described as a barbaric coastline (with one of the oldest forts in the country).  After completing our journey on the islands, we will make our way back to the mainland to continue our journey north towards Westport.  

• Are we walking all 89 miles?

  Yes. You can do hard things...I promise.

• Why are we walking instead of driving?

  Travel is all about how you want to experience it. Since our goal is fitness and wellness, we have chosen to explore Ireland on foot. Sure, you can absolutely see most things on a bus, but do you truly experience it?

  When we are out on our hike for the day, you will truly immerse yourself in the best (and maybe the worst) that Ireland has to offer. From the breathtaking views to the numerous encounters with gentle-natured sheep to the rain showers that pop up out of nowhere, which lead to some of the most brilliant rainbows you will ever see.

   

• Do I have to carry all of my luggage each day?

  No. Your luggage will be transported each morning to the next lodging location on our hike. The only things you'll need to take with you each day are a small backpack, some snacks, water, rain gear, and a sense of adventure.

• Where are we staying on our walk?

  Ireland is dotted with many fantastic BnB's, many of which are family-run, so we will not be camping overnight.  You will have a warm bed, a private shower/bathroom, and a good meal to start you right the next morning. 

  Our last few nights on the trip will be in a hotel in Dublin that is centrally located so you can take time to explore the city. We haven't decided on excursions in Dublin yet, but will work on that as a group.

• I've never done a long-distance walk before...should I be worried?

  To put it simply, no. While there is no doubt that doing a long-distance walk can be physically and mentally challenging, you will be well-prepared for your walk. Once the deposits have been made for the trip, we will meet as a group to talk about what it is that you are going to undertake.

  As part of this trip, you will receive a training plan, put together by Sarah Perciaccante, Assistant Director of Fitness and Wellness, to prepare you physically for the walk. The longest day of the walk is about 19 miles miles, while the shortest day is about 10 miles. As long as you put in the work to prepare for the walk, you will be absolutely fine. You may be tired and a sore, but it's all worth it!

• What type of equipment do I need?

  As part of our meetings, we will connect with a representative from an outdoor outfitters store who will talk to all of us about the equipment that might be needed to complete this journey. 

  Essentially though, you will need:

  • Good quality, waterproof, well-fitting hiking boots
  • Trail runners
  • Water bottle
  • Rain gear (jacket, pants)
  • Hiking socks
  • A backpack of some sort for your daily needs

  The most important items are the hiking boots and the rain gear. Having hiking boots that don't fit well and aren't waterproof can lead to a very long and challenging trip. Nothing ruins the enjoyment of the day more than a blister on your foot. Getting the right footwear and breaking them in prior to the trip is essential.

  Staying dry is important for your overall health and safety. Here is your warning...it rains in Ireland. Good quality rain gear will help keep you as dry as possible should those pesky rain showers pop up along the walk.

• Is this a guided walk?

  The trip will be led by two chaperones from Wentworth. They will have all of the essential maps and contact information for our lodging along the walk. Additionally, they will have the contact information for the tour operator should anything go awry.

  Safety is always our top priority, and the chaperones will be carrying first aid gear as well as satellite phones should they become necessary for medical evacuation.

• How do I join the trip?

  To join us on the Ireland trip, please complete the application that you will find linked below.

  The application deadline is February 4, 2025 at 12:00 PM

  There are only 10 spaces on the trip.  If you are hoping to go with a friend, that might not happen.  However, the trip to England last year saw the entire group become fast friends.  Going through an experience together enhances that greatly.

  Completing the application does NOT mean that you are on the trip. Once your application has been approved and you have paid your deposit, then your space on the trip will be confirmed. 

  https://wentworth.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cAQIIxMz3odQgIu