Bere Island 2027
Come join us on the Wild Atlantic Way as we escape reality and spend 4 days in one of the most remote places in Ireland. Leave your brain on the mainland and let us treat you to the most glorious getaway.
For 2027 we have 3 dates :
- Spring: 1st-4th Apr
- Summer: 16th-19th Aug
- Autumn: 22nd-25th Oct
We will send you home refreshed and excited about your running future after a relaxing yet energising few days spent with like minded ladies. It's our favourite location for pure fresh air therapy (and amazing food).
Based at the spectacular Wild Atlantic Glamping, we focus on the enjoyment of our running and the great outdoors. There is no pressure to run fast or run far. In fact, we want you to leave feeling rested and motivated for the future. Once you step on the ferry, you leave everything behind and we take care of you.
The Fabulous Food
Wholesome, tasty food is a big part of our retreat and we are so lucky to have our wonderful chef Leah preparing all our meals. We also use local ingredients in our coaching with cocktails hour and support local suppliers where we can.
Why should you come?
Our lives are so busy that it is very rare we get time to leave all our responsibilities behind and just take a few days for ourselves. We encourage everyone who comes to leave their brain on the mainland and let us take over and really switch off.
Why do we do it?
Mary spent her summer holidays in the Beara peninsula and knows the area so well. With friends and family living locally and stunning scenery down every country road, she is passionate about highlighting Beara and its people to those who have not yet travelled this far west.
People keep coming back
This will be our 6th year returning to this stunning venue and we have such a high rate of people wishing to return that we have expanded to highlight bere island across all the seasons now, not just summer days. The brand new pods make this now a possiblity for being here outside of summer. Comfort is essential to being able to relax and enjoy.
Will I be able for it?
While it is not a competitive training camp at all, we recommend that you can comfortably run 5k between 25 and 35 minutes to get the most from the escape.
If you are a recreational parkrunner, you are fit and strong enough to benefit from this trip. This retreat is most suited to the type of women who is drawn to our ForgetTheGym approach to exercise - It's all about fresh air, fun and fitness with like minded people at ForgetTheGym.
Where we stay
Coming back now for our 6th year to Bere Island, we will have three retreats at this fabulous venue - Wild Atlantic Glamping.
Accommodation
The venue is made up of 4 luxury bell tents each with their own private terrace and 6 brand new luxurious glass fronted en suite pods, also with private terrace. There is an architecturally designed common area which we will use for our meals and certain coaching sessions. You can choose to book a private tent/pod for yourself or team up with a running buddy to share.
What's Included
Prices vary based on how many of you are sharing, but all prices include the following :
- 3 Nights Accommodation
- Coaching and Support from Mary throughout
- 3 pre run breakfasts
- 3 late morning brunches/picnic lunches
- 3 full Evening Meals
- Evening Cocktails and Coaching
- Guides hikes, runs, strength, mobility and relaxation sessions.
- Sauna (spring and autumn)
- Time to chill out too
- A few surprises (and special guests)
Off Season perks
The spring and autumn getaways cross over long weekends to allow those who can't make summer to escape with minimum impact on working week and school calendars.
The perks of travelling this time of year are:
1. There will a sauna for sea dips or just cosy comfort.
2. We will be there over weekend so you can take part in the famous bere island parkrun
3. It will be dark in the evenings so we will do some of our coaching sessions by candlelight.
4. Everyone will be in pods as the tents will be taken down that time of year so you all have your own cosy private area as well as the communal areas.
5. You have something to look forward to and keep you on track over the winter and not have just summer days to wish for.
6. There is the opportunity to get flights to Kerry and hire a car if you travelling a few of you together which will reduce car journey travel time and really make it feel like you are getting away!
2027 Prices
Large Luxury Glamping Tent (summer only) : 3 Friends Sharing : Eur 765 Each
Medium Luxury Glamping Tent (summer only) : 2 Friends Sharing : Eur 925 Each
Medium Luxury Glamping Tent (summer only) : Private tent : Eur 1265
Glamping Pod (all getaways) : 2 friends sharing : Eur 955 Each
Glamping Pod (all getaways) : Private Pod : Eur 1385 Each
How to Book
How booking works : Booking opens to ForgetTheGym members first (21st Sept 2026) and any remaining places will go out to those on our newsletter mailing list. Members will be sent details on Thurs 17th Sept on how to book.
Deposit paid on booking to secure your place with balance due in early 2027.
Sample Itinerary
Every day is different and each retreat is adapted for those attending and the weather.
- Each morning after breakfast we head out for our main adventure. This might be a run, hike or maybe even parkrun if you time it right.
- We will return to our venue for brunch. In the afternoon we will have free time to relax, swim, explore or simply enjoy the view.
- Later in the day there are options for extra strength/mobility and running technique lessons. Before our evening meal together we will have our 'coaching over cocktails' sessions.
- We close off the evening with what we do best, chatting, eating and enjoying the west cork air in front of the fire pit (maybe even with a few marshmallows on sticks)
Behind the scenes
Here are a few pictures and reviews our our adventures on Bere island....
"I went to West Cork not knowing anyone. I was nervous but needless to say I loved it. I met a lovely group of people and learned so much about running and myself."
Tempted?
I can't wait for our trips in 2027. I hope you can join me, and if you have any questions at all, please do get in touch. We expect these events to sell out, so if you are keen, please do let me know asap.
Mary x
PS : Will I be pouring a glass for you next year?
