Trail Criú: Beginning on Wicklow Trails and Growing
In the shadow of the Wicklow Mountains, with their ancient forests and megolitic tombs, a movement began that would transform lives across Wicklow and Ireland. Trail Criú emerged on November 7th, 2023, with a simple yet powerful vision: to use the magnificent Wicklow trails as a means to support migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees in finding community, connection, and belonging in their new home.
We have runners and walkers from diverse backgrounds and communities, hailing from Afghanistan, South Africa, Ireland, Colombia, Zimbabwe, Palestine, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and more, coming together to share experiences.
Roots in the Wicklow Wilderness
Our story begins on the rugged Wicklow trails surrounding Kippure Estate Direct Provision Centre. These initial gatherings brought together people from diverse backgrounds who shared one common experience – finding themselves in a new country, often facing isolation and uncertainty. The Wicklow trails, with their accessibility yet wild beauty, provided the perfect backdrop for our community to form.
Each week, regardless of weather, our dedicated group meets on these Wicklow trails, where the ancient paths have witnessed centuries of journeys. The terrain varies from gentle forest tracks to challenging mountain routes, offering options for every ability level. The Wicklow trails have become our classroom, our sanctuary, and our shared experience.
Beyond the Wicklow Horizon
What started as weekly excursions on the Wicklow trails has blossomed into a nationwide movement. While maintaining our core weekly Wicklow trail sessions, Trail Criú has expanded its footprint:
A sister club in Munster, officially affiliated with Mountaineering Ireland, bringing the Trail Criú spirit to the south
Emerging leadership in Athlone, where our run leaders are establishing a new hub
We have made national news in The Irish Examiner, and featured on the Younified Podcast
Partnerships with more than eight Direct Provision centers across Ireland, extending far beyond our Wicklow origins
Trail Criú were honored to be asked to speak at the Outscape Together Outdoor conference 2025
The Wicklow trails have witnessed countless breakthrough moments for Trail Criú– the shy newcomer finding their voice, the isolated individual forming friendships, the hesitant runner discovering their strength.
Partnerships Along the Path
Our alliance with She Summits, the women-centered branch of Trail Criú, has been instrumental in breaking down additional barriers. Together, we've developed specialised programs including the Black Women's Run Series and Migrant Women's Run Series, creating safe spaces for often marginalised groups to experience the Wicklow trails and beyond.
Recognition has followed our footsteps, with nomination at the Outsider Awards 2024 for Diversity and Inclusion.
The Journey Continues
The Wicklow trails have taught us invaluable lessons – about resilience when facing steep climbs, about community when supporting each other through difficult terrain, about joy in sharing the spectacular views from mountain summits. These lessons extend far beyond our running and hiking activities, equipping our members with tools for navigating their new lives. Our Leadership Program is providing skills, local knowledge, employment and networking opportunities.
As we look to the future, our weekly Wicklow trail sessions remain the heartbeat of Trail Criú. These gatherings continue to welcome newcomers, creating a ripple effect of inclusion that extends throughout Ireland. Our calendar now includes mountaineering events, international trail running conferences, and participation in races across the country – all built upon the foundation laid on those first Wicklow trail outings. These ripples have reached far corners of the globe. We hosted the first ever National Trail Running Summit in October and it was a huge success.
The landscape of the Wicklow trails – ever-changing yet timeless – mirrors our own journey. Through all seasons, through growth and challenges, the essence remains: a diverse community finding connection through shared adventures on the trails. From those first tentative steps on the Wicklow trails to our expanding national presence, Trail Criú continues to demonstrate how the simple act of moving together through nature can build bridges, foster understanding, and create belonging.
If you want to support Trail Criú, you can read more here.
Trail Criú Munster