Events
Here at Saol Sona we organise various different types of events around Ireland, from short walks and long hikes, to wellness mornings and weekend getaways. Check out some of the upcoming events below
Spaces are limited for Saol Sona events. Please book below to confirm your space for events. Saol Sona Society Membership is only required for exclusive members only events, all other events are open to everyone.
Hikes
Come join us for a relaxed social hike! The perfect way to get into the mountains, meet new people, and enjoy the outdoors together
🌄 Join us in Wicklow for Mountain Skills 1 (MS1) training on April 25th and 26th. 🧭
To join the waitlist for this course please message @saolsonaireland on instagram.
This course is designed for those who are new to mountain navigation or looking to build a strong foundation of skills for safe and enjoyable days in the hills. Mountain Skills 1 is the first step in the two-course pathway leading towards Mountain Skills Assessment.
📅 The Mountain Skills 1 training course runs over two full days, with a mix of practical mountain-based learning and short theory sessions throughout the weekend.
Topics Covered:
Maps
Mountain hazards
Personal equipment
Contours
Mountain environment
Access
Pacing and timing
Responsible recreation
Route planning
Introduction to compass use
Grid references
You must be registered with Mountaineering Ireland to take part in this course. Registration can be completed on the Mountaineering Ireland website.
Price:
Saol Sona Society Members: €145.00
Non-members: €150.00
Bookings are non-refundable.
🌄 Join us in Connemara for Mountain Skills 2 training on February 28th and March 1st. 🧭
This course builds on the foundations of Mountain Skills 1 and is part two of the two-course pathway leading towards Mountain Skills Assessment. You must have MS1 training complete to take part.
📅 The Mountain Skills 2 training course runs over two full days, with additional pre-course materials sent out in advance to help participants prepare.
✔️ It is recommended that participants have already completed Mountain Skills 1 before attending MS2.
🧭 Topics Covered
Compass work
Compass bearings: grid & magnetic
Grid, True & Magnetic North
Navigation techniques
Route planning
Night navigation exercise
Emergency procedures
Moving on steep ground
🌙 Day 1 will include the night navigation exercise.
You must be registered with Mountaineering Ireland to take part in this course. This can be complete on the Mountaineering Ireland website.
Price:
Saol Sona Society Members: 150.00
Non-members: 160.00
Bookings are non-refundable.
Saol Sona Goes to Wales — June 5th–7th, 2026
Tickets on sale December 3rd
Snowdon + Ogwen Valley Weekend Adventure | Only 14 spaces
We’re heading across the water for a full weekend of hiking, exploring, and soaking up the best of Eryri National Park including a guided climb of Snowdon, Wales’ highest peak.
What’s Included:
• Return transport from Dublin → Wales via ferry
• All bus transport around Wales ( you will get on the bus in Dublin and this will take us everywhere! So no need to think about transport at all)
• Guided hike up Snowdon (Saturday)
• Guided hike in the Ogwen Valley (Sunday)
• 2 nights accommodation
• Trip led + facilitated by Saol Sona
Itinerary:
Friday: Meet in Dublin at approx 7am → ferry to Wales → chilled evening to explore. (times tbc closer to the date)
Saturday: Guided hike up Snowdon.
Sunday: Hike in the Ogwen Valley, visit another area of Eryri National Park → late ferry back to Dublin (approx 20:30).
Price:
• €450 — Non Saol Sona Society Members
• €440 — Saol Sona Society Members
Booking:
A €60 deposit is required to secure your space.
This deposit is non-refundable under any circumstances.
Remaining balance due April 1st — once paid, this is also non-refundable.
Once your space is confirmed, you’ll be added to a WhatsApp group with the rest of the attendees.
✨ If this is your first Saol Sona event, please confirm your identity via Instagram or WhatsApp after booking.
Overnight Trips
One day not enough? Join us on a Saol Sona overnight adventure for a getaway you won’t forget!
This trip is SOLD OUT- to join the waitlist please DM “ PERU WAITLIST” to @saolsonaireland on instagram
Saol Sona is heading to …. PERU!! Join us for an 11-day adventure through Peru that is designed for active, curious travellers who want a perfect mix of iconic highlights, authentic culture, and adrenaline. From Lima’s vibrant food scene to the desert oasis of Huacachina, the ancient streets of Cusco, and the legendary trek to Machu Picchu -this trip delivers an unbeatable blend of adventure and discovery. With expert local guides, comfortable hand-picked hostels, and a dynamic group vibe, this journey is packed with unforgettable moments from start to finish. We’re partnering with Irish Travel Gang to create an unforgettable trip to Peru!
When: The trip will begin on October 3rd in Lima and end October 13th in Cusco
What Is Included:
All accommodation in well-located hostel dorms or camps as per itinerary
All scheduled transport during the trip to each destination using private transfers and vehicles.
Train and bus ticket to/from Machu Pichu.
Flight from Cuzco to Lima
10 Breakfasts
4 Lunches
2 Dinners
All guided tours and activities listed in the itinerary including the Cusco City Tour, Salkantay Trek, and Lima Street Food Tour.
Dune Buggy-ing and Sandboarding excursion
Traditional Pisco vineyard visit and tasting.
Entry fee for Machu Pichu, Incachiriasqa Lagoon, Humantay Lake, the Ballestas Islands, and Paracas National Reserve.
Professional, local guides for the tours and Salkantay trek.
All gear needed for the Salkantay trek including a sleeping bag.
What’s Not Included:
International flights and airport taxes not listed.
Meals and drinks not listed
Entry to Sacsayhuaman (Cusco Tourist Tax)
Personal expenses, tips, travel insurance.
Day 1 – Welcome to Peru!
Arrive in Lima, the vibrant capital of Peru. Meet your driver for a shared transfer to Miraflores — a lively neighbourhood full of cafés, surf spots, and street life. Check into your hostel, settle in, and explore nearby parks or the oceanfront boardwalk.
In the evening, the adventure begins! Meet your group for a casual welcome gathering on the rooftop terrace to meet our guide, go over the adventure ahead, and share our first Pisco Sour together – Salud!
Day 2 – Lima Flavours & Traditions Tour
Kick off your journey with a guided food and culture walking tour that dives deep into Lima’s local life. Start your morning with a fresh Peruvian coffee at a local café before hopping on the Metropolitano bus to the Historic Centre. Visit the bustling Mercado Central for a taste of tropical fruits and lucuma smoothies, wander through Chinatown’s colourful streets to sample chifa bites, and stop for local favourites like papita con huevo and anticuchos.
End your morning with churros near San Francisco Church and a classic Pisco Sour at the iconic Cordano Tavern. The afternoon is free to explore Miraflores or Barranco’s bohemian side at your own pace.
Day 3 – Lima to Paracas, Ballestas Islands & Desert Drive to Huacachina
Your coastal adventure begins! Depart Lima early aboard a luxury bus with semi-bed seats and an onboard host. After a scenic journey south, arrive in Paracas and board a speedboat for the Ballestas Islands, known as Peru’s “mini-Galápagos.”
Watch playful sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and thousands of seabirds up close. Back on shore, continue your adventure through the Paracas National Reserve, a striking desert landscape where red sand beaches meet turquoise ocean. After exploring, drive inland to Ica and then on to Huacachina, a natural oasis surrounded by massive sand dunes — a true desert paradise.
Day 4 – Huacachina: Dune Buggy & Sandboarding Experience
Enjoy a relaxed morning by the pool or exploring the small oasis village. In the afternoon, it’s time for adrenaline! Board your dune buggy for a high-speed ride over Peru’s rolling golden dunes. Try sandboarding down the slopes — either standing up or belly-first — and feel the rush of the desert wind. End your day watching the sun set from the top of a dune, the sky turning brilliant shades of orange and pink before returning for a lively evening in the oasis.
Day 5 – Huacachina to Ica, Pisco Tour & Flight to Cusco
Say goodbye to the desert and head toward Ica for a guided visit to a traditional Pisco vineyard. Learn about Peru’s national spirit — from grape harvest to distillation — and enjoy a tasting of different varieties. Afterwards, board your coach for the journey back to Lima Airport. Catch your evening flight to Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire. Upon arrival, a private transfer will take you to your hostel. The night is yours to rest and acclimatise to the altitude.
Day 6 – The Unique Cusco Tour: Inca Trail, Alpacas & Ruins
Today, discover the heart of Cusco on a full-day guided experience combining history, culture, and local life. Begin at the bustling San Pedro Market, where locals buy everything from fresh fruit to textiles. Then walk a section of the restored Inca Ritual Trail that once connected Qorikancha to the Sacsayhuamán hills. Visit the majestic Sacsayhuamán Fortress, one of the Inca Empire’s most impressive sites. Continue to the Wayllarcocha Community for a traditional Andean lunch and a visit to the “Manos de la Comunidad” textile centre to watch master weavers at work and meet friendly alpacas and llamas. End the day with stunning panoramic views from Cristo Blanco and San Cristóbal.
Day 7 – Salkantay Trek – Day 1: Glacial Lagoons & Starry Domes
Your 3-day trek begins before sunrise with a scenic drive from Cusco to Rimactampu for breakfast. Continue to the starting point at Qoyllor, surrounded by snow-dusted mountains. Begin your hike to the Incachiriasqa Lagoon, where the turquoise waters sit beneath the imposing Salkantay peak. Trek along ancient paths and soak up panoramic Andean views before descending to Soraypampa. Tonight, sleep in comfortable geodesic domes beneath a canopy of stars.
Day 8 | Salkantay Trek – Day 2: Humantay Lake & Aguas Calientes
Wake early for a short hike to the spectacular Humantay Lake, a glowing turquoise gem at the foot of a glacier. After soaking in the views, descend and drive through scenic valleys to Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. Enjoy dinner together before boarding the train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Rest well — tomorrow is the big day!
Day 9 – Machu Picchu Guided Tour & Return to Cusco
Rise before dawn and catch the early bus to Machu Picchu. Watch the sunrise illuminate the ancient citadel and take a guided tour through temples, terraces, and hidden corners of the Lost City. After exploring, descend to Aguas Calientes for lunch before boarding the scenic train back to Ollantaytambo. A private transfer will take you to Cusco for a well-earned rest.
Day 10 – Rainbow Mountain Trek
Another adventure awaits! Depart early for a full-day guided excursion to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). Enjoy breakfast en route before beginning your hike through striking red and gold valleys dotted with llamas. The moderate 2-hour climb leads to the summit at 5,020 metres, where the striped mineral colours of the mountain stretch before you. Capture incredible photos and soak in the high Andean views before descending for lunch and returning to Cusco in the late afternoon.
Day 11 – Departure from Cusco
Enjoy a relaxed morning in Cusco before your private transfer to the airport for your international flight or next destination. Say goodbye to new friends and an unforgettable journey through Peru’s most inspiring landscapes.
Pricing
Saol Sona Society Price: €1799.00*
General Price: €1899.00
Deposit: €399.00
Payment Plan:
Feb-July: €215.00 per month
August: €210.00 (€110.00 for society members*)
*Saol Sona Society Price of €100.00 discount will only be available for the first 6 sign ups.
Saol Sona Goes to Wales — June 5th–7th, 2026
Tickets on sale December 3rd
Snowdon + Ogwen Valley Weekend Adventure | Only 14 spaces
We’re heading across the water for a full weekend of hiking, exploring, and soaking up the best of Eryri National Park including a guided climb of Snowdon, Wales’ highest peak.
What’s Included:
• Return transport from Dublin → Wales via ferry
• All bus transport around Wales ( you will get on the bus in Dublin and this will take us everywhere! So no need to think about transport at all)
• Guided hike up Snowdon (Saturday)
• Guided hike in the Ogwen Valley (Sunday)
• 2 nights accommodation
• Trip led + facilitated by Saol Sona
Itinerary:
Friday: Meet in Dublin at approx 7am → ferry to Wales → chilled evening to explore. (times tbc closer to the date)
Saturday: Guided hike up Snowdon.
Sunday: Hike in the Ogwen Valley, visit another area of Eryri National Park → late ferry back to Dublin (approx 20:30).
Price:
• €450 — Non Saol Sona Society Members
• €440 — Saol Sona Society Members
Booking:
A €60 deposit is required to secure your space.
This deposit is non-refundable under any circumstances.
Remaining balance due April 1st — once paid, this is also non-refundable.
Once your space is confirmed, you’ll be added to a WhatsApp group with the rest of the attendees.
✨ If this is your first Saol Sona event, please confirm your identity via Instagram or WhatsApp after booking.
SOLD OUT- to join the waitlist message @saolsonaireland on instagram “ Camino Waitlist”
April 25th – May 2nd, 2025
Join us for an unforgettable adventure along the stunning Portuguese Coastal Camino, walking from Porto to Baiona with the Saol Sona crew. This week-long journey blends the magic of the Camino with the easygoing, social spirit that defines our community — connecting with nature, yourself, and like-minded souls along the Atlantic coast.
You’ll experience golden beaches, charming seaside towns, and a taste of both Portugal and Spain, all while travelling light — your luggage will be transferred each day so you can fully enjoy the walk.
💛 What’s Included
7 nights in 3–4 star hotels (twin rooms 2 people sharing) Don’t worry if you are coming solo, most people will be! Single room available for supplement.
7 breakfasts
Camino Pilgrim Passport
Daily bag transfers ( no sore backs yay!) - one 20kg bag per person
Ferry crossing between Portugal and Spain
Return transport to Porto at the end of the trip
Chocolate Museum Tour 🍫
Some more surprises…
💸 Price
€850 per person
€825 for Saol Sona Society Members
Private Room Supplement: €350 extra
Deposit: €100 (non-refundable) required for booking
Payment plan: €300 due Jan 30th, remaining balance due Mar 15th
(All payments are non-refundable once made as they go directly to service providers.)
🛫 Travel Details
Flights are not included, giving you flexibility to arrive early or stay longer.
Recommended flights:
✈️ April 25th: Dublin → Porto (Ryanair 18:25 → 20:50)
✈️ May 2nd: Porto → Dublin (Ryanair 21:14 → 23:40)
🥾 Itinerary Snapshot
April 25th: Arrive to Porto and stay the night to prepare to set off walking in the morning. You must be in Porto for the 25th April at the latest, unless you intend to meet us somewhere along the way.
Day 1 (26th): Porto → Vila do Conde (33km)
Day 2 (27th): Vila do Conde → Esposende (25km)
Day 3 (28th): Esposende → Viana do Castelo (27km)
Day 4(29th): Viana do Castelo → Vila Praia de Âncora (19km)
Day 5(30th): Vila Praia de Âncora → Oia (25km) – ferry to Spain 🇪🇸
Day 6 (1st): Oia → Baiona (18km)
May 1st: We end the trip with a night in Baiona.
May 2nd: Return transfer to Porto. This gives us the day to explore Baiona to be back in Porto in time for the 21.14 flight to Dublin. Anybody who wishes to stay on in Porto and not get the flight, is still welcome to use this transfer back. Anybody continuing their trip or traveling to elsewhere from Baiona, it is your responsibility from this point to arrange your own transport if you are not taking the arranged group transfer.
Snapshots of accommodation pictured above. Rooms will be two people sharing ( twin beds), unless otherwise requested. If you would like to room with somebody specifically please let us know, otherwise rooms will be assigned on a random basis ( male with male, female with female).
Wellness Events
Slow down and recharge with our wellness events — from social saunas to mindful mornings that leave you feeling refreshed
Join us on Sunday, Feb 15th at 10.15am to hike Church Mountain in Wicklow, followed by a Social Sauna Session at Bosca Sauna in Ballymore Eustace.
This is a moderate hike but we will take it a slow pace and it is short in length so should be doable for most fitness levels- please research the hike to ensure you feel safe taking part. The hike is optional- if you would like to join for the sauna only that is no problem.
➡️When: Sunday, Feb 1th
➡️Where: Church Mountain, Wicklow, then to Bosca Sauna in Ballymore Eustace, Kildare
➡️Time: 10.15am to 3pm ( sauna will begin at 2pm and we can grab a coffee at the sauna cafe before hand)
➡️Meeting point: Details given when space confirmed
➡️Hike Level: Moderate
➡️Hike Duration: 2-2.5 hours approx
➡️Who’s it for: Everyone :)))
➡️Cost: 15.00
What to bring:
🥾 Hiking boots - it will be wet and boggy in sections
💦 Water and snacks
🧥 Wet Gear- prepare for all weathers and make sure to layer appropriately :)
🧖 Swimwear and towel for the sauna
Once your space is confirmed you will be added to a groupchat with other attendees. Please confirm your identification via instagram or email if this is your first time attending an event.
Spaces are non-refundable. Your space can be transferred to another person.
Participants are responsible for their own safety and well-being. We are not liable for any injuries, accidents, or personal belongings lost during the event. This is an arranged meet up, not a guided experience.
Join us for a walk around Bohernabreena Resevoir followed by a sauna, cold plunge and hot tub at Goughie’s Coffee.
Details coming soon.
Join us on Sunday, Feb 15th at 10.15am to hike Church Mountain in Wicklow, followed by a Social Sauna Session at Bosca Sauna in Ballymore Eustace.
This is a moderate hike but we will take it a slow pace and it is short in length so should be doable for most fitness levels- please research the hike to ensure you feel safe taking part. The hike is optional- if you would like to join for the sauna only that is no problem.
➡️When: Sunday, Feb 1th
➡️Where: Church Mountain, Wicklow, then to Bosca Sauna in Ballymore Eustace, Kildare
➡️Time: 10.15am to 3pm ( sauna will begin at 2pm and we can grab a coffee at the sauna cafe before hand)
➡️Meeting point: Details given when space confirmed
➡️Hike Level: Moderate
➡️Hike Duration: 2-2.5 hours approx
➡️Who’s it for: Everyone :)))
➡️Cost: 15.00
What to bring:
🥾 Hiking boots - it will be wet and boggy in sections
💦 Water and snacks
🧥 Wet Gear- prepare for all weathers and make sure to layer appropriately :)
🧖 Swimwear and towel for the sauna
Once your space is confirmed you will be added to a groupchat with other attendees. Please confirm your identification via instagram or email if this is your first time attending an event.
Spaces are non-refundable. Your space can be transferred to another person.
Participants are responsible for their own safety and well-being. We are not liable for any injuries, accidents, or personal belongings lost during the event. This is an arranged meet up, not a guided experience.