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      Venture Out 2026

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      Guest Author: Siobhán McBride, Custom Trip Specialist
      Published: Sep 02, 2026

      When Travel Gives Something Back

      Behind every Wilderness Ireland trip is a small fund doing quiet, powerful work.

      It’s called the Wilderness Conservation & Community Fund (WCCF), and since establishing it, we’ve been able to put real weight behind the partnerships that matter most to us. None more so than our ongoing support for Venture Out, a social enterprise that uses the outdoors to change lives for people from marginalised communities. Their flagship Ember Project takes small groups on multi-day wild camping expeditions across some of Ireland’s most remote landscapes, building confidence, resilience, and a genuine sense of belonging along the way.

      In 2026, traveller contributions meant we could fund a full Ember Project expedition once again, and this year, it was our own Siobhan who packed her bags and joined the group in Connemara to see the impact for herself.

      What follows are her reflections from five days off-grid: on vulnerability, community, and what it really means to venture out.

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      Out of Your Head & Into Nature

      I had some preconceived notions of how the week would go and how I would feel on the Venture Out expedition. But I left with a backpack full of an open mind and snacks, of course.

      From the moment I got on the bus to the last wave goodbye, I felt I was exactly where I needed to be.

      I feel that today, we are all caught up in this fast-paced, digitalised world. Everything’s documented, tracked and traced, but do we ever really feel present and at peace?

      I put my name forward for Venture Out because I loved the idea of disconnecting from this idea of life and reconnecting with what’s real. The mountains, fresh air and genuine connections with people. This is exactly what Venture Out provides.

      Siobhan enjoying her time in nature.

      Day 1 – First Impressions

      The initial introductions caused the usual awkwardness and wonder: “How is this gonna go?”

      The group seemed, for the most part, optimistic, and there was a light feel in the air. Some already knew each other, others shied away. We grabbed our backpacks and headed to the mountains.

      The first afternoon felt like I was back in school, everything was simply laid out and explained. As a group, we naturally got stuck into what was most important: the food. I think we were all pleasantly surprised by the choice available for meals. The team at Venture Out did not skimp on the food, it was a social event from the get-go.

      Teamwork and communication came into play. You chop, you fetch water, and you clean. Conversations naturally flowed over bowls of noodles. It set the tone for the days to follow.

      Dinner is served.

      Meeting the Group

      We had our lunch and sat around in a circle to start the official introductions. Everyone seemed so open and accepting of their stories. As the saying goes, “If we all hung our problems on the clothesline, you’d see everyone else’s problems and take back your own.”

      One man smiled and, as composed as could be, explained how grateful he was for the opportunity to spend a few days in the beauty of Connemara. A man I came to learn throughout the week seemed to have it down: “What’s the rush. Learn from your mistakes, be gentle and kind and enjoy life.” He brought an element of peace to the camp and could only be described as the wise man among us.

      There was a lady who was quick to establish her boundaries. I was in awe of how someone could so bluntly tell complete strangers exactly what she would tolerate and what she would not. She had never camped before, and she didn’t know how she would feel about it, she simply wanted the chance to give it a go.

      As the week went on, I watched her soften and gradually let her guard down. Beneath the tough exterior was a genuine and thoughtful person. She spoke openly about her experiences with ADHD and autism, and how she often finds it difficult to form female friendships because of the way she communicates. There was an internal battle between protecting oneself through boundaries and recognising that those same boundaries can sometimes prevent truly getting to know people. It seemed to be a constant balancing act: creating enough distance to feel safe, while still allowing room for connection.

      And on that word — safe — I wrote that in my journal one night, nothing else. To me, that was enough to explain how I felt that day. It was the general consensus: feeling safe among a group of strangers who are experiencing their own battles.

      Connemara National Park.

      The First Sunset

      Sunset hike.

      The treat on night one (besides the ample amount of chocolate) was the first sunset of the week. We hiked up the mountain and were promised a beautiful end to day one. For 20 minutes, there was silence. A sunset to quiet the mind and the group.

      Our leader, Nick, couldn’t explain the joy he felt as he watched the group sit and let the sun go down. It set the tone for the week ahead: pause for a time and let nature do its thing.

      Day 2 – Morning Rituals

      A night of minimal sleep, but somehow I never felt so energised. A few people were already up getting their morning dose of caffeine, and I was soon to follow. This small part of the morning struck me, it really taught me patience. Life today often feels centred around convenience. How can we be more efficient? How can we do things faster? How can we save time?

      First, fetch water from the lake, set up the stove, and wait for the water to boil. There is something deeply meditative about the process. Watching the water slowly heat as the sun rises behind it forces you to slow down and simply be present.


      Community Over Coffee


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      This was where the sense of the group’s community shone through. There was almost always water on the boil, and those who needed a little extra time in the comfort of their tents were often greeted with a freshly made cup of coffee when they emerged. It was such a simple act, yet it made me appreciate the beauty of human kindness.

      As we gathered in a circle with our flasks clenched closely, we each took a turn sharing how we slept and what we wanted to challenge ourselves with that day. One guy explained that he didn’t sleep much at all, but he felt at peace. He spoke about his social anxiety and feeling uncomfortable out in the unknown, and was pleasantly surprised by how he was feeling. That seemed to be the theme of the morning; no one expected to feel this way.


      Stories on the Trail


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      The morning started with a lovely stretch of the legs up to a Mass Rock. It’s true what they say: the destination may be nice, but it’s all about the journey. It was on our hikes that stories were shared and intimate details of what people were going through were revealed.

      One guy in his twenties, with his whole life ahead of him, had found himself on a difficult path. He was battling alcoholism and drug addiction, and he spoke openly about his struggles.

      What struck me most was his courage. At such a young age, he had been willing to accept help and surround himself with people who wanted the best for him. He got involved with support groups and made a promise to himself to seek a better life.

      Despite everything he had been through, he brought so much light to the camp. He was always cracking jokes, lifting people’s spirits, and maintaining a positive attitude. It would have been easy to define him by his struggles, but they were only one part of his story.


      Packing Up & Moving On


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      After our morning hike, we packed up camp, enough food for three breakfasts, three lunches, and three dinners. For a few, planning that far ahead wasn’t second nature. It became clear the programme wasn’t just about camping; it was about building skills we take for granted — organisation, teamwork, accountability, and thinking beyond your own needs to support the group.

      The hike itself tested us. Carrying the weight of our packs felt like a metaphor for everything else we were carrying. Progress isn’t effortless; sometimes it’s just one step at a time. A river pit stop and a surprise bag of ice lollies (thanks, Nick) brought the fun back before we pushed on to campsite two.

      By now, we felt like our own pack. Curries, laughter, and another sunset hike — nature just makes food taste better.

      Day 3 – The Big Hike

      We woke up for another morning of coffee and check-ins around the camp: how did everyone sleep, and what animal would you compare yourself to? From bears to giraffes, it added a lightness to the morning.

      This was followed by a morning energiser, a take on the “Fawlty Towers funny walk.” Looking around the camp, I noticed a few apprehensive looks, and my inner voice screamed, “Ugh, this will be embarrassing,” but then I laughed to myself and thought about how freeing it would be to let go of those thoughts and take part without a care in the world. The funnier the better, people were getting giddy, and the laughter was growing.

      In a world where we often put our best foot forward, it was amazing to let go and act the fool.

      This helped set the tone for the day’s hike. We were asked if there was something we wanted to do differently, and for me, it was to slow down, take in the views, and not race up the mountain trying to get there fastest. This led to a discussion where many people expressed apprehension about the hike, as it began with a steep incline. So we broke it down into four sections, with a slower pace and breaks at each quarter — it helped those who were struggling to take a moment to reset and focus on reaching the next goal.

      I had a chat with one man who was training to become a leader for Venture Out. He had been through his own recovery journey and wanted to put his work into action. He witnessed firsthand how these programmes are more than just outdoor activities; they are spaces where people rebuild confidence, connection, and purpose.

      We made it back to camp — a few minor injuries, scrapes, and exhaustion. We learned the value of asking for help when issues arise (such as blisters), and to deal with problems head-on before they become bigger.

      Diamond Hill in Connemara National Park.

      Solo Hike

      Reflecting on the week.

      Today we had a solo hike, the aim being to slow down and process what had happened so far. After three full days of being in close quarters with the group, 15 minutes alone was a gentle reprieve and helped organise some thoughts.

      When we reached the end, they asked everyone what they were thinking during the walk. Two people had similar thoughts: “I looked ahead and I looked behind, watching everyone on the same path, same journey, just different timings — and I thought it was metaphorical for what we are actually going through right now.”

      The group really felt safe around each other. The vulnerability began to feel normal, and conversations about sobriety struggles, anxiety, and fears. The difference in a couple of individuals from day one to now has been amazing; they have come out of their shells and gained a whole new sense of confidence.

      Reflection

      As many words as I have used to describe this experience, I still cannot truly put it into words. What I witnessed was an incredible testament to the Irish community and the way people look out for one another. It restored faith in humanity and served as a powerful reminder of the kindness, compassion, and support that exist all around us.

      The expedition provided the space to venture into the unknown and let your guard down. The vulnerability of everyone, and how quickly we all adapted to our new surroundings, both physically and socially, was really something beautiful. Blessed to be among a group of individuals who were genuine and full of life.

      The opportunity to detach from societal norms and get a digital detox is priceless. Getting out of your head and into nature. Learning the fundamentals of life. To pause and to breathe with your feet grounded in the earth. Learning new tricks for adapting to outdoor cooking, getting creative with what we have. Making our own fun and inviting the inner child to peek through, laugh, and have fun.

      Learn More About Siobhan

      Siobhan’s lovely smile.

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      Our Key Projects

      Discover how Wilderness Ireland is putting sustainability into action through hands-on environmental and community projects. From rewilding efforts to educational programs, these initiatives show how responsible travel can make a real difference.

      Learn More

      Further Reading

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      Meet the Guest Author: Siobhán McBride

      After ten years of living in the concrete jungle of New York, I decided to grab a backpack, leave my fast-paced life behind, and find a new purpose in the real life jungle. My travels have led me to self-sustainable farms in Hawaii and off grid communities in Costa Rica. This experience changed my perspective on life.

      I learned the value of simple living, sustainability, and being one with nature. Returning to Ireland in 2024, I’ve been exploring the country’s wild beauty, wandering through the mountains, discovering new food scenes, and reconnecting with the land that shaped me.

      Now based in Sligo, I’ve truly settled into life by the Wild Atlantic Coast. The pace here is refreshingly slow, helping me feel more grounded, intentional, and grateful for the natural world.

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