Connemara, Aran Islands and the Burren Guided Walking
Immerse yourself in the best of the west! The essence and variety of the West of Ireland, the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way, is captured on this three-centre, guided walking/hiking tour, visiting Clare, the Burren, The Aran Islands & Connemara.
Beginning in the matchmaking town of Lisdoonvarna, we discover The Burren, a remarkable area of more than 100 square miles of limestone landscape, where a rich variety of plants thrive in the cracks and crevices. We experience the force of the Atlantic first hand, along the steep and rugged coastline of the Cliffs of Moher. Enjoy the sea view of the dramatic west coast of Ireland on the ferry to the Aran Islands, where Gaelic is still spoken.
Explore the many archaeological sites of the island, including the pre-historic fort Dun Aonghasa. Old pilgrimage sites and bog lands rich in flowers are the treats of Connemara where we encounter Ireland’s only Fjord and mesmerising landscape. Relax in the evenings after a delicious evening meal, listen to live traditional music and meet the locals.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival Galway City
Welcome to the ‘Wild West’, the Wild Atlantic Way West! Group will meet in Galway at 17.00 and are then transferred to your hotel in Lisdoonvarna. If you arrive early you can leave your luggage in left luggage facilities in Eyre Square. Get to know your guide and the rest of the group on the drive to Lisdoonvarna and more over a delicious evening meal while your guide will give you a full briefing on the week ahead. Overnight in Lisdoonvarna (3 nights).
Day 2 – The Cliffs of Moher & Atlantic Coast Distance: 13km/8 miles • Ascent: little or none
Enjoy your first day’s walking along a new coastal walking trail in Clare which will bring you along one of the most outstanding landscapes of Ireland. From Liscannor and Hags Head in the south, along by the majestic Cliffs of Moher and to Doolin in the North, with views over Aill Na Searrach, the Aran Islands and Galway Bay. The trail follows the line of the cliffs and passes through the grounds of the visitor centre.
After you have worked up your appetite it will be time to take the short journey back to the hotel for tonight’s evening meal.
Day 3 – The Burren Distance: 13km/8 miles • Ascent: 275m/900ft
Today we venture to the unique internationally important habitat that is The Burren. We explore it through a combination of walking on green roads and traversing the karst limestone pavements which are interspersed with rare arctic and alpine flowers. This walk allows us time to delve into the flora, landscape and history that makes The Burren what is it was and is today. Our short transfer back to the hotel will allow those feet some well-earned rest before dinner.
Day 4 – The Aran Islands, Inis Mor Distance: 9km/5.5 miles • Ascent: little or none
This morning we transfer from Lisdoonvarna to Doolin for our sailing to the Irish-speaking Aran Islands, located off the west coast of Ireland. A true Irish experience awaits, locals speak Irish as well as English in a setting of Celtic churches of historical significance as we base ourselves on the largest island Inis Mor for the next 2 nights. Once our luggage is dropped off at the hotel, we walk to the southeast of the island to spectacular cliffs and puffing holes, continuing on to the Iron Age Black Fort (Dún Duchathair). Overnight on Inis Mor (2 nights).
Day 5 – The Aran Islands, Dún Aonghasa Distance: up to 10km/6 miles • Ascent: little or none
Today we take a short transfer to visit archaeological sites including the pre-historic fort, Dún Aonghasa and Poll na bPéist (worm hole), all set in a stony landscape from which a living was laboriously wrenched. Located on the south side of Inismór, it is a semi-circular stone fort overlooking the Atlantic with daunting and dramatic views that stretch the length of the Island. The Worm Hole is a natural rectangular shaped pool found at the bottom of the cliffs south of Dún Aonghasa and is a popular location for Cliff Diving competitions.
Day 6 – Maumeen Pilgrimage route Distance: 13km/8 miles
After an early sailing back to the mainland, we are picked up and transferred to enjoy today’s walk through the beautiful Maumeen Mountains on the pilgrimage route up to St. Patrick’s Well & bed. Our trail is surrounded by untouched mountains and rocky, sheer fields separated by centuries-old stone walls. The chapel itself, around halfway through the mountain pass, is thought to be one of the smallest in Ireland, and according to legend, it was the place St. Patrick went to bestow his blessing on the wide, rugged terrain of Connemara. Continuing along the Western Way we finish our walk at Keane’s Pub where we can enjoy a different type of blessing before being collected and brought to our hotel. Overnight in Connemara (2 nights).
Day 7 – The Connemara Coast- Killary Harbour Distance: 16km/10 miles • Ascent: little or none
This morning we are transferred to the start of our walk where we will then walk along the shore of Killary Harbour – Ireland’s only fjord, on the ‘Famine Trail’ through Connemara mountain scenery back to our hotel. This part of Connemara would have been badly affected by the famine in the 1840’s and there is evidence of the destitution of this era – ruined buildings, a famine relief road dating back to 1856 which would have been constructed by the local people in return for food. A lake dotted bog land, rich in flora on the Wild Atlantic Way, awaits us with unrivalled views of the spectacular bay and across to the northern shore to the Mayo mountains. In more recent times, Killary Harbour has become a centre for aquaculture, with mussels being farmed in the deep, clear waters of the fjord.
On return to the hotel we will have time to reflect on the past week before meeting up again for our farewell dinner. ‘We met as strangers, we leave as friends’
Day 8 – Departure Day
Enjoy your final hot cooked breakfast and we prepare to leave for Galway city. Our final transfer at 09.00 takes us from Leenane back to Galway City from where you can make your own onward journey to wherever it takes you. Bid your ‘see you later’ and not ‘goodbye’. Slán abhaile – Safe home! See you next time!
Note that, for weather or other reasons, on occasion the guide may have to change the sequence of walks or the walks themselves.
The spectacular Cliffs of Moher
Ferry on the Atlantic Sea
Overnight on Inis Mor, largest of the Aran Islands
Visit to prehistoric fort of Dun Aonghasa on Inis Mor
The internationally renowned karst limestone habitat of the Burren
Connemara’s lake dotted bog land, mountains and seascape
Killary Harbour- Ireland’s only fjord
Irish traditional music
Accommodation in Connemara, Aran Island & the Burren
Imperial Hotel, Lisdoonvarna, County Clare.
Located in the heart of Lisdoonvarna in North Clare, Ireland’s historic Spa town, world famous for its music and the home of the annual matchmaking festival every September. The Imperial Hotel offers a unique blend of friendly service and warm hospitality. The bright and airy reception area is an ideal place to relax, along with two cosy lounge areas. 100 bright rooms feature a satellite TV, tea and coffee making facilities and a telephone, as well as an en-suite bathroom with hairdryer and complimentary toiletries. The Imperial Hotel is less than 1 hour’s drive from Shannon International Airport.
Aran Islands Hotel, Inis Mór, Aran Islands The Aran Islands Hotel (Óstán Oileain Arainn) is a charming 3-star standard hotel located on one of Europe’s most picturesque and unspoilt environments, Inis Mór, Aran Islands. The hotel offers a comfortable and traditional setting, a place to relax and unwind from a hectic life style or from a day out exploring the Island, where you’ll meet some great characters from locals to our own staff. All bedrooms are spacious and beautifully appointed and include facilities such as Free WiFi, Flat Screen TV, Telephone, Iron, Hair-Dryer, Tea / Coffee Making Facilities. The hotel has 22 ensuite bedrooms, including five balcony rooms with spectacular views of Kileaney Bay and Kilronan Harbour.
Leenane Hotel, Leenane, Connemara, County Galway Leenane Hotel is located in the village of Leenane in Co Galway, Ireland – part of the Connemara region of Ireland. Overlooking Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord, the Hotel enjoys what is perhaps one of the most scenic locations in Ireland. The Hotel has 66 en-suite guest bedrooms in total with fifty providing views of Killary Harbour and sixteen with view of mountains. Each room is uniquely styled with antique furnishings in keeping with the Hotel’s character. Look forward to a warm welcome, the highest standards of hospitality and a fine dining experience.
7 nights’ hotel accommodation with private bathroom facilities
6 hot cooked full Irish Breakfasts
1 continental breakfast on day 6
6 packed lunches
7 evening meals
Experienced Go Visit Ireland guide throughout itinerary
Transfers to and from walks
Return ferry to the Aran Islands
Entrance to Dun Aonghasa Fort
Transfer from Galway to Lisddonvarna on Day 1
Transfer from Leenane to Galway city on Day 8
Tour Details
8 days / 7 nights (Ref: CBA7)
Dates 2020: Saturday June 6, Saturday July 18, Saturday August 15
Price 2020: €1480 per person sharing
Single Supplement: €280 (limited availability)
This can be avoided entirely if singles are willing to share a room with someone of the same sex. We will try our utmost to match those singles willing to share.
Minimum group size: 6 pax
Walking Grade: 2 Boots – Moderate walks of 6-12 miles (10-19km) per day with gradual ascents of up to 900ft (275m).