Burren, Aran Islands & Connemara

Day 1: Arrive in Doolin 
Day 2: Hike Cliffs of Moher, 7.8 mi (12.5 km)
Day 3: Hike Ballinalacken Castle to Ballyvaughan, 11.8 mi (19 km)
Day 4: Ballyvaughan, Green Road Hike, 11.8 mi (19 km)
Day 5: Ballyvaughan, departure day 

Day 1: Arrive in Doolin 
On arrival in Doolin, your hostess will give you your full detailed information pack. She will also be able to recommend some of the excellent local restaurants and suggest some of the pubs where you will find great traditional Irish music. Access for this holiday is by a taxi or bus connection from Galway or Shannon Airports to Doolin. This service is available all year round.

Accommodation: Seascape B & B, Doolin

Day 2: Hags Head to Doolin/Cliffs of Moher, 7.8 mi (12.5 km)
You will walk directly from your guesthouse to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre. From here you follow the “Burren Way” along the cliff tops to Hags Head and return by the same route, but enjoying a completely different panorama. Once back at the visitor’s center, you will then be transferred back to your accommodations.

Accommodation: Seascape B & B, Doolin
Walk details:

• Height gain: 951m
• Height loss 902m
• Max elevation: 179m
• Terrain: Some road walking, muddy and rocky grass tracks, can be wet underfoot. Boots essential. Walking close to the exposed cliff edge.

Day 3: Doolin - Ballinalacken Castle - Ballyvaughan, 11.8 mi (19 km)
You will be driven a short distance from your guesthouse to the start of your walk at Ballinalacken Castle. From here you follow the “Burren Way” along old green roads into the heart of the Burren, with wonderful limestone pavements and walls all around you. There are fantastic views over Galway Bay and the Aran Islands as you continue on, passing Fermoyle Chapel, to Lismacsheedy. Old ring forts can be found along the way as you continue on past the impressive Newtown Castle and finish in Ballyvaughan.

Accommodation: Meadowfield B & B, Ballyvaughan
Walk details:

• Height gain: 378m
• Height loss: 476m
• Max height: 297m
• Terrain: Some road walking, muddy and rocky grass tracks, can be wet underfoot. Boots essential.

Day 4: Ballyvaughan, Green Road Hike, 11.8 mi (19 km)
You will start your walk at “Green Road” near Feenagh, just a short transfer distance from your accommodation. From here you follow the old green road into the heart of the Black Head mountain, with wonderful limestone pavements and stone walls all around. There are fantastic views over Galway Bay and the Aran Islands as you continue on, over Gleninagh Mountain, continuing on to reach the Burren's only beach, at Fanore, you then follow the beautiful Caher Valley to complete your circuit, passing old ring forts on the way. Collection and return back to your accommodation.

Accommodation: Meadowfield B & B, Ballyvaughan
Walk details:

• Height gain: 378m
• Height loss: 476m
• Max height: 297
• Terrain: Some road walking, muddy and rocky grass tracks, can be wet underfoot. Boots essential.

Day 5: Ballyvaughan, departure day 
After breakfast, depart for your onward journey, either to the airport or further holiday. Private transfers can be arranged if preferable and on request. 

Optional extra days:

Day 2: Inis Oir Hike, 7.5 mi (12 km)
From the pier in Doolin, you will take the Ferry to Inis Oir, the smallest of the Aran Islands, but an Island with lovely walks and people; where history, culture, and Celtic remains are all around. Following your hike, you will return to Doolin.

Overnight: Doolin
Walk Details. A flat walk around the Western side of the Island in the morning and another two hours walk on the Eastern side of the Island in the afternoon. Boots optional. 

Day 3: Inis Mor Hike, 9.6 mi (15.5 km) 
A good day's walking today on the largest of the Aran Islands, Inis Mor, you will have the opportunity to walk to the world-famous clifftop stone fort of Dun Aonghasa. The stone chevaux- de-frise of this fort are still visible and the whole experience has been described ... “as the most magnificent barbaric monument in Europe”. Gaelic is still spoken as the everyday language of this island people. 

Overnight: Doolin
Walk Details:

• Height gain: 207m
• Height loss: 207m
• Max height: 95m
• Terrain: Small road walking and paths. Open cliff top. Boots optional.

Day 1: Arrive in Lahinch 
Day 2: Hags Head to Doolin - Cliffs of Moher, 7.8 mi (12.5 km) 
Day 3: Hike Black Head to Doolin, 12 mi (19.5 km) 
Day 4: Dun Ducathair - Inis Mor Hike, 5 mi (8 km)
Day 5: Inis Mor Hike, 9.6 mi (15.5 km)
Day 6: Hike Lough Inagh to Leenane, 9.3 mi (15 km)
Day 7: Hike Killary Harbour, 9.3 mi (15 km)
Day 8: Departing Leenane 

Day 1: Arrive in Lahinch 
On arrival at your accommodation, your hosts will give you your detailed information pack. They will also be able to recommend some of the excellent local restaurants and suggest some of the pubs where you will find great traditional Irish music. Access for this holiday is by a taxi or bus connection from Galway or Shannon Airports to Lahinch. This service is available all year round.

Accommodation: Lahinch Coast Hotel

Day 2: Hags Head to Doolin - Cliffs of Moher, 7.8 mi (12.5 km) 
For today’s walk, you will be driven a short distance from your B&B to the start of your walk along the top of the majestic Cliffs of Moher. From the southern end – known as “Hags Head” you will walk along these amazing cliffs to reach the Cliffs of Moher Centre. From the center, you will continue along the clifftop to the town of Doolin.

Accommodation: Seascape B & B, Doolin
Walk Details:

• Height gain: 951m
• Height loss: 902m 
• Max height: 179m
• Terrain: Some road walking, muddy and rocky grass tracks, can be wet underfoot. Boots essential. Walking close to the exposed cliff edge.

Day 3: Hike Black Head to Doolin, 12 mi (19.5 km) 
You begin your walk at Feenagh, following a transfer, ron the Black Head Loop. From here you follow the “Burren Way” along old green roads into the heart of the Burren, with wonderful limestone pavements and walls all around you. There are fantastic views of the Aran Islands as you continue on, passing along the foot of Slieve Elva as you make your way back to Doolin.

Accommodation: Seascape B & B, Doolin
Walk Details:

• Height gain: 286m
• Height loss: 393m
• Max height: 297m
• Terrain: Some road walking, muddy and rocky grass tracks, can be wet underfoot. Boots essential.

Day 4: Dun Ducathair - Inis Mor Hike, 5 mi (8 km)
An 8 km circuit takes you to a wonderful Promontory Fort known as Dún Dúchathair or The Black Fort and then follows southeast to bring you back into the townl of Kilronan.

Accommodation: Dormer House, Inis Mor
Walk Details:

• Height gain: 145m
• Height loss: 141m 
• Max height: 49m
• Terrain: Paved roads, gravel tracks with rocky and uneven sections, limestone slabs that can be wobbly underfoot.

Day 5: Inis Mor Hike, 9.6 mi (15.5 km)
A good day of walking today on the largest of the Aran Islands, Inis Mor. From your accommodation, you will have the opportunity to walk to the world-famous clifftop stone fort of Dun Aonghasa. The stone chevaux-de-frise of this fort is still visible and the whole experience has been described … “as the most magnificent barbaric monument in Europe”. Gaelic is still spoken as the everyday language of this island people. Return to your accommodation for overnight.

Accommodation: Dormer House, Inis Mor
Walk Details:

• Height gain: 207m
• Height loss: 207m
• Max height: 95m
• Terrain: Small road walking and paths. Open cliff top. Boots optional.

Day 6: Hike Lough Inagh to Leenane, 9.3 mi (15 km)
Starting from Lough Inagh and, continuing on the Western Way, walk along the foot of the Maamturk Mountains through Letterbreckaun to Tullyconor to the shores of the spectacular Killary Harbour to finish in the little village of Leenane. 

Accommodation: Leenane Hotel, Leenane
Walk Details:

• Height gain: 210m
• Height loss: 271m 
• Max height: 128m
• Terrain: Grass tracks – rocky and muddy in places. Can be wet underfoot – boots essential. Some road/track walking.

Day 7: Hike Killary Harbour, 9.3 mi (15 km)
This is a glorious walk taking you along a quiet road to reach the western tip of Killary Harbour – Ireland’s only fjord. The road finishes at Rossroe Pier overlooking Killary Harbour and also where there is a lot of storage for fish farming people. You will then be following along an old “Famine Road” once used by people who lived and worked along the shores of the fjord. Continuing along this old track leads you onto another quiet road before you re-join the Western Way and follow this northwest to the village of Leenane.

Accommodation: Leenane Hotel, Leenane
Walk Details:

• Height gain: 396m
• Height loss: 447m
• Max height: 124m
• Terrain: Grass tracks – rocky and muddy in places. Can be wet underfoot – boots essential. Some road walking.

Day 8: Departing Leenane 
From Leenane, if you are returning to Galway City for your onward journey, a taxi is required to take you to Maam Cross to join the main Galway-Clifden bus route. This taxi transfer has been included in your booking as standard. At Galway Bus/Rail Station – you can then access all airports, ferry ports or main cities by the excellent train/bus services offered. A private bus service also serves Shannon and Dublin Airports/Dublin City direct from outside the tourist office.

Optional extra days:

Day 4: Inis Oir Hike, 7.5 mi (12 km)
From the pier in Doolin, you will take the Ferry to Inis Oir, the smallest of the Aran Islands, but an Island with lovely walks and people; where history, culture, and Celtic remains are all around. Following your hike, you will return to overnight in Doolin. 

Accommodation: Seascape B & B, Doolin
Walk Details: A flat walk around the western side of the island in the morning and another two hours walk in the eastern side of the island in the afternoon. Boots optional.

Day 7: Croagh Patrick Hike, up to 5.6 mi (9 km)
Today is your day for experiencing a pilgrimage as you hike the iconic mass of Croagh Patrick. Starting on the main Pilgrim route at Murrisk, you hike up the northern side of Croagh Patrick to approx. 400m at the shoulder of the mountain. From here, you will follow the ancient “Tochar Phadraig” part of the old pilgrim route from the monastic settlement at Aghagower east. Hiking around the southern foothills you will complete a circuit and return to Murrisk, finishing at the visitor’s center at the base of Croagh Patrick. There, you can enjoy some well-earned refreshments and read some of the history of the mountain if you wish.

Accommodation: Wyatt Hotel or Clew Bay Hotel
Walk Details:

• Height gain: 470m
•  Height loss: 475m
• Terrain: Gravel tracks, loose scree, rocky and uneven conditions underfoot, muddy trails.

Day 1: Arrive in Connemara
Day 2: Errisbeg Mountain Hike, 6.5 mi (10.4km) 
Day 3: Killary Fjord Hike, 3.9 mi (6.2km) 
Day 4: Dun Ducathair Hike, 3.9 mi (6.2km) 
Day 5: Dun Aonghasa Hike, 10.7 mi (17.2 km)
Day 6: Abbey Hill Hike, 4.1 mi (6.6 km)
Day 7: Cliffs of Moher Hike, 7.7 mi (12.4 km)
Day 8: Depart Doolin

Day 1: Arrive to Connemara
Your holiday begins in the cultural city of Galway - a city that thrives both on a fascinating and historical past and proudly traditional Irish present. Your guide will meet you at 16.00 hours in the center of Galway, and then a courtesy transfer by minivan takes you to the southern shores of Connemara Roundstone. From here, your guide will introduce you to your group and brief you on the upcoming days. You will then walk to a nearby restaurant for your first dinner together and return later to your accommodation. You can also make your own way to Connemara if you wish, where your guide will meet you at your accommodation at approx. 17h30. 

Accommodation: Island View B & B, Roundstone
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Errisbeg Mountain Hike, 6.5 mi (10.4km) 
Your first hike is a wonderful introduction to the beauty of Connemara and the contrasts of bogland and beach, which make this part of Ireland so enthralling. A wonderful track gradually becomes a little “sheep trail” as you follow a beautiful walk to Errisbeg mountain. With glorious views across Roundstone Bog to the Twelve Bens and the Maamturks, a vista unfolds to the stunning landscape for which Connemara is so famous and so popular with nature lovers. To your west, you overlook the coast and the wild Atlantic way off to the horizon, while to your east, you overlook bogland and mountains. Descend from here and follow the coastline back to your accommodation. Today is a super opportunity for a swim in the clear and refreshing waters of the west of Ireland and your guide will ensure you have time to do so if you wish.

Accommodation: Island View B & B, Roundstone
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Walk details:
Height gain: 332m
Height loss: 324m
Max height: 281m
Terrain: Paved roads disappear to grassy tracks and then open hillsides with rocky and uneven sections, some boggy and wet underfoot conditions with some steep climbs up and down. Paved footpaths and beach towards the end. Opportunity to swim.

Day 3: Leenane Hill, 6 mi. (9.50km) 
Today you will drive north to reach the stunning Killary Harbour. This is Ireland’s only fjord with a wealth of history and amazing scenery. Leenane village is nestled at the Eastern shores of the fjord and this is where you will begin your hike today. Taking you to a ridgeline above the village which offers vistas across the fjord and over the iconic Connemara Landscape. Find out why this region of Ireland is a favorite with hikers from across the globe.

Accommodation: Island View B & B, Roundstone
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Walk details:

• Height gain: 184m
• Height loss: 183m 
• Max height: 606m
• Terrain: Paved roads, gravel tracks, and open hillsides with uneven, rocky, and boggy sections underfoot.

Day 4: Dun Ducathair Hike, 3.9 mi (6.2km) 
Taking a small ferry from Galway, a one-hour crossing brings you to the largest of the Aran Islands, Inis Mor. On reaching the island, you drop off your luggage at your accommodation and continue on your wonderful hike around the southeastern region of the island. Learning some of the rich histories of these islands, you will also have time to visit an old fortress before returning to your accommodation for your dinner and overnight. 

Accommodation: Dormer House, Inis Mor
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Walk details:

• Height gain: 97m
• Height loss: 183m
• Max height: 49m
• Terrain: Paved roads, gravel tracks with rocky and uneven sections, limestone slabs which can be unsteady underfoot

Day 5: Dun Aonghasa Hike, 10.7 mi (17.2 km)
Following a lovely old trail, you trek across the limestone pavements to reach the fascinating “Poll na bPeist” or Serpents Lair. This amazing natural tidal rock pool is a wonderful location to learn more about this ancient landscape. When you reach the impressive stone fortress of Dun Aonghasa, your breath will be taken away with the wonderful views from here. From Dun Aonghasa fortress, along the northern shores of the island, you reach a seal sanctuary. With time to enjoy this coastline, and visit some of the older churches on the island, you then return to your accommodation to enjoy an evening at your own leisure.

Accommodation: Dormer House, Inis Mor
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Walk details:

• Height gain: 239m
• Height loss: 235m
• Max height: 95m
• Terrain: Paved roads, gravel tracks with rocky and uneven sections, limestone slabs that can be wobbly underfoot. Exposed cliff edges with no protection.

Day 6: Cliffs of Moher Hike, 7.7 mi (12.4 km)
Departing from your accommodation you will hike south to reach the foothills of the Cliffs of Moher. Climbing gradually, you can see the lower levels and layering of rock formations that continue to climb to their 300m wall of beauty. Reaching the visitor’s center, you may wish to learn more about the formation of the cliffs, or just enjoy some light refreshments there. Following south from the visitor’s center you reach the southern point of the cliffs at Hags Head. This is the place that originally gave the cliffs their name and from here, you have wonderful views south over Lahinch, the Shannon Estuary, and Kerry in the distance. Transferring by public bus back to Doolin, those that wish will have time for a well-earned “pint” to celebrate your week of walking.

Accommodation: Doolin Lodge, Doolin
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Walk details:

• Height gain: 951m
• Height loss: 902m
• Max height: 260m
• Terrain: Paved roads, gravel tracks, and grassy, muddy trails. Exposed cliff edges throughout the walk.

Day 7: Black Head Loop, 7.5 mi. (12 km)
You will transfer to the start of your walk at a “Green Road” just south of Ballyvaughan village. From here you follow this old green road into the heart of Black Head mountain, with wonderful limestone pavements and stone walls all around. There are fantastic views over Galway Bay and the Aran Islands as you continue on, around Gleninagh Mountain. Finishing your walk in Fanore, you will be transported back to Doolin for your overnight

Accommodation: Doolin Lodge, Doolin
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Walk details:

• Height gain: 240m
• Height loss: 239m 
• Max gain: 179m
• Terrain: Paved roads and gravel tracks, open hillside with rocky and uneven limestone slabs to traverse.

Day 8: Depart Doolin
After your final and substantial Irish breakfast, you will be transferred to the bus and train station in Galway. From here, you can then avail of the excellent bus/train service to all major airports, cities, and ferry ports in Ireland. Your estimated arrival time to Galway is approx. 10:30 am.

Meals: Breakfast