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Hiker on a path along the Cliffs of Moher

Ireland's Western Way

Connemara, Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher

8 Days / 7 Nights
Walking
Hiker on a path along the Cliffs of Moher

Ireland! That's Guinness, whisky, a lively music scene, but also spectacular landscapes. And yet, in this country, the Emerald Isle is not necessarily known for hiking tours. But you should definitely not miss this adventure, because the west of Ireland is a true hiker's paradise. Rugged cliffs, spectacular coastlines and fabulous landscapes - pack your walking boots and come with us to the home of St. Patrick and Pierce Brosnan!

The enchanting village of Doolin is the gateway to an absolute highlight of the tour: the world-famous Cliffs of Moher! A particularly extraordinary panorama awaits visitors from the top of O'Briens Tower. The next stage takes you by ship to Inis Mor, the largest of the Aran Islands. This mystical place immerses you in Irish Celtic history as you walk along the rugged limestone cliffs and miles of dry stone walls.

Back on the mainland, there are two impressive lakes and a moorland landscape to "hike", Lough Boffin and Lough Corrib. The Connemara region, on the edge of the Atlantic, has a particularly wild beauty. The Maumturk Mountains, Lough Inagh, the Twelve Bens and Killary Harbour are other impressive natural attractions along the route. Why not spend a few days in Galway before heading home?

  • The Irish culture: Don't miss a visit or two to one of the charming pubs in the evening. Often there is live music typical for the country and with a seafood stew or an Irish stew you will feel like you have really arrived in Ireland!
  • The Famine Walk takes you to Ireland's only fjord, Killary Harbour, but also into the history of the region. The path was historically used to transport food quickly.
  • The unique "Cliffs of Moher": The cliffs rise vertically up to 214 metres. Despite the secured paths, you can get quite dizzy looking down. But the adventure is worth it! Walk along the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which has served as a backdrop for films such as "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince".
  • Grandiose views: Make sure you have enough memory on your camera, because you will need it! Whether glittering lakes or green meadows with countless sheep, photogenic scenery awaits at every turn on this tour.

With a daily walking time of four to six hours, the tours are not too long, so you have enough time to enjoy the scenic and cultural highlights. Due to the rocky sections, you should have sure footing. The weather in Ireland is characterised by rainfall, so expect changeable conditions.

Itinerary at a glance

Green meadows, sparkling lakes, and the coastline await you in Ireland, where you can dine on delicious seafood chowder in rustic pubs. Hike along the Killary harbour coastal walk or "Famine Walk" to Killary Fjord, and for the "Cliffs of Moher," we have only one word – spectacular!
Day
01
Arrival in Doolin

More than 120 metres the Cliffs of Moher proturde from the Atlantic. This impressive cliff scenery is the backdrop for your first day of hiking. In the morning a short transfer to Liscannor from where you follow the Cliffs of Moher-Trail, which leads you directly along the cliffs back to Doolin.

In the morning transfer to the ferry pier and crossing to Inis Mor, the largest of the Aran Islands. Stone walls were piled up here as far as the eye can see in order to be able to work the barren ground. The route leads you past a seal colony to the world-famous ruins of Dún Aenghus (UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site). When you arrive, the masses of tourists will already have moved on and you can explore this spectacualr site in peace and quiet. After that hike back to Cill Rónáin.

The Aran Islands are considered the center of Gaelic language and music. If you are interested in customs, you can discover a lot here. If you prefer to get some fresh air, rent a bike or lace up your hiking boots to discover the many other buildings and fortifications on the island.

In the morning you return by ferry to Ross a’ Mhil on the mainland. Here you get picked up and taken to Lough Boffin, your starting point for your walk today. The route takes you then along the lake ‚Lough Corrib’. At the end of the lake you walk through an amazing moor landscape. Short transfer to your accommodation. Short transfer to your accommodation.

Transfer back to the valley of Tiernakill. One of the highlights of the Great Western Way are the ‚Maumturk Mountains’. The scenery appears nearly alpine, however a glance onto the endless green hills and countless sheep reveals why Connemara is considered one of the most beautiful corners of Ireland. Once you have arrived at the Maum Ean-pass, a mystic site awaits. A little chapel, Celtic crosses and a statue of St Patrick turn this into a sacred place. The day ends with a descent to the lake ‚Lough Inagh’.

Trees are a rare commodity in Ireland, however today’s route soon leads you through several forests. This stage is very varied. You leave the hills of the Maumturk Mountains and the 12 Bens behind you and soon the terrain becomes more level. Your Day Finish is the little coastal village of Leenane, situated in a picturesque location at the end of the Killary fjord.

Day
08
Departure or extension

Difficulty level

Walking

For the hike along the Cliffs of Moher-Trail a head for heights is prerequisite. For all other daily tours up to 19 km a good basic fitness level is required. Some surefootedness is an advantage during the descent from Maum Ean-pass.

Prices & Dates

Prices per person in EUR

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation in beautiful typical B&B’s, Lodge in Lough Inagh
  • Breakfast
  • Luggage transfer (not for ferry trips)
  • Transfers and ferry crossings according to program
  • Carefully elaborated route description
  • Detailed travel documents 1x per room (German, English)
  • GPS-data
  • Service hotline

Optional extras

  • Transfer from Leenane to Westport, cost per ride EUR 60 to 75, reservation required, payable on spot.

 

Arrival / Departure

  • Airport Dublin or Shannon.
  • Airport Dublin. Via Citylink-bus (www.citylink.ie) to Galway, approx. 2.5 hours. Or from Dublin Heuston via train (www.irishrail.ie) to Galway, approx. 2 hours. From Galway via bus (www.buseireann.ie) to Doolin, duration approx. 2 hours.
  • Airport Shannon via bus and train to Doolin, approx. 2.5 hours.
  • Organized transfer from Leenane to Westport available. Westport via train to Dublin Heuston, approx. 3.5 hours.

Things to note

  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price
  • Luggage transfer for ferry trips Aran Islands on your own (3. and 5. day)
  • Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!
  • This tour is a partner tour.

Join us in achieving greater sustainability by choosing our digital route book, rather than the printed version. As a small thank you we will give you a discount of EUR 20 per room.

"We look forward to making your holiday dreams come true"

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