West Coast Walks

Introduction
Western Ireland Ireland
Enjoy hiking along the wide, sweeping expanses of Ireland’s beaches, her lonely mountain trails, and her windswept hills.  Participants will be awed by the natural beauty, ancient architecture and charming towns along the way. West Coast Walks features gems of Connemara including mountains, preserved bog lands, national parks, ancient abbeys and forts, and almost 5,000 years of history.

Starting out in Clifden, this hike takes us through a varying landscape of lakes, green rolling hills, tidal islands, awesome cliffs, great labyrinths of limestone, patchwork fields, quiet beaches, and Ireland’s only fjord! Visit places of enchanting history like the Kylemore Abbey, originally built as a romantic gift, the Killary Fjord, intertwined with the 19th century famine relief effort and home to gregarious dolphins, or the fort of Dún Aonghasa, thought to date back to the Iron Age. Discover the strange geological patterns of the Burren region and its eroded limestone floors covering dozens of megalithic tombs and Celtic crosses.

Come and join our fully escorted West Coast Walk! Each day we are assisted by a minivan which allows us to cover more territory. This walk is suitable for participants of all ages. If discovering Ireland’s natural beauty (including sand dunes, forests, rugged hills, heather covered moors, quiet river valleys, endless beaches, and ancient trails) on foot appeals to you, then West Coast Walks is what you have been waiting for!

For those with less time to spare, we can offer a 4-day tour in the West of Ireland including hiking in Connemara and the Aran Islands, taking in the Fort of Dun Aenghus, Kylemore Abbey, Killary Fjord, and Omey Island.

Trip Highlights
- The Cliffs of Moher
- The wild flowers and geology of the Burren
- Aran Islands
- The fort of Dun Aenghus
- The wild, rugged beauty of Connemara
- Killary Harbour - Ireland's only fjord
- A walk on Omey Island

Accomodation

Accommodations
This is a progressive tour so nights will be spent in different locations.

Description
All our accommodations have been carefully selected and are approved by the high standards of the Irish Tourist Board. We have chosen locations of outstanding natural beauty, so that you can enjoy the best of Irish rural life and scenery. You will enjoy top quality accommodation in small, family run guesthouses and hotels whilst being charmed by the hospitable and friendly hosts.
We stay in small hotels, guest houses, farmhouses, B & B's and occasionally castles.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1 & 2: Accommodation in Clifden
Night 3 & 4: Accommodation in Kilmurvey
Night 5 & 6: Accommodation in Ballyvaughan or Lisdoonvarna

Room Occupancy
All rooms are en suite twin, double or single. Singles are available on request for a small supplement.


Meals:
All meals are included in your package except from lunch on Day 4.

Each morning, in addition to the famous full Irish breakfast, there are alternative options available. Everybody loves the Irish soda bread, with creamy Irish butter. But for the more health conscious, you can be assured of plenty of fruit, juice, yogurts and cereals.

We take packed lunches for our lunch breaks during our walks. These are provided from our accommodation or from local delis.

Our evenings are a time for reviewing the day's activities and shared experiences on the hills. Evening meals are taken either in the places where we are staying or in local restaurants. You will be pleasantly surprised at the fine quality meals you will enjoy on your tour.

Riding

This holiday, guided by someone who really knows and cares for Ireland, is the best way to see this enchanting country; imagine yourself hiking (or walking) over Irish mountains, pausing by Irish lakes, drinking in Irish pubs and listening to traditional Irish music.

These hiking trips show you the best of Ireland, its picturesque scenery, the grandeur of its mountains, the warmth and hospitality of its people and the magic of their music. Call it an Irish walking holiday; a hiking vacation in Ireland; even a sabbatical - maybe you're researching Ireland, perhaps for a thesis or book; or perhaps you want to see the Ireland of your Irish ancestors. Call it any or all of these, but treat yourself to a tour of Erin's Isle anyway.
Our hiking tours of Ireland are fully escorted by experienced, professional guides. We travel through Ireland in groups of no more than twelve people. We will escort you on hikes through Ireland's most scenic trails, walk through undiscovered routes lined with extraordinary vistas.

Ireland has a lot to offer the walker: dramatic sea cliffs, high mountain ridges, quiet green roads, butter roads, fuchsia-lined lanes, heath and moorland, sweeping expanses of beach. And then there are the sleepy villages, oak woods, sky-blue lakes, torrential waterfalls and babbling brooks.
Ireland's climate ideally suits the walker as generally it rarely gets too hot to be uncomfortable. Rain and cloud-formations are what bring the interesting light patterns and rainbows. The Western coast and islands are known for magnificent sunsets.

Don't be surprised at the very few people you will meet whilst walking, after all, the entire population of Ireland is only around four million! Ireland is a birdwatcher's paradise with many rarities such as the corncrake. It is also a great place for botanists, especially the area of the Burren, Co. Clare.

Maybe the best attraction of all is the people, you'll never find another place like it for hospitality, friendliness, warmth, generosity, humor, love of life and love of the land.

Hiking Level
It is important that you are fit and at least a regular hiker / walker. When we do half day walks the distance covered could be from 4 to 9 miles, when we do full day walks the distances covered could be 6 to 13 miles. The pace is relaxed with time to enjoy your surroundings, take pictures, watch the birds, etc. Generally the terrain comprises of combinations of tracks, lanes, moorland, heath, coastal paths, beaches and mountain paths. You may choose not to walk on certain days, it's your holiday, there are always alternatives. You may prefer to relax at our accommodation, draw, paint, read, think...
Generally after a day of walking we can help ourselves to complimentary tea and coffee at our accommodation. We allow for some relaxation time before dinner. We have an official "Diary" which has been kept by previous groups and you may choose to make a contribution at the end of your day. After dinner there is nearly always the option of visiting the local pubs for some traditional music and dancing.

Itinerary

Sample itinerary: 7-day option - subject to changes

The itinerary below is subject to change for varying reasons. Any changes made by the operator and / or the tour leaders will be in the interest and safety of all participants.

Day 1: Arrival day, Travel to Clifden
From Shannon we drive north to Clifden in County Galway: a lovely little town known as the “Jewel of Connemara”. Connemara is a wild, rugged, unspoilt area with a ragged coastline and two sets of impressive mountains – the Twelve Bens and the Maamturks.
We will walk at Omey Island: a beautiful place located just off the Connemara shore:  we can reach it by walking across the sand at low tide. We take a circular route around the island travelling by ancient tracks beside a lake and then out across lovely, quiet sandy beaches.  We will be accommodated for the next two nights at a guest house right on the edge of the town. We will take our evening meal at one of Clifden’s many fine restaurants specialising in fresh seafood. The town has many pubs with traditional music sessions most nights of the week.
Alternative Walk Options: the full walk is 4 miles long, there is an alternative option of just 2-3 miles available.
Walking Distance 4 miles (6.4 km) 
Overnight: Clifden
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Visit Kylemore Abbey and Gardens, Hike Killary Harbour
First stop today is Kylemore Abbey: western Ireland’s most famous man-made landmark. Nestled in the heart of Connemara, Kylemore is regarded as one of the most beautiful buildings in Ireland. Built in 1867 by Mitchell Henry as a romantic gift to his wife, Kylemore Abbey and the surrounding mountains and lakes are steeped in history. Later in the day our walk today will be at Killary fjord. The fjord, travelling in from the sea to a village called Leenane forms the natural border between County Mayo in the north and County Galway to the south. This is one of the finest walks in Ireland!
Alternative Walk Options: the full walk is 6 miles long, there is an alternative option of just 2-3 miles available.
Terrain: waterside paths, rocky tracks 
Walking Distance 6 miles (9.7 km) | Elev Gain: 100 ft 
Overnight: Clifden, Connemara
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Hike Inismor, the largest of the Aran Islands
We set off on the mid morning ferry to Inismor and our walk consists of much varied terrain, beginning with a fabulous trek across the rocky flagstones of the northwestern shore of the island. We then travel on along quiet grassy tracks with fine views lined with endless stretches of dry stone walls.
Alternative Walk Options: the full walk is 6 miles long, there is an alternative option of just 2 miles available.
Terrain: grassy tracks, quiet lanes and rocky shore
Walking Distance 6 miles (10 km)
Overnight: Kilmurvey, Inishmore, Aran Islands
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Hike Inismor & Dun Aenghus
The first part of our walk today takes us up to visit Dun Aenghus, a massive semi-circular ring fort lodged on the edge of cliffs that drop 300 ft into the Atlantic. Gaze out from the cliff tops across the wild Atlantic Ocean. We then hike on over of limestone slabs, navigating through narrow lanes lined with dry stone walls. Then on to rocky flagstones of the northwestern shore of the island. We then travel on along quiet grassy tracks with fine views lined with endless stretches of dry stone walls.
Alternative Walk Options: the full walk is 6 miles long, there is an alternative option of just 2 miles available.
Terrain: quiet lanes, grassy tracks, rocky shore
Walking Distance 6 miles (10 km)
Overnight: Kilmurvey, Inishmore, Aran Islands
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 5: Return ferry from the Aran Islands, hike in The Burren
A wonderful day exploring and walking the Burren! And it is truly an immensely rocky place. The hills of the Burren are made up of limestone pavements with criss-crossing cracks called “grikes”, between isolated rocks called “clints”. The area supports Arctic, alpine and Mediterranean flora side-by-side, and the mild winter temperatues ensure a long growing season. The blue flower of the Spring Gentian, an alpine plant, is the region’s best-loved flower. For our walk today we will be escorted by a Burren expert. He will take us to sites of botanical, geological and archaeological interest.
Terrain: grassy track, country lanes, green road | Elev 400ft
Walking Distance 6 miles (10 km)
Overnight: Ballyvaughan, or Lisdoonvarna, County Clare
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6: Hike the Coastal Burren
Today we will be accompanied by our local expert guide. He will take us to sites of botanical, geological and archaeological interest. This will include walking in two separate parts of the Burren with a break for lunch. The Burren region is famous for its flora: you will never see anything like the carpets of primroses, coastal displays of sea pinks, or the white flower of the blackthorn cascading over all the hedgerows. Rare and spectacular plants occur in abundance. Orchids grow everywhere in the Burren and 23 out of the 27 Irish species are to be found here.
Terrain: old green road, rocky tracks | Elev Gain 400 ft
Walking Distance 6 miles (10 km)
Overnight: Ballyvaughan, or Lisdoonvarna, County Clare
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7: Visit the Cliffs of Moher, return to Shannon.
Our last walk will be at the spectacular Cliffs of Moher. We begin at the quaint village of Doolin and take the coastal path all the way to the Cliffs. Towering 660 feet above the wild Atlantic, these cliffs are noted for abundant birdlife including puffins (between May and early August). We can also hope to see and hear fulmars, guillemots, kittiwakes, and if we’re really lucky, peregrine falcons.
Then we drive back to Shannon Airport.
Terrain: cliff path
Walking Distance 5 miles (8 km)
Meals Included: Breakfast

-------------------------------------

Sample itinerary: 4-day option - subject to changes

The itinerary below is subject to change for varying reasons. Any changes made by the operator and / or the tour leaders will be in the interest and safety of all participants.

Day 1: Arrival
From Galway City we drive west to Clifden: a great little town known as the “Jewel of Connemara”. We will be accommodated at a lovely guest house for the next two nights, right on the edge of town. Our first walk will be at Omey Island. This is a beautiful little island located just off the Connemara shore and we can reach it by walking across the sand at low tide. We will take a circular walk travelling by ancient tracks beside a lake and then out across quiet sandy beaches. We will take our evening meal at one of Clifden’s many fine restaurants, and there may be some traditional music to hear in the pubs.
Overnight: Clifden, Connemara.  Meals included: Lunch and Dinner
Terrain: quiet lanes, beaches and sandy tracks.
Walking Distance 5 miles (8 km) 
Overnight: Clifden
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Visit Kylemore Abbey and Gardens, Hike Killary Harbour
First stop today is Kylemore Abbey: western Ireland’s most famous man-made landmark. Nestled in the heart of Connemara, Kylemore is regarded as one of the most beautiful buildings in Ireland. Built in 1867 by Mitchell Henry as a romantic gift to his wife, Kylemore Abbey and the surrounding mountains and lakes are steeped in history. Later in the day our walk today will be at Killary fjord. The fjord, travelling in from the sea to a village called Leenane forms the natural border between County Mayo in the north and County Galway to the south. This is one of the finest walks in Ireland!
Alternative Walk Options: the full walk is 6 miles long, there is an alternative option of just 2-3 miles available.
Terrain: waterside paths, rocky tracks 
Walking Distance 6 miles (9.7 km) | Elev Gain: 100 ft 
Overnight: Clifden, Connemara
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3: Hike Inismor, the largest of the Aran Islands
We set off on the mid morning ferry to Inismor and our walk consists of much varied terrain, beginning with a fabulous trek across the rocky flagstones of the northwestern shore of the island. We then travel on along quiet grassy tracks with fine views lined with endless stretches of dry stone walls.
Alternative Walk Options: the full walk is 6 miles long, there is an alternative option of just 2 miles available.
Terrain: grassy tracks, quiet lanes and rocky shore
Walking Distance 6 miles (10 km)
Overnight: Kilmurvey, Inishmore, Aran Islands
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Departure
This morning, after breakfast, we will take a short walk and then take the lunchtime ferry back to Rossaveal. We will then drive to Galway City where the tour ends and you will be dropped at the Galway City Rail / Bus Station.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch


Note: Many clients come on a tour who wish to do very little hiking. Every day there are alternative options such as sight-seeing, relaxing, reading, painting, listening to Irish traditional music, and generally just soaking up the Irish atmosphere. You can opt out of the hiking on any day! All our accommodations are based in scenic locations, so you are very welcome to just remain “home” for the day.

Rates and Dates for West Coast Walks

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Shannon airport or Galway City
Airport: Shannon
Transfer: Shannon airport or Galway City

Climate:
                                                    Limerick area