Route:

Technical Characteristics

Tour Profile:  Medium. You must not have vertigo when walking the Cliffs of Moher coastal trail. For the other legs you need to be in a good shape for hikes up to 20 kilometers. Surefootedness is needed for the descent from Maum Ean Pass.

Total distance: 79 km

Travel Season: Departures daily from April 8 to October 15, 2023
Season 1: April 15 – May 12 and September 23 – October 15
Season 2: April 8 – April 14 and May 13 – September 22

Accommodation:

Comfortable Bed and Breakfasts, lodge in Lough Inagh

Ireland: land of contrasts! Rough and spectacular at some points, idyllic and peaceful in other places. The Cliffs of Moher mark the beginning of your week along the green coast of Ireland. The walk along the coastline is one of the most spectacular trails in the world. Then things get more peaceful on the Aran Islands. The setting sun brings a dreamy atmosphere to this small village in the bay of Galway. From here you continue on the Great Western Way where you experience Ireland at its best. Boggy landscapes, green hills and the Fjord of Killary Harbour as final destination of your hiking week in Ireland.

Itineraries

Day 1

Individual arrival in Doolin

Day 2

Cliffs of Moher 12 km + 450 m - 500 m

The cliffs of Moher tower more than 120 meters over the west coast of Ireland. This coastal line makes the setting for your first hiking day. After a short transfer you will start your hike close to Liscannor. Your walk leads along the Cliffs of Moher Trail that leads along the coastline back to Doolin.

Day 3

Aran Islands 17 km + 225 m - 225 m

Transfer to the harbour and with the ferry to Inis Mor, the biggest of the Aran Islands. Countless stone walls were built on this island to harvest the poor soil. Your walk leads past a seal colony to the ruins of Dún Aenghus (UNESCO world heritage site). When you arrive at the site the tourist busses have left already and you can take a close look at this spectacular fortress. Then you make your way back to Cill Rónáin.

Day 4

Aran Islands

The Aran Islands are known as the home of the Gaelic language and music. If you are interested in traditions, a lot can be discovered on this island. If you would rather enjoy the fresh air, rent a bike or put on your walking boots once again to discover the many other monuments and fortifications on the island.

Day 5

Oughterard - Maam's Cross 19 km + 245 m - 245 m

You rise early to catch the first ferry back to the mainland. A transfer brings you from Ross a’ Mhil to the starting point of your hike at Lough Boffin. You follow a trail through a colourful forest that ends on the shores of Lough Corrib. At the end of the lake a landscape typical for Connemara awaits you. Swamps, green hills and sparkling rivers make for an idyllic ending of this lake. At the end of the trail you will be picked up and be brought to Tiernakill Valley where you find your accommodation.

Day 6

Maam's Cross - Lough Inagh 16 km + 395 m - 345 m

A short transfer back to the valley of Tiernakill. Today you walk towards the Maumturk Mountains. The way up to Maum Ean pass shows Connemara at its best. Endless green hills, myriads of sheep and a wonderful views are waiting today. Hundreds of years ago St. Patrik walked this trail as well and blessed the hills of Connemara from the top of Maum Eans pass. Today a small chapel, a Celtic cemetery and a statue of St. Patrik mark this sacred site. From here you descend to the valley and walk towards the 12 Bens and Lough Inagh.

Day 7

Lough Inagh – Leenane 15 km + 165 m - 225 m

Trees are scarce in Ireland but today you walk through several forests. The landscape is varied. You leave the hills of Maumturk Mountains and the 12 bens behind and walk through boggy forests towards Killary Harbour. At the end of Connemaras only Fjord Leenane is waiting for you. This idyllic coastal village is the ending point of today’s hike.

Day 8

Individual departure or prolongation

Included:

• • 7 nights' accommodation
  • Breakfast 
  • Luggage transfer (from day 5)
  • Transfers and ferry crossings according to programme
  • Carefully elaborated route description
  • Detailed travel and tour documents
  • Service Hotline

Not Included:

• Luggage transfer Aran Islands (with ferry crossings luggage needs to be taken autonomously)