Day 1 (Sunday): Flight to Ireland

Arrival in the west of the island; the starting point of this week-long walking holiday lies about 70 km south-west of Galway. Overnight in a small town; two hotel changes.

On request, we can book flights to/from Dublin, as well as transfers Dublin Airport – hotel and back; for the current price of the transfers, see the homepage.

Day 2 (Monday): Cliffs of Moher

A highlight awaits you today. Set off directly from your accommodation towards the Cliffs of Moher, always following the Atlantic. With the cliffs in view, let the wind blow through your hair and enjoy the fresh, salty sea air. If you wish, after the walk you can take public transport back to the cliffs to visit the Visitor Centre with its exhibition and O’Brien’s Tower. In the evening, it’s back to the pub in Doolin. (11 km, 4 hrs, 320 metres of ascent).

Day 3 (Tuesday): Inishmore – On the islands of the silent stones

A small ferry takes you from Doolin to Inishmore, the largest of the three Aran Islands off Galway Bay, the islands of the silent stones. Behind this mythical name lie unique geological formations, so-called limestone pavements, which you explore on the island walk, as well as ancient stone forts and deserted beaches. On the Aran Islands, Gaelic culture and language have always been especially cherished (16 km, 4 hrs, 100 metres of ascent).

Day 4 (Wednesday): Killary Harbour

Your route leads to Killary Harbour, a fjord deeply cut into the mountains. Follow a green road right along the fjord’s shore, passing relics of the past, abandoned villages, holy wells and “lazy beds” (remains of old potato fields) that vividly illustrate the story of the Great Famine in the mid-19th century (15 km, 5 hrs, 130 metres of ascent).

Day 5 (Thursday): Leenane Hill

The mountain village of Leenane sits right on Killary Harbour, a fjord carved deep into the mountains. This walk initially follows the Leenane Hills, climbing to peaks up to 600 m. Set in the Maumturk Mountains, it offers fascinating views of the surrounding mountains (13 km, 5 hrs, 700 metres of ascent).

Day 6 (Friday): At leisure

If you like, head out for another walk. Follow a well-made path to the most famous viewpoint mountain in Connemara National Park. From the summit you have a wonderful view over the entire offshore coastline. If you prefer to walk less, you can take a lower-level circular trail through the park.

Alternatively, take a boat trip on the fjord or visit a small wool museum.

Day 7 (Saturday): Benlevy

Today’s walk in the Connemara Mountains leads up Benlevy and into the quintessential mountain scenery of this region, with upland bogs, a deserted village and lonely mountain lakes (15 km, 5 hrs, 420 metres of ascent).

Day 8 (Sunday): Journey home

After breakfast, journey home independently or transfer to Dublin Airport.

Guided walking week in the Burren and Connemara on Ireland’s west coast: Cliffs of Moher, Aran Island Inishmore (ferry) and the Killary Harbour fjord. Plus Leenane Hill, Connemara National Park and Benlevy, with blanket bogs, mountain lakes and abandoned villages. Walks 11–16 km, 4–5 hrs, up to 700 metres of ascent. Starting point southwest of Galway. Two hotel changes. One day at leisure with easy alternatives.

Flights not included in the price; we can arrange flights on request. Dinner on the arrival day not included in the price.