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Connemara & the West of Ireland

Read More About The Connemara & the West of Ireland

Your Self-Guided Hiking Tour Includes:

  • Top-Choice Accommodation
  • Detailed Itinerary, Maps & GPS Tracks
  • Baggage Transfer
  • Breakfasts
  • Insider Tips
  • 24/7 Support
  • Access your tour details & documents on the go with your designated Hillwalk Tours account
from €1199 per person*
*An additional Single Supplement Charge also applies where a single room is booked (A room for one person) BOOK NOW
Please note that the Western Way section between Oughterard and Maam is currently closed. To book your tour, we will replace this walk with a lovely alternative hike from the charming village of Cong to the shores of Lough Corrib (unless otherwise agreed).

  • Day 1 Arrival in Galway City and transfer to Aran Islands

    From your point of arrival, use the public transport information we provide to make the journey to Galway City. From here, we will provide you with the necessary details to continue your trip as far as the Aran Islands.*

     *N.B. The last bus from Galway to the ferry terminal for the Aran Islands leaves at 17:15. To avoid disappointment, please ensure you arrive in Galway before 16:30. If you are not due to arrive in Galway until after 16:30, you will need to book an exta night in Galway before your tour start date. In this way, we can arrange for you to spend a night in Galway city and you may then transfer to the Aran Islands early the following morning.

  • Day 2 Explore Inis Mór - The Western Side

    9.9 or 17.4 Miles / 16 or 28 Km 4-9 Hrs 210 Metres

    Referred to as ‘the most magnificent barbaric monument in Europe’, no trip to the Aran Islands is complete without a visit to Dún Aengus. The 2,300 year old stone fort, dramatically perched on the edge of a cliff 100m above the surging Atlantic Ocean below, is a magical place to begin your walking holiday.

  • Day 3 Explore Inis Mór - The Eastern Side

    7.5-9.3 Miles / 12-15 Km 3-6 Hrs 135 Metres

    The charming village of Killeany, a beautiful coastal walk along the beach to Dogs Head and another Iron Age fort (Dún Duchathair) are sure to keep you busy until it is time to catch the boat back to the mainland. A taxi will be waiting to transfer you to Oughterard.

  • Day 4 Oughterard - Maam Valley

    16.2 Miles / 26 Km 6-8 Hrs 190 Metres

    A long, relatively flat, walk follows quiet country roads out of Oughterard alongside the shores of Lough Corrib – an internationally renowned fishing destination. After passing the lake, you cross some scenic bogland typical of the local area before finishing your walk in the Maamturk Mountains.

  • Day 5 Maam Valley - Leenane

    18.6 Miles / 30 Km 7-9 Hrs 350 Metres

    Those leg muscles will be put to the test this morning as you climb upwards to Máméan Pass (the pass of the birds). At the top of the pass, there is a wonderful surprise. (You will have to visit to find out!) The trail finishes along a beautiful old track overlooking Ireland’s only fjord.

  • Day 6 Leenane - Drummin (Option A / Option B)

    10.6 or 13 Miles / 17 or 21 Km 4-6/5-8 Hrs 180/560 Metres

    Today you have two options:

    Option A – 21km / 5-8 hours / 560m

    Leaving Connemara behind, you now enter the highlands of South Mayo and the scenery remains as stunning as ever. The views over Lough Lugacolliwee are ample reward for your efforts. Finish your walk with a trek through blanket bogland and a quiet road walk into the village of Drummin. Overnight in Westport.

    Option B – 17km / 4-6 hours / 180m

    You may find that the efforts of the last few days have caught up with you. If so you can avoid the steep climb into the Sheefry Hills and instead continue along quiet country roads through the village of Drummin. Overnight in Westport.

  • Day 7 Drummin - Westport

    15.5 Miles / 25 Km 6-8 Hrs 320 Metres

    In the morning, transfer to Drummin. The holy mountain of Croagh Patrick looms above you throughout today’s hike – St Patrick is said to have fasted for 40 days on the summit of this mountain in 441 AD. Each year, thousands of pilgrims make their way to the top of the mountain (many barefoot) to celebrate their faith.

  • Day 8 Departure from Westport

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