Connemara has long attracted discerning mountaineers and climbers. No map can do justice to the intricate terrain that time has
created across Connemara. Its heart is the Twelve Bens and Maumturk Mountains, but the area known in modern Irish as “Iar-
Chonnacht” stretches from Lough Corrib to Slyne Head and Killary Harbour. Its wild and desolate landscape, created about 460
million years ago, and later reshaped by glaciation, contributes to a magical atmosphere rich with legends and fascinating
archaeological sites. The whole area is alive with the history of warring clans, battles with the armies of Cromwell, and the
tragic stories of the famine years. Much evidence of subsistence farming can still be seen on some of the slopes of remote
valleys and hills, as well as long-abandoned cottages and homesteads.
This holiday takes in the better known mountains and valleys including the Twelve Bens, Maumturks and Inagh Valley.
Most of the walks are for hill walkers with experience, hiking across moorland, with some steep ascents and descents across
rocky ground. You will visit remote mountain territory but also some of the bustling towns such as Clifden, Roundstone and
Leenane.
Your base is in a new activity holiday centre just outside Clifden. This is a purpose built centre with a high standard of
service and nicely laid out private rooms with en suite facilities. Full drying facilies are available on site and you also enjoy your
evening meals here. During the week you will also be able to join some of the evening lectures and slide shows on Connemara’s
geology and archeology.
Groups are from 6 to 15 people, with various nationalities including North American, Dutch, German, Belgian, French, British
and Irish.
Your Itinerary
Day 1:
Arrival in Shannon or Galway. Transfer with us to your base in the heart of Connemara. A briefing session with your guide will answer any last minute queries you may have. Dinner is in your guesthouse.
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Day 2:
On your first day you visit Roundstone village on the south coast is where we start our first hike on to Errisbeg Mt. (984 ft / 300m). From the top the view stretches across Roundstone Bog where the otter, merlin and golden plover still thrive. A myriad of small lakes is home to many geese in winter. This area is now protected as an Area of Special Conservation. We finish in a traditional pub in the village. 10km. Ascent 300m. 3.5 hours.
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Day 3:
You head into the heart of the Twelve Bens today and hike through the Mám Eidhneagh pass from Gleninagh (highest point around 1705 ft / 520m). Views behind you stretch back across the Maumturk Mountains. You descend through bogland and your finish is at Barnanoraun where you can see remains of an old Connemara Marble quarry. Walking time 5.5 hours.
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Day 4:
From the Inagh Valley you climb one of the Twelve Bens - Bencorr - and complete the Binn Dhoire Chláir ridge from Derryclare Forest. On top the view stretches across the Inagh Valey. 9km. Ascent 2332 ft / 711m. Walking time 6 hours.
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Day 5:
At Kylemore you head up into the heart of the Bens again along Kylemore Lough and ascend to hike the Binn Bhreac circuit, one of Connemara’s most famous hill walks. Views spread out across the entire Twelve Bens range and beyond to the western coast with Kylemore Abbey below you. 16km. 1970 ft / 600m ascent. 6 hours.
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Day 6:
At Leenane we climb into the Maumturk Mountains following a section of the Western Way trail. Búcan Mt. 1804 ft / (550m) looms high overlooking Killary Harbour and east towards the Partry Mountains. The harbour is Ireland’s only fjord and is an important mussel farming area. Leenane village where we finish has a couple of traditional pubs. 12km. Ascent 2296 ft / 700m. 4 hours.
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Day 7:
For our last hike we head east into Joyce’s Country and the Partry Mountains, a place popular with fishermen but not frequented by many tourists. Our hike takes us onto high ground overlooking Lough Mask. We climb up to Lough Nadirkmore, a corry lake underneath Buckaun Mt. Having climbed the ridge (1804 ft / 550m) we descend via a quiet country road. Finish in traditional pub in Maam.
Day 8:
Departure for Galway or Shannon airport.
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Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price is based on 7 nights full board accommodation incl. lunches. Expert guide and all ground transportation also included.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Ireland
Outdoor: Mountain Ranger
Mountain/Rock Climbing
Hiking & Trekking
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