The trail takes you along the wild and untamed western shores of Lough Corrib, which is the second largest Lake in Ireland, 44 kilometers (27.5 miles). Following a pilgrim route over a mountain pass into the magnificent Inagh Valley, which ends in the village of Leenaun at the head of Killary fjord.
The final days of the trail are spent in the County of Mayo where you will have a chance to climb the famous holy mountain of Croagh Patrick. This is a week made up of spectacular walking, outstanding natural beauty and wonderful people, combined to make an unforgettable holiday.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive at Dublin or Shannon Airport and take the bus or train to Oughterard. We will supply you with the necessary timetables and information. Oughterard is known as the gateway to Connemara and William Makepeace Thackaray wrote in 1840 "a more beautiful village can scarcely be seen than this".
Day 2: Oughterard to Maam. On your first day you will pass the shores of Lough Corrib, Ireland's second largest lake. This lake has a total length of 44km and has over 360 islands, one for each day of the year! As you continue you will see the beautiful Connemara landscape and mountains opening before you. Distance: 14km. Height Gain: 160m.
Day 3: Maam to Lough Inagh. On the first section of today's walk you will pass the site of the famous movie "The Quiet Man" starring John Wayne & Maureen O'Hara. The route continues into the Maumturk Mountains and follows an ancient pilgrim's way to Mám Éan, a holy place in the mountains. The views are very impressive and include the Twelve Bens and Lough Inagh. Distance: 15km. Height Gain: 280m.
Day 4: Lough Inagh to Leenaun. Today you will start at the foot of the magnificent Maumturk Mountains and follow an old green road that takes you to Leenaun. Along the way you will have breathtaking views over Killary Fjord and harbor. Killary Fjord was molded by glaciers moving off the high mountains over ten thousand years ago. The glacier cut a trench in the underlying rocks that was subsequently filled by the Atlantic Ocean. Leenaun is a nice little village nestling on the shore of Killary Harbour and flanked by mountains. Distance 14km. Height Gain: 85m.
Day 5: Free day in Leenaun or a chance to walk the Killary Fjord. Leenane was once a great wool and weaving center and the local museum focuses on this woolen industry. It is well worth a visit. You can also walk the famous Killary Fjord and enjoy the beautiful views or visit Kylemore Abbey. Distance: 16km. Height Gain: 120m.
Day 6: Leenane to Drummin. Today you will have the option of starting from Leenaun or Houston's Bridge. Right after leaving Leenaun you will cross the county border, leaving County Galway and entering County Mayo. This part of the route takes you through wild bog lands and forests. You will cross the Sheeffry Hills from where you can enjoy wonderful views of the Erriff Valley and pass Sheeffry Bridge, an old humpbacked structure. Distance: 15/23km. Height Gain: 160m.
Day 7: Drummin to Westport. On your final walking day you will walk in the shadow of Ireland's Holy Mountain, Croagh Patrick. This mountain is a spectacular sight and many pilgrims from around the world come to climb it, many barefoot or on their knees. You will end your walk in the picturesque yet lively town of Westport with many colorful shops and pubs. Distance: 23m. Height Gain: 420m.
Day 8: Depart.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- 7 nights B&B
- All accommodation is pre-booked in approved family-run guesthouses with all rooms en-suite
- Breakfast is supplied each day
- Maps and all route details
- All transport where/if required within the tour Luggage Transfers daily while you walk
- All information on trains or buses needed to get to your first accommodation and back at the end of the tour
- Cell/Mobile phone
- Full back up service should you require it while on the tour
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Ireland
Walking Tours
Wildlife Viewing
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