Our West Coast walking tours of Ireland capture the essence of this unique landscape Taking in the breathtaking scenery that is the Burren while traveling to the Aran Islands each sight a true gem in the western crown. The essence and variety of the West of Ireland is captured on this three center-walking trip in the Burren, Aran Islands and Connemara. You will be based in hotels and guest houses in locations that provide the richest variety of geology, scenery and walking conditions that could be desired.
The Burren is a remarkable area of more than 100 square miles of limestone landscape, where a rich variety of plants thrive in the cracks and crevices. Enjoy the bird’s eye view of the dramatic west coast of Ireland on the short flight to the Aran Islands, where Gaelic is still spoken. Explore the many archaeological sites of the island, including the pre-historic fort Dun Aonghasa. Old pilgrimage sites and bog lands rich in flowers are the treats of Connemara.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival. Transfer from Shannon Airport to hotel in Lisdoonvarna, renowned for traditional Irish music. Dinner and briefing. Overnight in Lisdoonvarna.
Day 2: The Cliffs of Moher and Atlantic Coast - Distance: 6.5km/4 miles Gentle walks by the Atlantic Coast will allow you to explore the countryside while introducing yourself to Irish walking. Overnight in Lisdoonvarna.
Day 3: The Burren - Distance: 13km/8 miles Ascent: 275m/900ft. The Burren is a unique, internationally important habitat. You can explore it through a combination of walking on green roads and traversing of the karst limestone pavements, interspersed with rare arctic and alpine flowers. Overnight in Lisdoonvarna.
Day 4: The Aran Islands - Distance: up to 14km/8 miles Ascent: little or none. Short flight over Galway Bay to the Irish-speaking Aran Islands. Walk to the southeast of the island to spectacular cliffs and puffing holes. Carry on to the Iron Age Black Fort (Dun Duchathair). Overnight on the Aran Islands.
Day 5: The Aran Islands - Dún Aonghasa - Distance: up to 21km/13 miles Ascent: little or none. Visit archaeological sites including the pre-historic fort, Dun Aonghasa and Poll na bPeist (worm hole), all set in a stony landscape from which a living was laboriously wrenched. Overnight on the Aran Islands.
Day 6: Round stone - Distance: 6-10km/4-6 miles Ascent: 350m/1,150ft. Enjoy the views of the island-dotted Atlantic coastline and the Clifden bog from Errisbeg, a small mountain behind the village of Roundstone. Overnight in Connemara.
Day 7: The Connemara Coast - Distance: up to 16Km/10 miles Ascent: little or none. Walk along the shore of Killary Harbour - Ireland's only fjord. A ten mile walk on the 'Famine Trail' through Connemara mountain scenery - lake-dotted bogland rich in flora. Overnight in Connemara.
Day 8: Departure Day. Moderate walks of 6-12 miles (10-19km) with gradual ascents of up to 900ft (275m) approx.
Note: Dates each Walking Tour begins: May: 17, June: 14, July: 12, Aug: 16, 30, Oct: 4.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
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