A fantastic Guided Walking / Hiking Tour visiting the higlights of Western Ireland. Including the Connemara, the Burren, and the Aran Islands.
Itinerary
Day 1:
From Shannon we drive north to the Burren, a strange lunar-like region of bare carboniferous limestone which occupies around one hundred square miles of County Clare. Below the surface of the Burren is the most remarkable assemblage of spectacular caves, streams, potholes and "turloughs" (vanishing lakes). We will make our way to Lisdoonvarna in County Clare and the Burren Region. Our first walk will be at the spectacular Cliffs of Moher. Leaving the bustling car park behind, we can enjoy relative solitude walking along the cliffs towards Hag's Head. On the grassy bank at the lower cliff look out for puffins. They make their nests on the grass. We can also hope to see and hear fulmars, guillemots, kittiwakes and if we're really lucky peregrine falcons. After dinner, we can venture into the village in search of traditional music in the pubs.
Walking / Hiking Distance 2 Miles. Elevation gain 100 ft.
Day 2:
After rising at a civilized hour and consuming a full Irish breakfast, we will be met by Maryangela, our local expert guide for the day. She will take us to sites of botanical, geological and archaeological interest. This will include walking in two separate parts of the Burren with a break for lunch. In Springtime you will never see anything like the carpets of primroses, or the white flower of the blackthorn cascading over all the hedgerows. Rare and spectacular plants occur in abundance. Nowhere else in Ireland, Britain or even north west Europe can such quantities of the blue Spring Gentian, cream Mountain Avens or yellow Shrubby Cinquefoil be encountered. Orchids grow everywhere in the Burren and 23 out of the 27 Irish species are to be found here.
Walking / Hiking Distance 9 Miles. Elevation gain 300 ft.
Day 3:
Before leaving the Burren we will walk at it's highest point, Slieve Elva. Leaving County Clare, we will then drive north to Co. Galway and the Connemara Region and Joyce's Country. Connemara can be described as a wild, rugged, unspoilt area with a ragged coastline and a superb group of inland mountains known as the Twelve Bens. Our base is Clifden: known as the "Jewel in Connemara", a small town with a lively atmosphere nestling in the mountains. We will be staying here for three nights.
Walking / Hiking Distance 6 Miles. Elevation gain 500 ft.
Day 4:
Today we will be visiting Inis Mor, the largest of the Aran Islands. Our walk will take us along lanes, tracks, and green roads. We will be able to visit Dun Aenghus, a massive semi-circular ring fort lodged on the edge of cliffs that drop 300 ft into the Atlantic. "Walking about the by-ways of Inis Mor, experiencing its barren rocks, shorn cliffs and rough seas so enchants that it cries out and claws at your soul. This isolated and untamed island quickly conquers and captivates your spirit".
Walking / Hiking Distance 8 Miles. Elevation gain 350 ft.
Day 5:
If you wish, you can use this day as a rest day. Enjoy the shops and cafes in the pretty village of Clifden. My recommendation is to hire a bicycle for at least the afternoon and ride the "Sky Road", this is a very famous cycling / walking route. It is only 12 miles, (not too hilly) and you will be rewarded with fine views. Alternatively we can walk at Omey Island (4 miles). This is a beautiful little island located just off the Connemara shore and can be reached by walking across the sand at low tide.
Walking / Hiking Distance 5 Miles. Elevation gain 50 ft.
Day 6:
First of all today we will stop for morning coffee at Kylemore Abbey. We'll have time to wander the wooded lakeside grounds and visit the abbey. We then walk at Killary Harbour, not a harbour at all, but Ireland's only fjord. This is a truly magnificent walk.
Walking / Hiking Distance 6 Miles. Elevation gain 100 ft.
Day 7:
We must say goodbye to western Ireland today and travel back to Shannon Airport.
NOTE: This tour is available from May to October as follows:
Tour dates 2007: May 12 - 18, May 18 - 24, June 18 - 24, July 24 - 30, July 30 - August 5, September 25 - October 1. October 1 - 7. Costs $2399 per person sharing.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Tour dates 2008: May 9 - 15, May 17 - 23, July 27 - Aug 2, September 10 - 16, October 2 - 8. Costs $2599 per person sharing.
Tour price includes: 6 nights 3-4 star accommodation en suite, 6 breakfasts, 6 packed lunches, 4 evening meals, all land transportation, ferry to the Aran Islands, transportation to evening entertainment, service of guide / guides throughout.
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Ireland
Hiking & Trekking
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