Women Into the West - A Women Only Hiking / Walking Tour: 2 night stay in Lisdoonvarna the "Matchmaker Town"; 2 night stay in Clifden - the "Jewel in Connemara"; 2 nights on Inismore, Aran Islands.
Tour 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: 3 miles
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
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 where we will take the evening ferry out to Inismore, the largest of the three Aran Islands. We will be accommodated at Kilmurvey on the far side of this lovely island for two nights.
Walking / Hiking Distance: 6 miles
Day 4:
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
Day 5:
This morning after breakfast we will take the morning ferry back to Rossaveal and then head on to Clifden in the heart of Connemara. 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 there will be a guided walk at Omey Island (5 miles). This is a beautiful little island located just off the Connemara shore and we can reach it by walking across the sand at low tide.
Walking / Hiking Distance: 5 miles
Day 6:
Before we do anything strenuous today, we will stop for morning coffee at Kylemore Abbey. We'll have time to wander the wooded lakeside grounds and visit the Abbey and it's famous walled gardens. We then walk at Killary Harbor, not a harbor at all, but Ireland's only fjord and one of the most enchanting walks in Ireland.
Walking / Hiking Distance: 6 miles
Day 7:
Goodbye to Ireland after our drive back to Shannon Airport.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Tour dates 2008:
Sun 1 June to Sat 7 June $2599 per person sharing
Weds 10 Sept to Tues 16 Sept $2599 per person sharing
Tour price includes:
- Free Airport Transfers to and from Shannon Airport
- 6 nights 3-4 star accommodation en suite,
- 6 breakfasts, 6 packed lunches, 4 evening meals,
- All land transportation, return ferry to Aran Islands, evening transportation to pubs and entertainment,
- Fully guided throughout.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Ireland
Women Tours
Hiking & Trekking
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