Ancient Ways of the Wild Atlantic Way

PRICES FROM

€1,259.00

DURATION

7 days

DIFFICULTY

PRICES FROM

€1,259.00

DURATION

7 days

Ancient Ways of the Wild Atlantic Way

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Escape from the hustle and bustle of a busy life and experience true quiet amid unspoiled natural beauties as you walk these trails, paths and coastal ways.
  • Follow in the footsteps of those who have walked this way over hundreds of years and discover their fascinating stories.
  • Experience the unique scenery and lifestyle of a traditional island community existing on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, with a boat trip to Inishbofin island.
  • Choose to climb the pilgrim path to the summit of Ireland’s ‘Holy Mountain’, Croagh Patrick, and marvel at the ancient custom of travelling this rocky path barefoot.

The activity not to miss:

"The first time I climbed to the top of Croagh Patrick when I arrived in the West of Ireland is an experience I will always cherish – the sense of achievement, the endless vistas and the camaraderie of other climbers passing by make for an unforgettable experience"

YOUR TOUR IN BRIEF

Tour Essentials:

This is a 7-day (6 night) tour starting every Tuesday from April to October.

The tour starts in Westport and finishes in Cleggan. 

A Taste of the Wild Atlantic Way Tour consists of moderate walking on back-roads, trails and, a rockier ascent on Croagh Patrick mountain.

Equipment and information:

Correct rain proof gear and walking boots are essential to bring with you.

Before your arrival, you will need to download our app ('Roadbook for Discovery') on which you will have all the details of your tour (routes, accommodation, vouchers, things to see...). The app works offline once it is downloaded, which means you do not need to use your internet data. It works as a GPS and will give you directions, as well a things to see and do on the way, where to eat...

Hospitality:

Your accommodation each night is provided in 3* hotels or approved B&Bs and guesthouses, where you will enjoy a full Irish breakfast on each morning.

Your luggage will be transferred every day to your next accommodation. 

Extras:

Alternative start days - €100 extra per person.

Printed route notes + meet & greet - €125 per booking. Visit our FAQ to see what a meet & greet entails. 

You can add some activities at the START of your tour before coming to Connemara:

- Visit the Cliffs of Moher by bus with 1 extra night in Galway - €355 per person.

- Visit the Aran islands (Inis Mor) and spend 2 nights there + 1 night in Galway - €550 per person.

- Visit the Aran islands (Inis Mor) AND the Cliffs of Moher (2 nights in Galway & 2 nights on Inis Mor) - €850 per person.

Please note that these options - for logistic reasons - can be added at the start of your tour only. In order to avoid paying the extra cost for alternative scheduling, you need to plan it so that your walking tour in Connemara starts on a Tuesday. Please don't hesitate to contact us before booking if you have any questions. 

Tour Essentials

This is a 7-day (6 night) tour starting every Tuesday from April to October.

The tour starts in Westport and finishes in Cleggan. 

A Taste of the Wild Atlantic Way Tour consists of moderate walking on back-roads, trails and, a rockier ascent on Croagh Patrick mountain.

Equipment and information

Correct rain proof gear and walking boots are essential to bring with you.

Before your arrival, you will need to download our app ('Roadbook for Discovery') on which you will have all the details of your tour (routes, accommodation, vouchers, things to see...). The app works offline once it is downloaded, which means you do not need to use your internet data. It works as a GPS and will give you directions, as well a things to see and do on the way, where to eat...

Hospitality

Your accommodation each night is provided in 3* hotels or approved B&Bs and guesthouses, where you will enjoy a full Irish breakfast on each morning.

Your luggage will be transferred every day to your next accommodation. 

Extras

Alternative start days - €100 extra per person.

Printed route notes + meet & greet - €125 per booking. Visit our FAQ to see what a meet & greet entails. 

You can add some activities at the START of your tour before coming to Connemara:

- Visit the Cliffs of Moher by bus with 1 extra night in Galway - €355 per person.

- Visit the Aran islands (Inis Mor) and spend 2 nights there + 1 night in Galway - €550 per person.

- Visit the Aran islands (Inis Mor) AND the Cliffs of Moher (2 nights in Galway & 2 nights on Inis Mor) - €850 per person.

Please note that these options - for logistic reasons - can be added at the start of your tour only. In order to avoid paying the extra cost for alternative scheduling, you need to plan it so that your walking tour in Connemara starts on a Tuesday. Please don't hesitate to contact us before booking if you have any questions. 

Further information on getting to/from Ireland can be found here

ITINERARY

map

Welcome to Ireland! Today you will arrive at Dublin Airport and take the bus into the city center from where you can take the train to Westport (not included in the price!). This evening, explore this lively little town on the West Atlantic, which is particularly well known for its life music sessions in the pubs.  

After breakfast you will be transferred to the start of today's hike at Murrisk, on the shores of Clew Bay in Co. Mayo. A place of ancient history, Croagh Patrick is Ireland’s sacred mountain, and a rich vein of archaeological heritage. This dazzling quartzite pyramid (764m) even has a small chapel at its peak. Ireland’s fifth-century patron saint, St Patrick, is said to have fasted on its summit for forty days. It is a challenging climb but the 360-degree views with which you will be rewarded make it worth the effort. No walking trip in Ireland would be complete without reaching its impressive peak. On returning to sea level you will be transferred to beautiful Leenane Village.

7 kms / elevation 764m / 4 to 5 hours walking

Distance:

7 km / 764 m ascent

So-called because it was built as a famine-relief project during the Great Famine of the 1840s, the greenway along the shores of Killary Fjord brought outlying communities closer together in the nineteenth century. When you hike along the path you cannot help but sense the history and lives of all those who have walked this way before you. With mountains rising out of the water on either side and few signs of civilisation along the way, this is a true escape and a rare find in the modern world. You will be transferred to the starting point and your walk will finish again in Leenane. A cold pint of Guinness in an authentic west of Ireland pub is just the thing to end the day!

15 kms/80 m elevation/3-4 hours walking

Distance:

15 km

You will be transferred to the starting point of today’s walk which follows an ancient pilgrim’s path to Maumean (translated from Gaelic as the ‘pass of the birds’). The summit of Maumean at a height of 320m is marked by a small chapel and other religious features associated with Ireland’s patron saint, Patrick. There is much ritual and myth attached to this site and it will give you a fascinating insight into religious practice in Ireland over the past few centuries and before. You will then follow the Western Way, a marked walking trail, to the tranquillity of the Inagh Valley where you will stay tonight. The valley is surrounded by the majestic Maam Turks and Twelve Bens mountain ranges and is a perfect haven for complete rest and relaxation after a day on the hills.

16 kms / 250 m elevation / 4-5 hours walking

Distance:

16 km

Your taxi will pick you up this morning and bring you to the start of your walk on the Renvyle Peninsula in the National Park of Connemara. This is a relatively easy walk but a very rewarding one with stunningly beautiful views over Kylemore Abbey and lake. The summit also offers views onto the whole peninsula, the islands of Inishbofin and Inishturk to the west and north west, the Maamturk mountains and the Ben Choona mountain range to the south. In the afternoon you will take the ferry boat to Inish Bofin.

7 kms / elevation 400 m / 2 to 3 hours walking

Distance:

7 km / 400 m ascent

Bofin or 'Inis Bo Finne' (Island of the White Cow) lies seven miles off Connemara’s coast in the Atlantic Ocean. It is estimated that it was inhabited as far back as 8000 – 4000 B.C. There are several looped walks around the island which you are free to explore, after which you might find yourself drawn into a cosy pub by the traditional music you can hear inside!

Choice of walks between 6 and 15 kms, elevation from 60 to 180m, from 1 to 5 hours walking

Distance:

6 to 15 km

After breakfast you will take the ferry back to the mainland from where you can take the bus to Galway and further onto Dublin.

map

Welcome to Ireland! Today you will arrive at Dublin Airport and take the bus into the city center from where you can take the train to Westport (not included in the price!). This evening, explore this lively little town on the West Atlantic, which is particularly well known for its life music sessions in the pubs.  

After breakfast you will be transferred to the start of today's hike at Murrisk, on the shores of Clew Bay in Co. Mayo. A place of ancient history, Croagh Patrick is Ireland’s sacred mountain, and a rich vein of archaeological heritage. This dazzling quartzite pyramid (764m) even has a small chapel at its peak. Ireland’s fifth-century patron saint, St Patrick, is said to have fasted on its summit for forty days. It is a challenging climb but the 360-degree views with which you will be rewarded make it worth the effort. No walking trip in Ireland would be complete without reaching its impressive peak. On returning to sea level you will be transferred to beautiful Leenane Village.

7 kms / elevation 764m / 4 to 5 hours walking

Distance:

7 km / 764 m ascent

So-called because it was built as a famine-relief project during the Great Famine of the 1840s, the greenway along the shores of Killary Fjord brought outlying communities closer together in the nineteenth century. When you hike along the path you cannot help but sense the history and lives of all those who have walked this way before you. With mountains rising out of the water on either side and few signs of civilisation along the way, this is a true escape and a rare find in the modern world. You will be transferred to the starting point and your walk will finish again in Leenane. A cold pint of Guinness in an authentic west of Ireland pub is just the thing to end the day!

15 kms/80 m elevation/3-4 hours walking

Distance:

15 km

You will be transferred to the starting point of today’s walk which follows an ancient pilgrim’s path to Maumean (translated from Gaelic as the ‘pass of the birds’). The summit of Maumean at a height of 320m is marked by a small chapel and other religious features associated with Ireland’s patron saint, Patrick. There is much ritual and myth attached to this site and it will give you a fascinating insight into religious practice in Ireland over the past few centuries and before. You will then follow the Western Way, a marked walking trail, to the tranquillity of the Inagh Valley where you will stay tonight. The valley is surrounded by the majestic Maam Turks and Twelve Bens mountain ranges and is a perfect haven for complete rest and relaxation after a day on the hills.

16 kms / 250 m elevation / 4-5 hours walking

Distance:

16 km

Your taxi will pick you up this morning and bring you to the start of your walk on the Renvyle Peninsula in the National Park of Connemara. This is a relatively easy walk but a very rewarding one with stunningly beautiful views over Kylemore Abbey and lake. The summit also offers views onto the whole peninsula, the islands of Inishbofin and Inishturk to the west and north west, the Maamturk mountains and the Ben Choona mountain range to the south. In the afternoon you will take the ferry boat to Inish Bofin.

7 kms / elevation 400 m / 2 to 3 hours walking

Distance:

7 km / 400 m ascent

Bofin or 'Inis Bo Finne' (Island of the White Cow) lies seven miles off Connemara’s coast in the Atlantic Ocean. It is estimated that it was inhabited as far back as 8000 – 4000 B.C. There are several looped walks around the island which you are free to explore, after which you might find yourself drawn into a cosy pub by the traditional music you can hear inside!

Choice of walks between 6 and 15 kms, elevation from 60 to 180m, from 1 to 5 hours walking

Distance:

6 to 15 km

After breakfast you will take the ferry back to the mainland from where you can take the bus to Galway and further onto Dublin.

ACCOMMODATION

B&B/3* ACCOMMODATION

When you select this tour you will have the chance to stay in either 3* hotels or Bed & Breakfast/guesthouse accommodation. 
The 3* hotels that have been selected are all comfortable, well-appointed properties which also boast their own character and style. You may find yourself in a historic manor house hotel, one with a modern twist or get a 'room with a view' overlooking a shimmering lake or a golden beach.
Staying in B&B/guesthouse accommodation is a unique experience where very often you are staying in a family home, with your hosts being the owners of the property. You will receive a warm welcome and will have access to plenty of local stories. Best of all you will catch a glimpse into the lives of the local people of the areas through which you travel. Accommodation is warm, cosy and homely and breakfast is home-cooked by your host. 

B&B/3* ACCOMMODATION

When you select this tour you will have the chance to stay in either 3* hotels or Bed & Breakfast/guesthouse accommodation. 
The 3* hotels that have been selected are all comfortable, well-appointed properties which also boast their own character and style. You may find yourself in a historic manor house hotel, one with a modern twist or get a 'room with a view' overlooking a shimmering lake or a golden beach.
Staying in B&B/guesthouse accommodation is a unique experience where very often you are staying in a family home, with your hosts being the owners of the property. You will receive a warm welcome and will have access to plenty of local stories. Best of all you will catch a glimpse into the lives of the local people of the areas through which you travel. Accommodation is warm, cosy and homely and breakfast is home-cooked by your host. 

TOUR DETAILS

ACCOMMODATION

Room TypeLow SeasonHigh Season 
Double/Twin/Triple€1,259.00€1,359.00Book now
Single€1,514.00€1,614.00Book now
Solo€1,959.00€2,059.00Book now
Displaying 1-3 of 3 results.

LOW SEASON: April, May, September & October

HIGH SEASON: June, July & August

What's included

Meals

  • All breakfasts

Transport

  • We will bring you to and from the start and finish of each walk as indicated.

Accommodation

  • 6 nights accommodation (includes private en-suite)

Extras

  • Return ferry ticket to Inishbofin Island

BIKES

  • Each bicycle is equipped with a bottle cage, small front handlebar bag, bike rack (with option to add pannier bags).
  • Safety – we provide a helmet (various sizes) and a high visibility jacket for our customer’s safety on the road.
  • Spare tube, repair kit with tyre levers, pump and bike lock are all provided.
  • Cyclists are expected to be able to have a general knowledge of the function of bicycles, i.e. how to change gears, how to brake properly, replacing a slipped chain, changing a flat tyre. Please check out this link if you are looking for few tips.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL

DIFFICULTY Easy

Represents a low level of activity with maximum 35 kms on the bike or 12 kms by foot per day – 3 hours physical activity

DIFFICULTY Medium

Represents a medium level of activity with maximum 50 kms on the bike or 15 kms by foot per day – 4 to 5 hours physical activity

DIFFICULTY Hard

Represents a higher level of activity with maximum 80 kms on the bike or 25 kms by foot per day – 6 to 7 hours physical activity

CUSTOMISE THIS TOUR

You can add extra days or shorten this holiday to suit your needs or schedule.

We are very fortunate to have hundreds of kilometres of magnificent coastal and scenic routes and paths to enjoy. So the options are endless.

We understand that the duration of this tour may not be the ideal amount of time for everyone so if you would like a longer or a shorter version, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will design a custom tour for you to suit your needs.

GETTING TO TOUR START POINT

You can take the bus to Dublin City center and from there the train to Westport. On your way back there is a bus service from Cleggan to Galway and onwards to Dublin Airport.

Total journey time is approximately 5 hours.

Reviews

Bernadette

06 Oct 2023

5/5

My last-minute hiking trip along Connemara's Atlantic Way was perfectly tailored to my needs. Hiking at the session's end allowed me to immerse myself in the mysticism, wildness, and beauty of the land. Irmi's thoughtful guidance ensured my well-being throughout, and the selection of B&Bs and hotels offered an impressive taste of Irish culture through warm-hearted locals. Irmi revealed hidden gems away from the crowds, including a memorable climb of Croagh Patrick with lively school classes.

In Galway, early mornings at the harbor and coffee at a local street cafe provided an authentic Irish experience. The sound of the sea echoed in Clifden, while hikes to Diamond Hill, Maumean, Inishbofin Island, and the breathtaking Famine Trail along Kilary Ford's coast left me in awe. Climbing Croagh Patrick, especially witnessing patriots doing so barefoot, was a truly unique experience. Charming Westport added to the adventure, making each day unforgettable. 

A heartfelt thanks to Irmi for her wonderful, caring, and professional support. I highly recommend a hiking trip in Connemara – an unforgettable experience! I look forward to returning.

Finja

15 Aug 2023

5/5

From the preparation and planning to the actual trip and daily adventures, the staff at Connemara Adventure Tours have always been with me and made sure I had the best vacation possible. There was a wonderful variety of places and landscapes to discover that I will not soon forget. Spontaneous changes to the planned activities were also possible without any problems, so that I was always able to get the most out of the day - even if the weather didn't want to cooperate 100%!
Any time!

Philipp

13 Aug 2023

5/5

My daughter and I had a wonderful trip thanks to the great organization of the Connemara Adventure Team and especially thanks to Irmi! We were given incredibly good advice during the planning stage and then received a very warm welcome and care on site! Thank you very much, our trip to Ireland on the Wild Atlantic Way will always remain a great memory for us, we will definitely be back!

Susan

25 May 2023

5/5

Irmi and Cecile were easy and fun to work with. They took care of all details and trip was flawless. Highly recommend using Connemara Adventure

ACCOMMODATION

Room TypeLow SeasonHigh Season 
Double/Twin/Triple€1,259.00€1,359.00Book now
Single€1,514.00€1,614.00Book now
Solo€1,959.00€2,059.00Book now
Displaying 1-3 of 3 results.

LOW SEASON: April, May, September & October

HIGH SEASON: June, July & August

What's included

Meals

  • All breakfasts

Transport

  • We will bring you to and from the start and finish of each walk as indicated.

Accommodation

  • 6 nights accommodation (includes private en-suite)

Extras

  • Return ferry ticket to Inishbofin Island

BIKES

  • Each bicycle is equipped with a bottle cage, small front handlebar bag, bike rack (with option to add pannier bags).
  • Safety – we provide a helmet (various sizes) and a high visibility jacket for our customer’s safety on the road.
  • Spare tube, repair kit with tyre levers, pump and bike lock are all provided.
  • Cyclists are expected to be able to have a general knowledge of the function of bicycles, i.e. how to change gears, how to brake properly, replacing a slipped chain, changing a flat tyre. Please check out this link if you are looking for few tips.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL

DIFFICULTY Easy

Represents a low level of activity with maximum 35 kms on the bike or 12 kms by foot per day – 3 hours physical activity

DIFFICULTY Medium

Represents a medium level of activity with maximum 50 kms on the bike or 15 kms by foot per day – 4 to 5 hours physical activity

DIFFICULTY Hard

Represents a higher level of activity with maximum 80 kms on the bike or 25 kms by foot per day – 6 to 7 hours physical activity

CUSTOMISE THIS TOUR

You can add extra days or shorten this holiday to suit your needs or schedule.

We are very fortunate to have hundreds of kilometres of magnificent coastal and scenic routes and paths to enjoy. So the options are endless.

We understand that the duration of this tour may not be the ideal amount of time for everyone so if you would like a longer or a shorter version, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will design a custom tour for you to suit your needs.

You can take the bus to Dublin City center and from there the train to Westport. On your way back there is a bus service from Cleggan to Galway and onwards to Dublin Airport.

Total journey time is approximately 5 hours.

Reviews

Bernadette

06 Oct 2023

5/5

My last-minute hiking trip along Connemara's Atlantic Way was perfectly tailored to my needs. Hiking at the session's end allowed me to immerse myself in the mysticism, wildness, and beauty of the land. Irmi's thoughtful guidance ensured my well-being throughout, and the selection of B&Bs and hotels offered an impressive taste of Irish culture through warm-hearted locals. Irmi revealed hidden gems away from the crowds, including a memorable climb of Croagh Patrick with lively school classes.

In Galway, early mornings at the harbor and coffee at a local street cafe provided an authentic Irish experience. The sound of the sea echoed in Clifden, while hikes to Diamond Hill, Maumean, Inishbofin Island, and the breathtaking Famine Trail along Kilary Ford's coast left me in awe. Climbing Croagh Patrick, especially witnessing patriots doing so barefoot, was a truly unique experience. Charming Westport added to the adventure, making each day unforgettable. 

A heartfelt thanks to Irmi for her wonderful, caring, and professional support. I highly recommend a hiking trip in Connemara – an unforgettable experience! I look forward to returning.

Finja

15 Aug 2023

5/5

From the preparation and planning to the actual trip and daily adventures, the staff at Connemara Adventure Tours have always been with me and made sure I had the best vacation possible. There was a wonderful variety of places and landscapes to discover that I will not soon forget. Spontaneous changes to the planned activities were also possible without any problems, so that I was always able to get the most out of the day - even if the weather didn't want to cooperate 100%!
Any time!

Philipp

13 Aug 2023

5/5

My daughter and I had a wonderful trip thanks to the great organization of the Connemara Adventure Team and especially thanks to Irmi! We were given incredibly good advice during the planning stage and then received a very warm welcome and care on site! Thank you very much, our trip to Ireland on the Wild Atlantic Way will always remain a great memory for us, we will definitely be back!

Susan

25 May 2023

5/5

Irmi and Cecile were easy and fun to work with. They took care of all details and trip was flawless. Highly recommend using Connemara Adventure

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

To secure your booking, we will request 30% deposit per person. Please note this is a
non-refundable payment. The balance payment is due 30 days before the tour starts.

If your tour start date is within 30 days of booking, the full, non-refundable payment is required upon booking.

We do not organise travel to/from Ireland. However there is plenty of useful information on our Getting to Ireland page.