FAQ 
Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Islands Hike
Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Islands Hike
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Experience life in the west of Ireland in all its guises as you spend a night in each of an off-shore island, a small isolated village, a bustling market town and a cosmopolitan city.
- Walk in the footsteps of those who lived and worked this land over hundreds of years on a path built to provide famine relief to the stricken population in the 1840s.
- Discover Ireland’s fjord at Killary Harbour and note the features of glaciation inscribed on the landscape during the last Ice Age.
- Walk two off-shore Atlantic islands where traditions and community are strong, and life is lived in a constant battle with the vagaries of weather and sea.
One of our favorite place to visit on this tour:
There are many, but on this tour it would have to be Inishbofin Island. There is something so special and different about it. Inish Bofin is one of these rare authentic gems.
YOUR TOUR IN BRIEF
Tour Essentials:
This is a 7 day (6 night) tour starting every Monday from April to October ( earlier or later start dates possible upon request ).
The tour starts in the village of Leenane in Connemara, Co Galway and finishes on Inihsmore Aran, Island.
The Island and Coastal Walk Tour consists of moderate walking on even surfaces and two island walks accessed by ferry.
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. When travelling to Inishmore, luggage will be transferred as far as Rossaveal for you; from Rossaveal you will carry your own luggage.
Extras:
Alternative start days - €100 extra per person ( up to a max. of 4 person)
Printed route notes + meet & greet - €125 per booking. Visit our FAQ to see what a meet & greet entails.
We can offer you some nice add-ons before / after your stay with us here in Connemara - please do not hesitate to ask us!
For e.g.: Visit the Cliffs of Moher by bus with 1 extra night in Galway from €355 per person
Tour Essentials
This is a 7 day (6 night) tour starting every Monday from April to October ( earlier or later start dates possible upon request ).
The tour starts in the village of Leenane in Connemara, Co Galway and finishes on Inihsmore Aran, Island.
The Island and Coastal Walk Tour consists of moderate walking on even surfaces and two island walks accessed by ferry.
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. When travelling to Inishmore, luggage will be transferred as far as Rossaveal for you; from Rossaveal you will carry your own luggage.
Extras
Alternative start days - €100 extra per person ( up to a max. of 4 person)
Printed route notes + meet & greet - €125 per booking. Visit our FAQ to see what a meet & greet entails.
We can offer you some nice add-ons before / after your stay with us here in Connemara - please do not hesitate to ask us!
For e.g.: Visit the Cliffs of Moher by bus with 1 extra night in Galway from €355 per person
Further information on getting to/from Ireland can be found here
ITINERARY
Arrive to the picturesque village of Leenane in Connemara. The mountains drop down to Killary Fjord providing a dramatic backdrop for this small village with its huge views. Enjoy your first night in Connemara in one of the most beautiful places in Ireland!
Following a taxi transfer to the starting location, today’s hike will bring you from the point where Killary Fjord meets the Atlantic Ocean and along the shoreline of the fjord via a now disused greenway. This road was built during the Great Famine of the 1840s to provide employment and in turn relief for the stricken population. For a time, you will be at one with the natural beauty of this rugged coastline as no other signs of civilisation are in sight. You will join the Western Way walking trail to return to Leenane for a second overnight stay. Dinner is of your own choice in the village where there are several good choices available as well as two cosy, traditional pubs. Here you can listen in to local characters or simply soak up the atmosphere.
15 kms / 80 m elevation / 3-4 hours walking
Distance:
15 km
A taxi will pick you up at your accommodation and bring you and your luggage to Cleggan where you will take the ferry to Inishbofin. Translating from Gaelic as the ‘Island of the White Cow’, Inishbofin is home to a thriving yet traditional island community. This is a perfect place to walk meandering country roads, to brave the chill of the Atlantic Ocean from a white-sand beach or to spend hours walking and observing the unique island life. Irish traditional music is part of the tapestry of this community and world-class musicians visit it regularly. It also boasts many unusual birds as well as colonies of seals. For lucky visitors, there is even the possibility of sighting dolphins, whales or sharks!
Depending on the availabilities of accommodation, you will either spend the night on Inishbofin, or you will go back to Cleggan with the 5pm ferry and your taxi will drive you to Clifden where you will be staying.
Choice of walks between 6 and 15 kms, elevation from 60 to 180m, from 1 to 5 hours walking
Distance:
6 to 15 km
If you stayed on the isladnd, you will take the ferry back to Cleggan this morning and a taxi will transfer you to the town of Clifden in Connemara. Perched on the edge of the western seaboard and known as the "Capital of Connemara" it is a central meeting point for the surrounding communities. It is also very popular with visitors, artists, musicians and those looking for a change of pace. You will have the chance to spend the day exploring this pretty, colourful town and to walk to the ruins of Clifden Castle. The evening will bring music, great seafood restaurants, authentic Irish pubs and a chance to engage with the local people.
6 km/160 m elevation/1-2 hours walking
Distance:
6 km
A taxi will bring you to Rossaveal in time to take the morning ferry to Inishmore. Inishmore is the largest of the three Aran Islands off the coast of Co Galway. There are over 50 different monuments of Christian, pre-Christian and Celtic origin on the island, the most significant being Dun Aonghusa. Perched on top of soaring sea cliffs where the full power and majesty of the Atlantic Ocean can be embraced, it is an impressive pre-historic stone fort built circa 1100BC. You may choose to explore this fascinating island on foot, or alternatively there are bicycles for hire at the pier. Spending the night in a guesthouse on the island you will have a chance to dine locally and get a sense of the people for whom this Atlantic island is home.
Choice of walks or bike ride between 8 to 25 kms/elevation from 50 to 220 m/between 1 to 6 hours
Distance:
8 to 25 km
Today, you will spend a seond night on the island. It is the chance for your to discover more of the island, and to visit all the places you didn't get to visit the day before.
Breakfast and return to the mainland by the morning ferry and take the public bus (pay the driver directly) from Rossaveal to Galway City.
Arrive to the picturesque village of Leenane in Connemara. The mountains drop down to Killary Fjord providing a dramatic backdrop for this small village with its huge views. Enjoy your first night in Connemara in one of the most beautiful places in Ireland!
Following a taxi transfer to the starting location, today’s hike will bring you from the point where Killary Fjord meets the Atlantic Ocean and along the shoreline of the fjord via a now disused greenway. This road was built during the Great Famine of the 1840s to provide employment and in turn relief for the stricken population. For a time, you will be at one with the natural beauty of this rugged coastline as no other signs of civilisation are in sight. You will join the Western Way walking trail to return to Leenane for a second overnight stay. Dinner is of your own choice in the village where there are several good choices available as well as two cosy, traditional pubs. Here you can listen in to local characters or simply soak up the atmosphere.
15 kms / 80 m elevation / 3-4 hours walking
Distance:
15 km
A taxi will pick you up at your accommodation and bring you and your luggage to Cleggan where you will take the ferry to Inishbofin. Translating from Gaelic as the ‘Island of the White Cow’, Inishbofin is home to a thriving yet traditional island community. This is a perfect place to walk meandering country roads, to brave the chill of the Atlantic Ocean from a white-sand beach or to spend hours walking and observing the unique island life. Irish traditional music is part of the tapestry of this community and world-class musicians visit it regularly. It also boasts many unusual birds as well as colonies of seals. For lucky visitors, there is even the possibility of sighting dolphins, whales or sharks!
Depending on the availabilities of accommodation, you will either spend the night on Inishbofin, or you will go back to Cleggan with the 5pm ferry and your taxi will drive you to Clifden where you will be staying.
Choice of walks between 6 and 15 kms, elevation from 60 to 180m, from 1 to 5 hours walking
Distance:
6 to 15 km
If you stayed on the isladnd, you will take the ferry back to Cleggan this morning and a taxi will transfer you to the town of Clifden in Connemara. Perched on the edge of the western seaboard and known as the "Capital of Connemara" it is a central meeting point for the surrounding communities. It is also very popular with visitors, artists, musicians and those looking for a change of pace. You will have the chance to spend the day exploring this pretty, colourful town and to walk to the ruins of Clifden Castle. The evening will bring music, great seafood restaurants, authentic Irish pubs and a chance to engage with the local people.
6 km/160 m elevation/1-2 hours walking
Distance:
6 km
A taxi will bring you to Rossaveal in time to take the morning ferry to Inishmore. Inishmore is the largest of the three Aran Islands off the coast of Co Galway. There are over 50 different monuments of Christian, pre-Christian and Celtic origin on the island, the most significant being Dun Aonghusa. Perched on top of soaring sea cliffs where the full power and majesty of the Atlantic Ocean can be embraced, it is an impressive pre-historic stone fort built circa 1100BC. You may choose to explore this fascinating island on foot, or alternatively there are bicycles for hire at the pier. Spending the night in a guesthouse on the island you will have a chance to dine locally and get a sense of the people for whom this Atlantic island is home.
Choice of walks or bike ride between 8 to 25 kms/elevation from 50 to 220 m/between 1 to 6 hours
Distance:
8 to 25 km
Today, you will spend a seond night on the island. It is the chance for your to discover more of the island, and to visit all the places you didn't get to visit the day before.
Breakfast and return to the mainland by the morning ferry and take the public bus (pay the driver directly) from Rossaveal to Galway City.
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
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.
- We will collect you from Maam Cross bus stop and bring you to Leenane on the day of arrival. You can make your way from Galway city to Maam Cross via Citylink bus which has 5 daily buses serving this area, on the Galway-Clifden bus line.
Accommodation
- 6 nights accommodation (includes private en-suite)
Extras
- Return ferry ticket to Inishbofin Island & to Inishmore 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 a Citylink bus or a Gobus directly from Dublin airport (or from Dublin city centre) to Galway (approx. 3 hours trip) and then a Citylink bus or a Bus Eireann bus from Galway to Maam Cross bus stop (Galway – Clifden line / 50 minutes trip).
For this tour, which starts in Leenane, a taxi from Maam Cross to Leenane (30 minutes) will be organised and is included in your tour price (as long as you confirm to us your arrival time to Maam Cross one month prior to arrival).
Please note that the last Citylink bus leaving Galway to Clifden is at 5.30 pm.
Total journey time is approximately 5 hours.
A privat transport can be organised at extra cost - please do not hesitate to contact us.
Reviews
Ralph
10 Sep 2023
5/5
A truly wonderful experience with Connemara Adventure Tours, Irmi and all her team who put our travel plan together. Such a beautiful part of Ireland with great hiking trails and sense of peace and tranquility. Wonderful guest houses and hotels who really took care of all our needs. Would highly recommend Irmi and her team.
Jorgen
28 Aug 2023
5/5
We spent a fantastic week in Connemara. The trip took us to Leenane, Clifden and the islands Inisbofin and Inishmore. The hotels were good and situated in cool spots were it was easy to do hikes. The hikes were easy but with a very beautiful scenery.
Irmi and the team at Connemara adventure tours were very helpful. All the transports worked smoothly and we got a lot of help in rescheduling taxis when our incoming flight was delayed. I strongly reccomend Connemara adventure tours.
Catherine
09 Aug 2023
5/5
Superb stay in Connemara where we were accompanied by Irmi
Great services in terms of accommodation, transfers were made without difficulty and the hikes allowed us to discover different aspects of this beautiful region.
Mark
22 May 2023
5/5
Great holiday in a great location. Irmi and Cecile were friendly, efficient and very helpful. No hesitation in recommending them
ACCOMMODATION
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.
- We will collect you from Maam Cross bus stop and bring you to Leenane on the day of arrival. You can make your way from Galway city to Maam Cross via Citylink bus which has 5 daily buses serving this area, on the Galway-Clifden bus line.
Accommodation
- 6 nights accommodation (includes private en-suite)
Extras
- Return ferry ticket to Inishbofin Island & to Inishmore 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 a Citylink bus or a Gobus directly from Dublin airport (or from Dublin city centre) to Galway (approx. 3 hours trip) and then a Citylink bus or a Bus Eireann bus from Galway to Maam Cross bus stop (Galway – Clifden line / 50 minutes trip).
For this tour, which starts in Leenane, a taxi from Maam Cross to Leenane (30 minutes) will be organised and is included in your tour price (as long as you confirm to us your arrival time to Maam Cross one month prior to arrival).
Please note that the last Citylink bus leaving Galway to Clifden is at 5.30 pm.
Total journey time is approximately 5 hours.
A privat transport can be organised at extra cost - please do not hesitate to contact us.
Reviews
Ralph
10 Sep 2023
5/5
A truly wonderful experience with Connemara Adventure Tours, Irmi and all her team who put our travel plan together. Such a beautiful part of Ireland with great hiking trails and sense of peace and tranquility. Wonderful guest houses and hotels who really took care of all our needs. Would highly recommend Irmi and her team.
Jorgen
28 Aug 2023
5/5
We spent a fantastic week in Connemara. The trip took us to Leenane, Clifden and the islands Inisbofin and Inishmore. The hotels were good and situated in cool spots were it was easy to do hikes. The hikes were easy but with a very beautiful scenery.
Irmi and the team at Connemara adventure tours were very helpful. All the transports worked smoothly and we got a lot of help in rescheduling taxis when our incoming flight was delayed. I strongly reccomend Connemara adventure tours.
Catherine
09 Aug 2023
5/5
Superb stay in Connemara where we were accompanied by Irmi
Great services in terms of accommodation, transfers were made without difficulty and the hikes allowed us to discover different aspects of this beautiful region.
Mark
22 May 2023
5/5
Great holiday in a great location. Irmi and Cecile were friendly, efficient and very helpful. No hesitation in recommending them
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.