Ireland’s breathtaking landscapes have long been a dream destination for travelers. From rolling hills to dramatic cliffs and lush valleys, hiking along Ireland’s Western Coast offers an unforgettable journey through some of the country’s most stunning terrain. Our clients who recently took the trip share their personal experience, recounting the highlights, unique experiences, and moments that made their time truly memorable.
Written and photographed by: Gabrielle T. and Eric B.
Day 1
After spending a few wonderful days in Dublin, we arrived in Ennis (via the big green bus) early this evening to begin our Randonnée Tours trip. Ennis is a quaint, charming town on the River Fergus. We enjoyed drinks in the lovely garden and dinner at the pub in the Old Ground Hotel.
Day 2
After an orientation with the local Area Managers, we visited Saint Brigid’s Holy Well for some good karma for our walk. Today’s hike along the cliffs of Moher to Doolin was spectacular, albeit shortened by a few miles due to trail closures. Doolin and our B&B, Sheedy’s Doolin, are delightful as are the proprietors Frank, Marian, and their dog Bertie. Dinner and traditional music at McDermott’s were the perfect ending to a great day.
Day 3
While it was difficult to pull ourselves away from the amazing breakfast prepared by our proprietors at Sheedy’s (who used to run the best restaurant in Doolin!) we’re glad we did because it was a great day on the Burren Way. The Burren is a unique lunar like landscape of gray limestone that was shaped beneath ancient seas. Early farmers started building these amazing limestone walls 5,000 years ago – built without using any cement. From The Burren, the trail dropped into a lush valley and ended at Blackhead Bay in Ballyvaughan. This very special 10.8 mile hike was filled with varied terrain, cows, sheep, horses, and wild goats.
Day 4
A short ferry ride from Doolin brought us to Inishmore, the largest of the three Aran Islands – but still sparsely populated with fewer than 800 residents. The rocky island has a desolate beauty and some of the oldest archaeological remains in Europe. The southwest part of the island has spectacular cliffs that rival the Cliffs of Moher, but with a fraction of the visitors. Our early morning visit to Dún Aonghus, a 2,000-year-old stone fort on a cliff, 300 feet above the sea was dramatic and magical. From there, it was a beautiful walk to the Serpent’s Lair or “the Wormhole”, a naturally cut rectangular shaped pool connected to the ocean by an underwater channel. This site has gained fame due to “Red Bull Cliff Diving“ holding two competitions here.
Day 5
There are a number of looped walks on Inishmore, but cycling is also a very popular way for tourists to see the island, as are van tours or horse and buggy.
Day 6
We said goodbye to the Aran Islands and arrived in Connemara for the last stage of our Randonnée trip. Connemara (which translates to “inlets of the sea“) has it all – a spectacular coastline, beautiful mountain ranges, lush green valleys, serene lakes, many more sheep than people, and even a fjord.
Our first hike in Connemara was both beautiful and historic – a nine miler in the Maam Valley on “The Western Way.” We loved the spectacular mountain ranges, lake views, and seeing lots of sheep (many with babies). Part of our trail today was a pilgrimage. In the 17th and 18th centuries, it was called “Mass Rock” where people gathered to worship in secret when Catholicism was banned. Our hike ended at the beautiful Lough Inagh Lodge Hotel, situated on the shore of Lake Inagh with a backdrop of incredible mountain views.
Day 7
Despite waking up to proper Irish weather, our final hike was as spectacular – a gentle hillside walk on what is thought to be a fjord formed by a glacier. We had beautiful views of the sea inlet and sheep studded steep hillsides (try saying that after a few Guinness!)
Day 8
Thank you, Randonnée for a very memorable trip – the great walks, perfect luggage logistics and transfers, and excellent accommodations.
If You Go
Randonnée Tours offers 8-day and 10-day itineraries where you’ll have the opportunity to explore the Western Coast – including The Burren, Aran Islands, and Connemara – by foot. Stay in charming accommodations with welcoming hosts and get to know the landscapes, cuisines, and culture that make this one of the most impressive regions in Ireland.
If you prefer cycling to walking, Randonnée also offers an 8-day cycling itinerary covering some of the same region.
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