Ireland Hiking 8 Days

Having traveled all over Ireland, we have found the western coast region including the Burren, Aran Islands and Connemara to have the most spectacular scenery, with a tremendous abundance of historical monuments, a rich and unique culture, warm and inviting people, and surprisingly few tourists. The hotels and food are a highlight with genuine hospitality. This is one of our favorite tours!

Ennis

Ennis, County Clare, Ireland

Day 1

Doolin - Cliffs of Moher

Cliffs of Moher, Lislorkan North, County Clare, Ireland

Day 2

Ballyvaughan

Ballyvaughan, County Clare, Ireland

Day 3

Aran Islands

Aran Islands, Galway, Ireland

Day 4 + 5

Inagh Lake (Lough)

Lough Inagh, County Galway, Ireland

Day 6+8

Leenaun

Leenaun, County Galway, Ireland

Day 7

Trip Inclusions

What’s Included

7 nights hotels
All breakfasts and 1 dinner
Luggage transfers (we enlist your help to take your baggage onto and off the ferry)
Comprehensive Tour Details with detailed pre-trip information
GPS routes & maps
Orientation with our Area Manager
Area Manager available on call throughout the tour
Access to Loyalty Program and other exclusive benefits

What's Not Included

Ferries to Aran Islands and Rossaveel

Particulars

Departure Dates

Any start date between April 1 and October 31

Custom trips also available. Call or email for details.

Total Days

8 days / 7 nights with at least 6 of days walking

Arrive/Depart

Ennis / Recess

Activity Level

Moderate: walking routes will have options between 6-10 km daily; combination of trails and quiet roads.

Terrain

Mostly level with some rolling hills

Cost

Classic accommodations: US $2,845
Single Supplement: US $720

Luxe accommodations: US $3,465
Single Supplement: US $870

On this self-guided tour, if you desire local guides on any of the days these may be available on request at an additional cost, but must be reserved in advance.

Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. If you have any questions before making your reservation, please contact us.

Additional information

Destination	Ireland
Level	Moderate

Getting There
Your tour begins from Ennis, which is close to Shannon airport. There are frequent buses that leave from the airport to Ennis, and take approximately 45 minutes. If you prefer to fly into Dublin, there are train connections to Galway (approximately 4 hours travel time); from Galway buses depart frequently for Ennis and take approximately 1 hour. Our recommendation would be to fly into Shannon and leave time after the trip for visiting Galway. After your trip you can transfer to Galway from your last hotel by bus from Recess. If you are continuing on to Shannon airport there is a departure from Galway at 12:05 which arrives at Shannon airport at 1:50. For info and booking www.buseireann.ie. We will provide you more information with your confirmation package.

Day 1

Ennis
You’ll start the tour from Ennis, a pleasant village in county Clare with an 13th century Friary at its center. There is lots to see and do in Ennis and its vibrant historical center is full of pubs with traditional music sessions throughout the day and evening.

Day 2

Doolin – Cliffs of Moher
You will be shuttled to either the Cliffs of Moher and walk the Burren Way to Doolin; this trail is one of the most spectacular in Ireland (if not the world)! Enough said. Doolin is a center for traditional music and every night of the year, you can sit in on sessions that are wonderful (on a recent visit, we listened to John O’Connell, Quentin Cooper, Eoin O’Neill and Adam Shapiro. Luka Bloom, the Irish folk singer-songwriter (and younger brother of Christy Moore) played also. It’s that kind of place.
Walking distance: 8 km; 125 m gain or 13 km; 340 m gain.

Day 3

Burren Way to Ballyvaughan
On this day, walk the Burren Way to Ballyvaughan, where we recommend lunch at the infamous Monks Pub, where sea-food chowder never tasted better. On the shuttle back to Doolin, stop to view the Poulnabrone Dolmen, one of the larger megalithic tombs in the region. We recommend options for dinner in Doolin, which now boasts several excellent options.
Walking distance: 14.3 km; 200 m gain or 20.2 km; 345 m gain or 26.2 km; 440 m gain.

Day 4

Aran Islands – Inishmore
Ferry to Aran Islands. No visit to this part of Ireland would be complete without a visist to Inishmore, where you’ll hike up to Dun Aengus to see the ancient ring fort that is one of the most remarkable in Ireland. It dates from around 500 B.C. and sits on a cliff edge some 200 feet above the sea. You can also hike to a worm-hole, where a chunk of granite dropped out of the rock and now leaves a large natural swimming pool (Red Bull held a cliff diving competition here). Enjoy a horse-drawn trap ride along the quiet roads if you choose.
Walking distance: 8.1 km; 85 m gain.

Day 5

Aran Islands – Inishmore
Enjoy a leisurely day, with a loop walk to the west end of the island; on the way back, you be on a walking trail that passes 7 ancient churches. or walk a green road out to a lovely beach to swim. Enjoy dinner at a popular island pub with more live music.
Walking distance: 10.5 km; 60 m or 13.2 km; 145 m gain.

Day 6

Western Way – to Inagh Lake
After a short ferry ride to Rosaveel, you’ll be met for a shuttle to Inagh Lough. Walk part of the Western Way, a linear trail that begins in Oughterard on Lough Corrib and goes to Maam Cross and along the flank of the Maumturk Mountains to Maum Ean, a holy place that has attracted pilgrims since the early Christian period. Descending again into the beautiful Inagh Valley the route passes between the Twelve Bens and the Maumturks.
Walking distance: 16.4 km; 340 m gain.

Day 7

Western Way – to Leenaun
The section of trail between Inagh Lake and Leenaun is spectacular and arriving to the village of Leenaun makes for a great lunch stop. Back at Inagh Lake Lodge, sit by the fire with some of best views in Ireland. Walking distance: 16.6 km; 175 m gain.

Day 8

Departure. You can reach Galway by bus from Recess on your departure.

Classic

Temple Gate Hotel, Ennis

This 4-star hotel boasts an excellent location just steps from restaurants and sites in Ennis. The rooms are comfortable and welcome warm.

Sheedy's Doolin, Doolin

Sheedy's Doolin offers the comfort of a traditional Irish B&B with the professionalism of a boutique hotel. The gracious hosts provide a warm welcome and unforgettable experience.

Kilmurvey House, Aran Islands

This venerable inn with just 12 rooms has been hosting guests for generations. Teresa and Bertie Joyce are truly special hosts who go out of their way to welcome guests.

Lough Inagh Lodge, Recess

This luxurious lodge is set on the shores of Lough Inagh, one of Connemara's most beautiful lakes. A perfect haven for complete relaxation, Lough Inagh Lodge offers you all the comforts and pleasures of an elegant, modern hotel in an old-world atmosphere.

Luxe

Old Ground Hotel, Ennis

This ivy covered former manor house, dating back to the 18th century, offers luxury hotel accommodation in the center of Ennis. With modern amenities and an attentive staff, this is the finest hotel in Ennis.

Doolin Hotel, Doolin

The Doolin Hotel is the latest hotel to open in the center of Doolin and boasts contemporary yet casual design with an excellent restaurant. It's so popular it often books up months in advance. Fabulous artwork adorns the walls.

Kilmurvey House, Aran Islands *Classic Inn

This venerable inn with just 12 rooms has been hosting guests for generations. Teresa and Bertie Joyce are truly special hosts who go out of their way to welcome guests.