West of Ireland/Connemara: 9-Day Gentle Hike

DAY 1: Arrival in Galway City and transfer to Aran Islands

From your point of arrival, use the public transport information we provide to make the journey to Galway City. From here, we will provide you with the necessary details to continue your trip as far as the Aran Islands.*

*N.B. The last bus from Galway to the ferry terminal for the Aran Islands leaves at 17:15. To avoid disappointment, please ensure you arrive in Galway before 16:30. If you are not due to arrive in Galway until after 16:30, you will need to book an extra night in Galway before your tour start date. In this way, we can arrange for you to spend a night in Galway city and you may then transfer to the Aran Islands early the following morning.

DAY 2: Explore Inis Mór - The Western Side

Distance 16km/28km • Approximate Walking Time 4 – 9 hrs • Ascent (↑) 210m

Referred to as 'the most magnificent barbaric monument in Europe', no trip to the Aran Islands is complete without a visit to Dún Aengus. The 2,300 year old stone fort, dramatically perched on the edge of a cliff 100m above the surging Atlantic Ocean below, is a magical place to begin your walking holiday.

DAY 3: Explore Inis Mór - The Eastern Side

12-15km • 3 - 6 hrs • (↑) 135m

The charming village of Killeany, a beautiful coastal walk along the beach to Dogs Head and another Iron Age fort (Dún Duchathair) are sure to keep you busy until it is time to catch the boat back to the mainland. A taxi will be waiting to transfer you to Oughterard.

DAY 4: Oughterard (Glann Church) - Maam Valley

17km • 4 - 6 hours • (↑) 120m

A long, relatively flat walk follows quiet country roads out of Oughterard alongside the shores of Lough Corrib - an internationally renowned fishing destination.

After passing the lake, you cross some scenic bogland typical of the local area before finishing your walk in the Maamturk Mountains.

DAY 5: Maam Valley - Lough Inagh

15km • 4 - 6 hours • (↑) 310m

Those leg muscles will be put to the test this morning as you climb upwards to Máméan Pass (the pass of the birds). At the top of the pass, there is a wonderful surprise. (You will have to visit to find out!)

DAY 6: Lough Inagh to Leenane

15km • 4 - 6 hours • (↑) 100m

A stunning walk through the epic boglands of Connemara in a valley between the Twelve Bens to your left and the Maamturks on your right. The trail finishes along a beautiful old track overlooking Ireland's only fjord.

DAY 7: Leenane - Drummin

17km • 4 - 6 hours • (↑) 160m

You may find that the efforts of the last few days have caught up with you. If so, then this walk is the perfect tonic! A gentle walk in the foothills of Sheefry Hills along quiet country roads to the village of Drummin.

DAY 8: Boleybrian - Westport

12km • 3 - 5 hours • (↑) 75m

The holy mountain of Croagh Patrick looms above you throughout today's hike - St Patrick is said to have fasted for 40 days on the summit of this mountain in 441 AD. Each year, thousands of pilgrims make their way to the top of the mountain (many barefoot) to celebrate their faith.

DAY 9: Departure from Westport

There are regular bus and train services from Westport. We will be happy to provide you with further details upon request.