Connemara & the West of Ireland

Read More About The Connemara & the West of Ireland

Your Self-Guided Hiking Tour Includes:

  • Top Accommodation
  • Route Notes & GPS Tracks via HiiKER app
  • Baggage Transfer
  • Top Accommodation with Breakfast
  • Local Tips & Historical Facts to enrich your walk
  • 24/7 Support
  • Hillwalk Tours Account for on-the-go documents
from €1409 per person*
*An additional Single Supplement Charge also applies where a single room is booked (A room for one person) BOOK NOW
Please note that the Western Way section between Oughterard and Maam is currently closed. To book your tour, we will replace this walk with a lovely alternative hike from the charming village of Cong to the shores of Lough Corrib (unless otherwise agreed).
  • 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 Inishmore - The Western Side

    10 or 17.5 Miles / 16 or 28 Km 4-9 Hrs 690 ft / 210 Metres

    Today offers many historical points of interest throughout a quintessentially ancient Irish landscape. A walk along coastal roads brings you to the golden strand at Kilmurvey, followed by a short climb to Dún Aengus, a late Bronze Age stone fort dramatically perched on a clifftop 100m above the Atlantic. An optional extension leads to the wild western tip of the island, where early Christian and monastic architecture dot the landscape. The return to Kilronan reveals more ancient monuments along the way.

  • Day 3 Inishmore - The Eastern Side

    7.5-9.5 Miles / 12-15 Km 4-6 Hrs 450 ft / 135 Metres

    A varied exploration of the eastern side of Inis Mór, taking in some striking scenery and ancient sites. The first highlight is Dún Dúchathair, a dramatic Iron Age fort perched above the Atlantic cliffs. The route continues to Teampall Bheanáin, a unique example of early Celtic church construction, before reaching the rugged headland at Dogs Head. Retrace your steps back to Kilronan in time for your ferry, and a taxi from Rossaveal pier then transfers you onward to your next accommodation.

  • Day 4 Oughterard - Maam Valley

    16 Miles / 26 Km 6-8 Hrs 620 ft / 190 Metres

    A peaceful walk north from Oughterard along quiet country roads, with Lough Corrib appearing frequently before drawing close to the shore. Beyond the Hill of Doon, across the lake, tracks and paths head west across open moorland to the Owenree River, followed by boardwalks and woodland trails beneath Lackavrea Hill. The day finishes on a road into the small village of Maam, with the Maumturk mountains accompanying you in the west.

  • Day 5 Maam Valley - Leenane

    19 Miles / 31 Km 7-9 Hrs 1020 ft / 350 Metres

    A scenic hike through the heart of Connemara, with sheep as companions for most of the day. The route begins with a gentle road walk through the valley before a steep climb along a gravel track to the mountain pass at Maumeen, where a small shrine to St Patrick marks the high point. Enjoy sweeping views across wild bogland and glittering lakes before descending along open mountain paths brings you back to the road for a peaceful stretch towards Lough Inagh. From there, a spectacular hike through the moorlands of Connemara, surrounded by remote and wild scenery. The route follows a valley flanked by two of Ireland’s most dramatic mountain ranges, the Twelve Bens to one side and the Maamturks to the other. You then follow an old track high above Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord, with views across the water to Mweelrea, Connacht’s highest mountain.

  • Day 6 Connemara Discovery Day

    Explore the highlights of Connemara by boat and bus

    Today, you have the opportunity to explore some of the highlights of Connemara. Starting from Leenane, you can embark on a cruise along the breathtaking Killary Fjord. Additionally you can choose to visit the renowned Kylemore Abbey, Connemara National Park, Killary Adventure Centre or the charming town of Clifden, which are all easily accessible via the local 423 Westport to Clifden bus route. Visit www.buseireann.ie for more information.

  • Day 7 Leenane - Drummin

    10.5 or 13 Miles / 17 or 21 Km 4-8 Hrs 180 ft / 560 Metres

    Today begins with a gentle walk through open fields following the Erriff River from Aasleagh Falls to Houston’s Bridge. Gravel tracks then lead you though Tawnyard Forest before giving way to a winding road that crosses Sheeffry Pass. In a river valley, you have a choice between a longer, more beautiful mountain trail or a shorter, easier walk along the road. The mountain route ascends, gradually steepening across exposed boggy moorland with glorious views back towards Galway and west towards the Atlantic. It is a short but steep descent to the shore of Lough Lugacolliwee, before the gradient eases for the final stretch across open moorland tracks to a quiet country road and the final stretch into Drummin. The alternative route follows a quiet road to Drummin – with the Sheeffry Hills on your left and the mountains of Galway in the distance on your right.

  • Day 8 Drummin - Westport

    15.5 Miles / 25 Km 5-7 Hrs 920 ft / 320 Metres

    Quiet country roads lead gently uphill before steepening as the route turns off-road into the hills. It gets more exciting as the route crosses exposed boggy moorland with no defined trail, where sweeping views open across the surrounding hills and lakes. Gravel tracks then wind through Barraglanna Forest, with Croagh Patrick and Lough Nacorra coming into view before the trees give way to open ground, Ireland’s holy mountain rising prominently ahead. A gravel track threads through a gap in the hills before narrow rural roads open onto Westport Bay, and the final stretch follows the Great Western Greenway, a former railway line, into Westport’s high street.

  • Day 9 Departure from Westport

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