Connemara, the Aran Island and the Burren

The essence and variety of the West of Ireland is captured on this three centre-walking trip in the Burren, Aran Islands and Connemara. You will be based in hotels and guesthouses in locations that provide the richest variety of geology, scenery and walking conditions that could be desired.
The Burren is a remarkable area of more than 100 square miles of limestone landscape, where a rich variety of plants thrive in the cracks and crevices. Enjoy the bird’s eye view of the dramatic west coast of Ireland on the short flight to the Aran Islands, where Gaelic is still spoken. Explore the many archaeological sites of the island, including the pre-historic fort Dun Aonghasa. Old pilgrimage sites and bog lands rich in flowers are the treats of Connemara.
 

What Your Guided Walk Includes:

• Optional Transfer to/from Shannon Airport (as per schedule below)
• Seven nights accommodation based on two adults sharing in Irish Tourist Board approved 3 star hotels (5 nights) and guesthouse accommodation with en suite facilities
• Seven full Irish Breakfasts
• Six packed lunches
• Six Dinners
• Experienced guide throughout itinerary
• Luggage transfers
• Return flight to the Aran Islands

Tour Highlights:

• Cliffs of Moher
• Flight over the west coast to Aran Islands
• Visit to prehistoric fort of Dun Aengus on Aran Islands
• The internationally renowned karst limestone habitat of the Burren
• Connemara’s lake dotted bog land, mountains and seascape
• The vibrant city of Galway – the capital of the west of Ireland
• Irish music and dance

Day 1 Arrival
Arrival at accommodation in Lisdoonvarna, renowned for traditional Irish music.  Dinner and briefing. Overnight in Lisdoonvarna (3 nights).

Day 2 - The Cliffs of Moher & Atlantic Coast
Distance: 6.5 km/4 miles
A choice of gentle walks by the Atlantic Coast will be offered, to allow you to explore the countryside while introducing yourself to Irish walking.

Day 3 - The Burren
Distance: 13km/8 miles Ascent: 275m/900ft
The Burren is a unique internationally important habitat. You can explore it through a combination of walking on green roads and traversing of the karst limestone pavements, interspersed with rare arctic and alpine flowers.

Day 4 - Roundstone
Distance: 11km/6 miles Ascent: 350m/ 1,150 ft
Enjoy the views of the island dotted Atlantic coastline and the Clifden bog from Errisbeg,a small mountain behind the village of Roundstone. Overnight in Connemara (2 nights).

Day 5 - The Connemara Coast
Distance: 16km/10miles Ascent: little or none
Walk along the shore of Killary Harbour - Ireland's only fjord. A ten-mile walk on the
'Famine Trail' through Connemara mountain scenery - lake dotted bog land rich in flora.
Distance: up to 14km/8 miles Ascent: little or none

Day 6 - Free Day
Transfer to the vibrant city of Galway - the capital of the west of Ireland.

Day 7 - The Aran Islands - Dún Aonghasa
Distance: up to 21km/13 miles Ascent: little or none
Short flight over the dramatic west coast of Ireland to the Gaelic (Irish) speaking Aran Islands.  Visit archaeological sites including the pre-historic fort, Dun Aonghasa and Poll na bPéist (worm hole), all set in a stony landscape from which a living was laboriously wrenched. 

Day 8 - Departure
Departure after your last hot cooked Irish breakfast.

Note that, for weather or other reasons, on occasion the guide may have to change the sequence of walks or the walks themselves.