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    | Shores of Killary Fjord

    Hiking

    Connemara’s Atlantic Edge

    41 reviews


    Deposit From: €608€608
    Region: West – Connemara, Burren & Aran Islands
    Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
    Confirmed: When 2 Travellers Book

    Next Departure: 25th - 31st May 2024
    Accommodation: Classic

    Grading:

    Carbon Footprint: 164kg ? What does this mean?
    Click here to find out about our carbon labelling project and what we're doing to be more sustainable.

    All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.

      From: €2,360 View Prices & Dates

      Trip Overview

      Created by: Patricia Doe


      Described by Irish writer Oscar Wilde as ‘a savage beauty,’ you’ll discover the wild and sparsely populated areas of Connemara and Mayo, taking in some of the most unspoilt scenery Ireland has to offer.

      Over seven days, explore some of the best hiking in Connemara while immersing yourself in Ireland’s archaeology, geology and natural history. From a tiny shrine in the remote hills of Connemara to the summit of Ireland’s most famous pilgrimage mountain, Croagh Patrick, your route will follow in the footsteps of Ireland’s famous patron saint, Saint Patrick.

      En route, we’ll tackle three of the highest mountains in western Ireland, including Mweelrea, the highest peak in Connacht. At the Atlantic edge of Ireland, breathe in some of the freshest air in Europe as we take in stunning views of the wild ocean at every turn.

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      Day by Day
      Itinerary

      Day 1 – Diamond Hill Read More

      Day 1

      Diamond Hill

      From the vibrant city of Galway, we head straight to Connemara’s wild regions. Leave civilisation behind as we climb a narrow pathway to the top of Diamond Hill, Connemara’s most iconic hilltop. From the summit, enjoy stunning views from the mountains to the Atlantic. To one side, the silhouette of Connemara’s hills and mountains beckon, rugged and wild. On the other side, the sea glistens in the distance. Look just below, and you can out the turrets and towers of Kylemore Abbey, a gothic-style manor set amongst the slopes. In the evening, it’s time for dinner and a pint in a traditional pub – with a bit of traditional Irish music if you’re lucky.

      Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner
      Walk Details: 7 km / 4 miles | Approx: 3 hrs

      Day 2 – Twelve Bens Mountain Range Read More

      Day 2

      Twelve Bens Mountain Range

      The sharp quartzite peaks of the Twelve Bens (or in Irish Na Beanna Beola) are an ever-present feature of Connemara. Though part of Connemara National Park, few travellers ever venture into these wild mountains. Today’s hike will take you through the backcountry to summit several of these amazing peaks, enjoying a view of Connemara’s Atlantic edge that few are ever privy to. On the way, keep an eye out for peregrine falcons, wild mountain goats and native red deer.

      Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
      Walk Details: 10 km / 6 miles | Approx: 4.5 hrs

      Day 3 – Leenane Hill Read More

      Day 3

      Leenane Hill

      Today’s hike promises to be a special one! Following a small trail up Leenane Hill, we explore a little-known part of Galway that few other visitors get to experience. On the way up, enjoy beautiful views of Killary Fjord spilling out on one side while the wild bogs of Mayo extend out on the other. A fast-disappearing terrain, learn about the importance of Irish bogs from an ecological as well as historical perspective. From the top of Leenane Hill, marvel at the 360-degree views over the beautiful and rugged Maam Turks Mountains and Mweelrea Mountain and out across the fjord to the wild Atlantic Ocean.

      Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
      Walk Details: 13 km / 8 miles | Approx: 5 hrs

      Day 4 – Killary Fjord Read More

      Day 4

      Killary Fjord

      Certainly one of Ireland’s most spectacular coastal hikes, this gentle walk along Connemara’s Atlantic edge is a great way to stretch out the legs after our past exertions. Our trail takes us along the shores of the dazzling Killary Fjord, past rocky outcroppings of sheep-shorn grass on a canvas of Atlantic Ocean views. This area is rich in stunning scenery and has a strong and interesting heritage. Dive into Irish history as you pass famine-era abandoned villages and storied landscapes. Along the way, you’ll see signs of aquaculture – oysters, mussels and other shellfish – which are the bread and butter of this Connemara community today.

      Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
      Walk Details: 11 km / 7 miles | Approx: 3 hrs

      Day 5 – Mweelrea Mountain, Connacht's Highest Peak Read More

      Day 5

      Mweelrea Mountain, Connacht's Highest Peak

      At 814m (2,700 feet), Mweelrea is the highest mountain in the region of Connacht. Mweelrea’s allure is not only in its height but also in its magnificent setting. To the south, Mweelrea falls steeply to the waters of Killary Harbour, Ireland’s largest fjord. To the east stretches the sprawling Sheeffry Hills and the mountain of Ben Gorm. Finally, to the west lies white sandy Atlantic shores and the distant horizon beyond.

      Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
      Walk Details: 13 km / 8 miles | Approx: 7 hrs
      Shorter Alternative: 10 km / 6 miles | Approx: 6 hrs

      Day 6 – The Holy Mountain of Croagh Patrick Read More

      Day 6

      The Holy Mountain of Croagh Patrick

      The pilgrimage up the rocky sides of Croagh Patrick is a tradition stretching back over 5,000 years from the Stone Age to the present day. Pilgrims gather annually in late July to climb to the summit barefoot in honour of St Patrick, who, according to legend, once fasted at its peak. Our hike takes us along this ancient and significant pilgrimage route right up to the tiny white church at the summit. From there, we’ll take in a spectacular vista of Clew Bay, where it’s said there are 365 drumlin islands (one for each day of the year!). After the hike, head into Westport town to enjoy lovely cafes, pubs and shops.

      Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
      Walk Details: 12 km / 7 miles | Approx: 6 hrs

      Day 7 – Westport Town & Departure Read More

      Day 7

      Westport Town & Departure

      Whether you decide to have a relaxing morning at your accommodation, a bit of last-minute souvenir shopping, or just a walk around this colourful, bustling town, enjoy a free morning in Westport before we make our way to the train station to say goodbye to the group.

      Meals Included: Breakfast

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      Hiking
      Connemara’s Atlantic Edge

      To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this holiday, please complete the form below:

      Fields marked with * are mandatory

      The phone number field is not required but if you would like us to give you a call to help find the trip for you, then enter your telephone number including the country code.

      Trip Dates & Prices

      All payments taken in local currency EUR

      Trip Dates for 2024AvailabilityStatusPriceBook
      25th May - 31st May 2024Trip FullFULLY BOOKED €2,360
      22nd Jun - 28th Jun 20242 place(s) leftGuaranteed €2,360Book Now
      27th Jul - 2nd Aug 20248 place(s) leftAvailable €2,360Book Now
      24th Aug - 30th Aug 20247 place(s) leftAvailable €2,360Book Now

      Make This Trip Private

      Fancy this trip just for your group? Get together with family and friends spend quality time exploring wild places. A private trip allows you to benefit from all the features of the group departure, including hand-picked accommodation and expert local guides but with the advantage of the flexibility to tailor the days to your group. Make the trip more or less challenging depending on your experience or choose to add in some optional extras like castle or distillery visits depending on your interests. The price of a private trip will depend on the number of travellers in your group. Let us know your preferred departure date and we'll take care of the rest.

      Enquire Now
      X
      Hiking
      Connemara’s Atlantic Edge

      For private departure enquiries, please complete the form below:

      Trip Details

      Accommodation Read More

      After a long day of hiking through Connemara’s mountains, curl up by the fire in one of our hand-picked hotels for a night of relaxation before heading off to start your next day’s adventure. The accommodations on this trip are comfortable, family-owned hotels and guesthouses tucked into the Irish countryside in the extraordinary counties of Galway and Mayo. This trip features accommodations chosen for their excellent location, service and comfort. All accommodations provide breakfast.

      We do not charge single-person supplements to people booking on their own. However, you will be expected to share a room with another person of the same sex. If you specifically require a single room you will have to pay the single supplement charge which is subject to availability.

      Meals Read More

      All meals are included in the price of this trip with the exception of dinner on one night. Breakfast is provided each morning, as well as lunch and snacks throughout the trip. Dinner is provided every night except one night, when you have a free evening and can dine where you choose. Local pubs and restaurants offer a wide choice of local dishes.

      On this trip, we generally eat dinner as a group however if you would like to make alternative arrangements you are free to do so. Your guide will have an evening off during this trip where they do not eat with the group. They will recommend options for dinner that evening and will help you make any necessary reservations.

      Inclusions Read More
      • 6 nights accommodation in unique and cosy guest houses and hotels
      • All meals during the trip except one night
      • The services of an experienced and knowledgeable hiking guide/driver throughout
      • Pickup and transport throughout the trip
      • 7 days of hiking among the wild landscapes and mountains of western Ireland
      • Entrance and admission fees as stated in the itinerary
      Grading Read More

      Blue Graded 4-6

      Our blue-graded trips involve exploring some of Ireland’s best hiking regions, introducing some steeper climbs to summits as well as valley and coastal hikes. The hike will be conducted at a steady pace and you will typically hike 5-7 hours per day. The terrain underfoot can be anything from well-maintained hiker’s trails to rough or boggy ground, boulder fields and mountain tops.

      The daily hikes will occasionally involve a mountain ascent of over 3000ft / 900m high. More challenging days are interspersed with lower-level valley, coastal or forest walks which would include some cultural highlights along the way.

      Can you comfortably hike for around 10 miles (16km) with the occasional longer day? Are you happy with some ascents of 3,000ft / 900m? Are you comfortable on a variety of terrain from good paths to rough mountain tracks?

      Travel - Arrival and Departure Read More

      You will be met by your Wilderness Ireland Guide at Galway Ceannt Train Station at 12:00 on Day 1 of your trip. You will be dropped off at Westport Train Station by 13:00 on the last day of your trip. For full details on travelling to/from Galway and Westport, please see our travel section here.

      Speak to an Expert

      Patricia Doe

      An avid cyclist and hiker, Patricia enjoys exploring Ireland’s wild landscapes every chance she gets – she particularly loves the under-appreciated regions of Mayo, Connemara, Sligo and Donegal. Having spent many years in the hospitality industry, Patricia is an expert on Ireland’s luxury and unique accommodations. As Wilderness Ireland’s General Manager and head of the sales team, Patricia is ready to help make your Irish adventure spectacular.

      Ask Patricia a Question

      Difficulty Grades Explained

      Blue Graded 4-6

      Our blue-graded trips involve exploring some of Ireland’s best hiking regions, introducing some steeper climbs to summits as well as valley and coastal hikes. The hike will be conducted at a steady pace and you will typically hike 5-7 hours per day. The terrain underfoot can be anything from well-maintained hiker’s trails to rough or boggy ground, boulder fields and mountain tops.

      The daily hikes will occasionally involve a mountain ascent of over 3000ft / 900m high. More challenging days are interspersed with lower-level valley, coastal or forest walks which would include some cultural highlights along the way.

      Can you comfortably hike for around 10 miles (16km) with the occasional longer day? Are you happy with some ascents of 3,000ft / 900m? Are you comfortable on a variety of terrain from good paths to rough mountain tracks?

      Find Out More

      Trip Reviews

      Rated 5.00 out of 5 based on 41 review(s) of Hiking – Connemara’s Atlantic Edge

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      Every client receives a feedback survey when they return from their guided, self guided or tailor made holiday with us. Once completed the review is published on our website just as soon as our database updates. The little touches and details are important to us and where issues are raised we make positive changes to our trips to improve your experience.

      That’s why we read each of our client’s reviews and although we don’t respond to all of them, if it’s glowing feedback then we get the satisfaction of helping to make your holidays truly memorable.

      RC

      Robin Corthell

      Reviewed on 04/10/2023

      Age: 60 - 70
      Country: United States
      Trip Date: 23/09/2023
      Trips Taken: 1

      The Bottom Line

      The Bottom Line

      I thought our tour of the Mountains of Connemara was lovely despite the inclement and windy weather. Our hikes were modified appropriately, our lodgings were charming and the food ranged from good to excellent.

      PP

      Patricia Pollitzer

      Reviewed on 05/09/2023

      Age: 60 - 70
      Country: United States
      Trip Date: 26/08/2023
      Trips Taken: 1

      The Bottom Line

      KG

      Karen Greaves

      Reviewed on 04/09/2023

      Age: 60 - 70
      Country: United States
      Trip Date: 26/08/2023
      Trips Taken: 1

      The Bottom Line

      The Bottom Line

      Would definitely sign up for another trip - hopefully soon.

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