Trip created by Erin Elliott
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Region: West – Connemara, Burren & Aran Islands
Trip Type: Family
Comfort: Deluxe
Deposit From €727.50
Difficulty: Your Own Pace
All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.
Download ItineraryAwash in local myth and legend, Ireland’s dramatic west coast has been home to pirates, pilgrims – even St Patrick himself. Discover the wild landscapes, churning bays and windswept islands of Connemara with your whole family!
On this family tour on the Wild Atlantic Way, uncover the geology, wildlife, history and culture of this fascinating region through a range of fully guided activities.
Your personal guide will impart their local knowledge to ensure that your family gets the very best from their time in Ireland, learning through interaction with landscape and local people. Each evening, relax at fun, family-friendly accommodation with amenities for the whole family!
This family tour on the Wild Atlantic Way is designed to suit children from 6-15 years old. Please note that depending on factors such as weather and height of child, some activities may be restricted. This is a guided private departure and therefore the activities can be tailored to the needs and abilities of you and your children. This trip may be taken any time during the year (choose the dates best for your family), though please keep in mind that some of the activities may be modified in winter, especially the water sports.
We meet in the lively town of Westport to begin our family tour on the Wild Atlantic Way. With its brightly coloured houses, craft shops, music-filled and family-friendly pubs and gourmet restaurants, it is a great place to begin your family adventure. Ask your guide about the Pirate Queen and the exciting history of the region as you explore this bustling town! (L,D)
The Great Western Greenway is one of the longest off-road biking trails in Ireland. Following the route of a repurposed railway, it offers a completely car-free bike trail dipped in local legend. Along the way, as you take in the spectacular coastal and mountain views, your guide will point out interesting sights and recount both myth and history of the landscape you’re biking through. With the distance tailored to meet your family’s preferences, this is a great way to explore the Wild Atlantic Way. (B,L)
Today there is a choice of activities. For energetic family members, we’ll climb to the summit of Ireland’s holy mountain, Croagh Patrick, awash with the story of St Patrick. For others, there’s the option to horseback ride along a trail known as St Patrick’s Walk to explore fascinating ancient sights from the saddle of your own horse. Alternatively, you may choose to spend the day at your own personal leisure. (B,L)
The wild north Atlantic coast of Ireland in the 16th century was ruled by a formidable Gaelic pirate queen, Grace O’Malley. The little-visited Clare Island guards the entrance to Clew Bay, her former stronghold. Explore the Pirate Queen’s castle, cliffs, beaches and ruins of this magical place – perhaps even taking part in a treasure hunt! Feeling adventurous? Today we’ll explore the Pirate Queen’s kingdom by water by learning how to paddle! (B,L)
Described by Oscar Wilde as ‘a savage beauty’, the spectacular wilderness of Connemara will be our home-sweet-home for the next few days. First stop? A tree high obstacle course where we can try zip-lining, clambering and swinging through the tree canopy! Then, we’ll visit a local sheep farmer to meet his clever sheepdogs herding sheep and help out with feeding the hungry lambs. (B,L)
The Connemara coast is home to some of the most spectacular white sand beaches set with a backdrop of green sloped mountains and the rolling Atlantic. We’ll enjoy a gentle hike along the shore to learn some survival skills from your guide. Feeling adventurous anyone? We’ll get a chance to taste Ireland’s superfood – seaweed! Today’s a great day to take a dip in the Atlantic if you dare! (B,L,D)
As our family tour on the Wild Atlantic Way comes to an end, we shall say goodbye to the wilds of Connemara and the Wild Atlantic Way and transfer back to Galway Train Station. If you have time before departing, consider wandering Galway – a wonderful and historic city with plenty to see before saying a final farewell to the west coast of Ireland! (B)
To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this vacation, please complete the form below:
This family trip features two accommodations chosen for their excellent location along the Wild Atlantic Way, their excellent service and renowned comfort. Both charming hotels are family-friendly and family-run, offering a range of child centred activities and services as well as activities adults will also appreciate!
Every family is different, so please contact us in regards to accommodation. If one of your party specifically requires a single room, a single supplement charge of €250 (subject to availability) is applicable.
You will be met by your Wilderness Ireland Guide at Westport Train Station at 1.00pm on Day 1 of your trip. You will be dropped of at Galway Train Station by 12.00pm on the last day of your trip.
Originally hailing from the wilds of Canada, Erin was drawn to Ireland’s emerald hills, rugged coasts and big waves in 2014 to surf, practice yoga and travel. Joining Wilderness Ireland in 2017, Erin draws from her own experiences travelling and living in North America and Ireland to create magical Ireland adventures. From Donegal to Clare to Cork, Erin knows all the best spots along the Wild Atlantic Way!
- Erin Elliott
Ask Erin a QuestionWith your own private guide, activities can be tailored to meet your family’s needs, preferences and expectations, and therefore this trip can be enjoyed at your own family’s pace.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are appropriately fit and capable of doing the described hikes in the expected times. Please refer to the grading section on our website for more details. If you are unsure we encourage you to speak to us first.
Rated 5.00 out of 5 based on 2 review(s) of Family Adventure – Paddling and Pirates
Every client receives a feedback survey when they return from their guided, self guided or tailor made vacation 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 vacations truly memorable.
Lisa Sarfati
Reviewed on 29/11/2018
Age: 50 - 60
Trip Date: 31/10/2018
Trips Taken: 0
The Bottom Line
I would definitely recommend working with Wilderness Ireland for your next family vacation. Louise and Paul provided top-notch customer service from preparations to execution. If you're looking to truly see the beauty of Ireland in an active and fun way, I'd go with Wilderness Ireland. My hat goes off to you! Many thanks.
Don Nestor
Reviewed on 24/09/2018
The Bottom Line
Absolutely incredible trip that caters to your family interests, desires, likes! Without hesitation, I would recommend this trip to other families.
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