Paddling & Pirates

Day 1 – Westport

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)

Day 2 – Bike the Greenway

The Great Western Greenway is the longest off-road, car-free hiking and biking trail in Ireland. It follows the route of an old railway to a hauntingly beautiful island and offers spectacular coastal and mountain views. Along the way, your guide will point out interesting sights and recount tales of the landscape that you’re biking through. The day’s biking distance can be tailored to suit your family, with longer options for fitter groups as well as the option of an electric bike* for anyone wishing for an extra push up those gentle hills! (B, L)

*E-bike upgrade available at an additional cost, depending on availability.

Day 3 – Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s Holy Mountain

Today you’ll enjoy a tailored day of hiking to explore Ireland’s holy mountain, Croagh Patrick. The tradition of pilgrimage up this mountain stretches back over 5,000 years from the Stone Age to the present day. Each July, some devout pilgrims even make the hike barefoot. Your guide will tailor a hike suited to your family’s ability from a short but beautiful heather-clad loop of the mountain’s base to summiting via the pilgrim’s path – or of course alternatively, spend the day at your own personal leisure. (B, L) 

Day 4 – A Pirate’s Island & Scavenger Hunt

In the 16th century, the northwestern coast was ruled by a formidable Gaelic pirate queen, Grace O’Malley. Irish legends immortalise Grace as a courageous heroine, but to the English, who controlled Ireland at the time, she was considered a thieving pirate. In any case, her exploits are legendary. We’ll visit her seat of power, a castle tower on Clare Island. Boating across to the island, we’ll explore the island on foot, visiting her castle and tomb, as well as an abbey distinguished for its well-preserved medieval roof and wall paintings. You’ll get the chance to really uncover the flora, fauna and history of the island with our coastal scavenger hunt – fun for the whole family! (B, L)

Day 5 – Connemara High Ropes & Feed the Lambs

Today, we pack up and travel south to Connemara. Described by Oscar Wilde as ‘a savage beauty,’ the spectacular wilderness of Connemara is where we shall spend the next few days adventuring. Our first stop is a tree-high obstacle course where we can try our hand at high ropes and clambering and swinging through the tree canopy, trying not to look down at the ground below. We will then visit a local sheep farmer to see his clever sheepdogs and learn how they herd the sheep. If we’re lucky, we may be able to help out with feeding the adorable hungry lambs. (B, L) 

Day 6 – Paddling in Connemara

The Connemara coast is home to some of the most spectacular white sand beaches set with a backdrop of green sloped mountains and the crashing Atlantic. After a leisurely morning, we shall enjoy a paddle by kayak or stand-up paddle-board along the shore where you’ll get the opportunity to get up close and personal with marine wildlife from seabirds to seals. Today is also a great day to take a refreshing dip in the wild Atlantic Ocean. (B, L, D) 

Day 7 - Depart

This morning we shall say goodbye to the wilds of Connemara and drop you off at a destination of your choice. If you’d like to extend your stay, this is a great chance to explore colourful Galway before leaving the wild western coast of Ireland and hopping on a train back to Dublin! (B)