Trip created by Patricia Doe
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Region: West – Connemara, Burren & Aran Islands
Trip Type: Hiking
Accommodation: Classic
Max Group Size: 8
Confirmed: When 2 Travellers Book
Deposit From: €547.50 €547.50

Grading:

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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 – and Ireland! – 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 the west of 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.

Far from the traditional tourist track, you’ll explore a secret Ireland that few visitors will ever see. Hiking Connemara’s Atlantic edge and Mayo’s pilgrimage trails are the best way to truly experience the untamed landscapes of the west of Ireland.

Trip Highlights

Challenge yourself by summiting three of the west of Ireland's highest peaks.
Follow in the steps of St Patrick to follow ancient pilgrimage routes.
Explore the wildest and most sparsely populated area of Ireland.
Join local guides who will bring you off the beaten path in Connemara National Park.

Did you know?

This trip can be booked as a private departure

Learn more

Day by Day Itinerary

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. (L, D)

Hike details: 4.5 miles/7 km | approx. 2-3 hrs.

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. (B, L, D)

Hike Details: 6 miles/10 km | approx. 4-5hrs.

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 a little 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 MaamTurks Mountains, Mweelrea Mountain, and out across the fjord to the wild Atlantic Ocean. (B, L, D)

Hike Details: 8 miles/ 13km | approx. 4-5hrs.

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 not only rich in stunning scenery but has a strong and interesting heritage – delve 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. (B, L)

Hike Details: 7 miles/11 km | approx. 3 hrs

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. (B, L, D)

Hike Details: 6-8 miles / 10-13 km | approx. 7 hrs.

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. (B, L, D)

Hike Details: 8 miles/12km | approx. 6hrs.

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. (B)

This itinerary is subject to changes and improvements.

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Hiking

Connemara’s Atlantic Edge

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Trip Dates & Prices

Trip Dates for 2024	Availability	Status	Price	Book
25th May - 31st May 2024	3 places left	CONFIRMED	€2,190	Book Now
22nd Jun - 28th Jun 2024	7 places left	UNCONFIRMED	€2,190	Book Now
27th Jul - 2nd Aug 2024	8 places left	UNCONFIRMED	€2,190	Book Now
24th Aug - 30th Aug 2024	8 places left	UNCONFIRMED	€2,190	Book Now

Trip Details

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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 excepting one night (Meals included indicated as B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
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

Trip 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.

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 prefered departure date and we'll take care of the rest.

Speak to an Expert

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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.

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Meet Your Guide

Jerome O Loughlin
25th May - 31st May 2024

Denis Beakey
27th Jul - 2nd Aug 2024

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Difficulty Grades Explained

Our hiking trips range from very straightforward low-level hikes to trips that include more challenging itineraries which will take you to a new mountain top each day.

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.

Trip Reviews

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

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.

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.

Patricia Pollitzer

Reviewed on 05/09/2023

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

The Bottom Line

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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Wilderness Scotland

Connemara’s Atlantic Edge

Travel Planning & Advice

Trip Highlights

Did you know?

This trip can be booked as a private departure

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Diamond Hill

Day 2 – Twelve Bens Mountain Range

Day 3 – Leenane Hill

Day 4 – Killary Fjord

Day 5 – Mweelrea Mountain, Connacht's Highest Peak

Day 6 – The Holy Mountain of Croagh Patrick

Day 7 – Westport Town & Departure

Trip Dates & Prices

Trip Details

Blue Graded 4-6

Photo Gallery

Make This Trip Private

Speak to an Expert

Patricia Doe

Meet Your Guide

Difficulty Grades Explained

Trip Reviews

Pre-Trip Service

Accommodation & Food

Your Guide

The Bottom Line

Pre-Trip Service

Trip Comments

Accommodation & Food

Your Guide

Accommodation & Food

Your Guide

The Bottom Line

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