fbpx
Close
Articles by Year

<<     >>

Articles by Category
Close
844 235 6240
Flag

Activities

Selected Trips

    Locations

    Selected Trips

      Themed Travel

      FAQs

      Hiking

      Ireland’s Ancient Islands

      Deposit From: €624€624
      Region: West – Connemara, Burren & Aran Islands
      Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
      Confirmed: When 2 Travellers Book

      Next Departure: 3rd - 9th May 2025
      Accommodation: Classic

      Grading:

      Carbon Footprint: 120kg ? 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.

      icon-download Download Itinerary

        From: €2,400 View Prices & Dates

        Trip Overview

        Created by: Patricia Doe

        Join us on a fully guided, small-group trip to explore the captivating coastlines and ancient islands of Ireland’s West Coast. From Galway’s labyrinth of cobbled streets to Connemara’s wild beauty, discover the rich history, strong culture and enchanting natural beauty of this diverse and fascinating region.

        With a knowledgeable guide, visit the unique tidal island of Omey and explore its holy wells and buried churches. Catch a small white ferry to Inís Mór (the largest of the Aran Islands) and enjoy e-biking along quiet roads, soaking up panoramic views full of silver stone, turquoise waves and endless sky. As you explore, learn about the region’s incredible human history and rich cultural heritage, meeting local characters and staying in charming, hand-picked accommodation.

        Stroll along white sandy beaches and trails that ribbon through leafy woodland tucked in the foothills of mountains. On a trip that’s soaked in stories and salty with sea air, enjoy an unforgettable adventure to the ancient landscapes of western Ireland.

        Collapse All
        Marker Icon

        Day by Day
        Itinerary

        Day 1 – Historic Galway Read Less

        Day 1

        Historic Galway

        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 see out of 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

        Day 2 – Omey Island Read Less

        Day 2

        Omey Island

        After breakfast, set out to explore the unique tidal island of Omey. Reached by crossing a wide sandy beach, this tiny island is rich in history – home to ancient holy wells and buried churches from the Middle Ages. Like many parts of rural Ireland, Omey was devastated by the Great Famine in the 19th century, and the ruins of abandoned settlements can still be seen on the island today. Enjoy exploring this beautiful and evocative place with your guide before returning to the mainland this afternoon.

        Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
        Walk Details: 5 km / 3 miles | Approx: 3 hrs

        Day 3 – E-bike Inís Mór – Aran Islands Read Less

        Day 3

        E-bike Inís Mór – Aran Islands

        Found at the mouth of Galway Bay, the Aran Islands are three distinctive isles that are a haven of traditional Irish language, culture and music. After breakfast, catch a small ferry to the largest of the three, Inís Mór, to explore its stunning natural landscapes, ancient stone forts, and rich culture by E-bike. Visit the breathtaking fortress at Dun Aonghusa, perched dramatically on a cliff edge, before venturing further inland to discover some of the island’s hidden gems. This evening, rosy-cheeked and relaxed, enjoy a delicious dinner.

        Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
        Ride Details: 20 km / 12 miles | Approx: 4 hrs

        Day 4 – Killary Fjord Read Less

        Day 4

        Killary Fjord

        This morning, head out for a beautiful walk that ribbons its way along Connermara’s stunning Atlantic coastline. Wind your way along the shores of Killary Fjord, past rocky outcrops of sheep-shorn grass and soak in the wonderful, far-reaching views. Along the way, look for signs of aquaculture – oysters, mussels and other shellfish – which are still the bread and butter of Connemara communities today. This afternoon, visit a working sheep farm and meet a local farmer and his flock. Learn more about the day-to-day of this traditional way of life, connecting more fully with the landscape and its inhabitants. Relax at your new accommodation in the cheerful town of Westport.

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

        Day 5 – Achill Island’s Ancient Heritage Read Less

        Day 5

        Achill Island’s Ancient Heritage

        After a relaxed breakfast, head north to explore Achill Island. With a human history that stretches back to Neolithic times, this salt-stained, wild isle is connected by a bridge to the mainland and peppered with ancient forts, pirate strongholds and early Christian monasteries. Chat with your guide and learn more about the island’s heritage as you enjoy a stunning walk that showcases Achill’s most captivating landscapes, including towering sea cliffs, white sandy beaches and rolling green hills.

        Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
        Walk Details: 5 km / 3 miles | Approx: 2 hrs
        Shorter Alternative: 10 km / 6 miles | Approx: 6 hrs

        Day 6 – The Silver Strand Read Less

        Day 6

        The Silver Strand

        Today, head west to one of Ireland’s most remote valleys. Upon arrival, meet a lovely local family who will join us in exploring the foothills of the region’s highest mountain, Mweelrea. Enjoy discovering spectacular beaches, leafy native woodlands, and learning about how many generations of the same family have farmed and lived in this beautiful, wild place. After a celebratory final dinner in Westport this evening, we’ll perhaps head to a cosy pub to listen to some of Ireland’s finest traditional music.

        Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
        Walk Details: 4 km / 2 miles | Approx: 2 hrs

        Day 7 – Westport Town & Departure Read Less

        Day 7

        Westport Town & Departure

        On your final day, enjoy a morning stroll around Westport. A bustling market town, Westport is perfect for shopping, photography, or simply people-watching from a cosy cafe. With Crayola-bright houses lining the streets and a river twisting its way through the centre – Westport is a pretty, picturesque spot for your final morning in Ireland. Come noon, your guide will drop you at Westport Train Station, where your trip will conclude.

        Meals Included: Breakfast

        Download Itinerary

        X
        Hiking
        Ireland’s Ancient Islands

        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 2025AvailabilityStatusPriceBook
        3rd May - 9th May 20258 place(s) leftAvailable €2,400Book Now
        7th Jun - 13th Jun 20258 place(s) leftAvailable €2,400Book Now
        19th Jul - 25th Jul 20258 place(s) leftAvailable €2,400Book Now
        23rd Aug - 29th Aug 20258 place(s) leftAvailable €2,400Book Now
        20th Sep - 26th Sep 20258 place(s) leftAvailable €2,400Book 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
        Ireland’s Ancient Islands

        For private departure enquiries, please complete the form below:

        Trip Details

        Expand All
        Accommodation Read More

        This trip features accommodations chosen for their excellent location, service and comfort. All accommodations provide breakfast. Relax by the fire in comfortable countryside hotels, B&Bs, and guesthouses snuggled into some of Ireland’s most beautiful scenery.

        Single Rooms

        There is no supplement charged to solo travellers, however, you will be required to share a room with another person of the same sex. If you request a double room for single occupancy, a supplement of €600 is charged.

        Due to the nature of the accommodations we use, single supplements are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis.

        Meals Read More

        Breakfast is provided each morning, as well as lunch and snacks throughout the trip. Dinner is provided on the three evenings of the trip. The other nights of the trip are free for you to dine where you choose. Local pubs and restaurants offer a wide choice of regional dishes. Your guide can provide a list of local recommendations and help you make any necessary reservations.

        Inclusions Read More
        • 6 nights accommodation in unique and cosy guest houses and hotels
        • Most meals during the trip
        • 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 of western Ireland
        • All boat trips and ferries as stated in the itinerary
        • E-bike rental on the Aran Islands
        • Entrance and admission fees as stated in the itinerary, incl. a sheepdog demo, a storytelling session, and a historic walking tour
        Grading Read More

        Green Graded 1-3

        Our green-graded trips include shorter hikes, with few ascents, and generally over smoother terrain (but usually not paved). We include more cultural stops along the way and walk at a leisurely pace.

        Often, our green-graded trips include hikes in flatter coastal areas or in valleys and will last around 2-4 hours each day. To help you decide if you are fit enough for this trip, ask yourself:

        Can you comfortably hike for 6 miles (10km), including some ascents, over generally good terrain?

        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 12:00 on the last day of your trip. For full details on travelling to/from Galway and Westport, please see our travel section here.

        Difficulty Grades Explained

        Green Graded 1-3

        Our green-graded trips include shorter hikes, with few ascents, and generally over smoother terrain (but usually not paved). We include more cultural stops along the way and walk at a leisurely pace.

        Often, our green-graded trips include hikes in flatter coastal areas or in valleys and will last around 2-4 hours each day. To help you decide if you are fit enough for this trip, ask yourself:

        Can you comfortably hike for 6 miles (10km), including some ascents, over generally good terrain?

        Find Out More

        Our holidays reviewed
        in your own words

        Wilderness Ireland is a fantastic company, from the exploration of trips and the level of service from office staff to the trip itself. For lovers of outdoors, and Ireland, Wilderness Ireland will exceed all expectations.

        Jonathan Dowling
        Hiking - The Kerry Mountains
        Reviewed on 15/08/2022

        Rated 4.93 out of 5 based on 2,271 reviews

        Read More Reviews
        mail

        Want more Wilderness in your life?

        Be the first to hear about new trips, locations and activities with our monthly newsletter