8-Day Guided Wild Atlantic Way & Islands Hike

Guided

Expert Guide on tour offering guidance and local knowledge.

Grading

Moderate Walks

Duration

7 nights stay, 6 days hiking

Price

From

€1595

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8-Day Guided Wild Atlantic Way & Islands Hike

The West Coast of Ireland has been formed over thousands of years by the Atlantic Ocean shaping & re-shaping its rugged coastline. Hiking around this impressive coastline allows a sense of freedom as the natural world blends into the human one. Visiting three islands during your holiday, you will be fascinated by the variety of landscapes & their atmospheres along with a rich & long history that has made the local people so friendly, optimistic & humorous.

Single Supplement costs for 8 Day Guided Wild Atlantic Way & Islands Hike €295

Should you require any further information about our Single Supplement costs please click here.

Highlights

Visit the stunning Achill Island with its award-winning beach

Enjoy a visit to Clare Island – the last stronghold for the Queen of Connaught

Climb Ireland’s most famous pilgrim mountain – Croagh Patrick

Immerse in the solitude and natural beauty of Inisbofin Island

What's Included?

Ensuite room in select accommodations with breakfast

Expert local guide

6 fantastic hikes

Evening meals & lunches as per itinerary

Transport as per itinerary

Dedicated holiday specialist to help with planning

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive to Castlebar

Arrive to the county town of Castlebar. Meet your guide & transfer to Achill Island where your holiday begins. Meet your other group members (max 8 people) and enjoy a delicious evening meal together and a drink in the local pub as your guide briefs you on the coming weeks adventure. (2 overnights here).
Meals: Dinner (D)

Day 2 - Achill Island

Starting your hike today at one of Achill’s largest lakes, you follow across open hillsides and moorland to explore the north western extremities of this island. This is a total immersion into nature at its best, as you hike to the impressive “Deserted Village” filled with history from bygone days. Your hike will leave you wanting to see more of this amazing island.
Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)
Total Distance: 10.9kms | Total Ascent: 176m | Total Descent: 353m | Max Elevation: 203m

Day 3 - Keem Beach

Keem Beach – voted Ireland’s best beach - is today's starting point for a hike offering glorious views across the island, the Wild Atlantic & south to Clare Island, you will be fascinated by the beauty of this region. A magnificent looped hike takes you to Achill Head & along a boggy valley to return to Captain Boycott’s old home. Following your hike you will transfer to Westport town which is your home for next two nights.
Meals: B & L
Total Distance: 8.6kms | Total Ascent: 673m | Total Descent: 670m | Max Elevation: 286m

Day 4 - Clare Island

From Westport, you drive further west to take a ferry across to Clare Island, one of the many islands found in Clew Bay. With stories of Grace O’Malley our Pirate Queen to absorb you into the history of this place, you explore the north eastern corner boasting lighthouses, mountains and cliffs.
Meals: B, L & D
Total Distance: 12.7kms | Total Ascent: 348m | Total Descent: 347m | Max Elevation: 130m

Day 5 - Croagh Patrick

This is your “Pilgrim” Day as you hike the impressive & well known Croagh Patrick. Famous since the 5th Century, this is an amazing day of hiking. Reaching the top is not the goal, the objective is enjoying your journey along the way. This is Ireland’s most historical pilgrim mountain and still captures the emotions in a most surprising way. Continue after your hike to take a ferry to Inishbofin Island where you enjoy your next 2 overnights. Life on the island moves at a different pace so settle in for a relaxing evening of good food and banter in the local pub.
Meals: B & L
Total Distance: 8.2kms | Total Ascent: 470m | Total Descent: 475m | Max Elevation: 446m

Day 6 - Inishbofin Island

Today you have a wonderful opportunity to explore the amazing history of this glorious island. With an ancient Cromwellian Fort, monastic ruins, a promontory fort and pristine beaches this island will captivate your imagination as you explore it in detail.
Meals: B & L
Total Distance: 11.1kms | Total Ascent: 173m | Total Descent: 180m | Max Elevation: 56m

Day 7 - Inishbofin Island - West quarter

Inishbofin is well known for its bird life, and the protected Corncrake is one of its prized possessions. Enjoy another hike on this inspiring island, as you indulge in nature, look for seals, birds and flowers as you hike the eastern section of the island today. Taking the ferry back to the mainland after your hike, your final overnight is in the village of Leenane.
Meals: B, L & D
Total Distance: 11.1kms | Total Ascent: 173m | Total Descent: 180m | Max Elevation: 59m

Day 8 - Depart from Galway

After breakfast, your Guide will drive you back to Galway to finish your holiday. From here, you can avail of the excellent bus & train service links to all major towns, cities, airports & ferryports in Ireland.

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