The essence and variety of the West of Ireland is captured on this three centre-walking trip in the Burren, Aran Islands and Connemara. You will be based in hotels and guesthouses in locations that provide the richest variety of geology, scenery and walking conditions that could be desired.
The Burren is a remarkable area of more than 100 square miles of limestone landscape, where a rich variety of plants thrive in the cracks and crevices. Enjoy the bird’s eye view of the dramatic west coast of Ireland on the short flight to the Aran Islands, where Gaelic is still spoken. Explore the many archaeological sites of the island, including the pre-historic fort Dun Aonghasa. Old pilgrimage sites and bog lands rich in flowers are the treats of Connemara.
Tour Highlights • Cliffs of Moher • Flight over west coast to Aran Islands • 2 nights on Aran Islands & visit to prehistoric fort of Dun Aengus • The internationally renowned karst limestone habitat of the Burren • Connemara’s lake dotted bog land, mountains and seascape
Itinerary Day 1 - Arrival Arrival at accommodation in Lisdoonvarna, renowned for traditional Irish music. Dinner and briefing. Overnight in Lisdoonvarna (3 nights).
Day 2 - The Cliffs of Moher & Atlantic Coast Distance: 4 miles/6.5 km A choice of gentle walks by the Atlantic Coast will be offered, to allow you to explore the countryside while introducing yourself to Irish walking.
Day 3 - The Burren Distance: 13km/8miles Ascent: 275m/900ft The Burren is a unique internationally important habitat. You can explore it through a combination of walking on green roads and traversing of the karst limestone pavements, interspersed with rare arctic and alpine flowers.
Day 4 - The Aran Islands Distance: up to 14km/8 miles Ascent: little or none Short flight over the dramatic west coast to the Irish-speaking Aran Islands. Walk to the southeast of the island to spectacular cliffs and puffing holes. Carry on to the Iron Age Black Fort (Dún Duchathair). Overnight on Aran Islands (2 nights).
Day 5 - The Aran Islands – Dún Aonghasa Distance: up to 21km/13 miles Ascent: little or none Visit archaeological sites including the pre-historic fort, Dún Aonghasa and Poll na bPéist (worm hole), all set in a stony landscape from which a living is laboriously wrenched. Overnight on the Aran Islands.
Day 6 - Roundstone Distance: 11km/6 miles Ascent: 350m/ 1,150 ft Enjoy the views of the island dotted Atlantic coastline and the Clifden bog from Errisbeg, a small mountain behind the village of Roundstone. Overnight in Connemara (2 nights).
Day 7 - The Connemara Coast Distance: 16km/10miles Ascent: little or none Walk along the shore of Killary Harbour – Ireland’s only fjord. A ten-mile walk on the ‘Famine Trail’ through Connemara mountain scenery – lake dotted bog land rich in flora.
Day 8 - Departure
Price includes • One group transfer to/from Shannon Airport • Seven nights accommodation based on two adults sharing in Irish Tourist Board approved 3 star hotels (5 nights) and guesthouse accommodation with ensuite facilities* • Seven full Irish Breakfasts • Six packed lunches • Seven Dinners • Experienced guide throughout itinerary • Luggage transfers • Return flight to the Aran Islands
