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Ireland's Western Way

Connemara, Aran Islands and the Cliffs of Moher

Embarking on the Western Way in Ireland offers you the chance to immerse yourself in the breathtaking, verdant landscapes and vibrant Irish culture along the country's western coast. This 179-kilometre trail meanders through some of the most dramatic scenery you'll find anywhere in Ireland. Along the way, you'll also have the opportunity to explore the Aran Islands, uncover ancient sites, and marvel at the rugged coastline shaped by the wild Atlantic.

Ireland, a land of striking contrasts, reveals its raw and dramatic beauty at certain points, while offering idyllic and tranquil scenes in others. Your journey begins at the Cliffs of Moher, marking the start of your week along Ireland's lush coastline. The coastal walk here is renowned as one of the most spectacular trails in the world. As you progress, tranquillity envelops you on the Aran Islands, where the setting sun casts a dreamy ambience over this charming village in Galway Bay.

From there, you'll continue on the Great Western Way, an experience that showcases Ireland at its finest. You'll traverse boggy landscapes, rolling green hills, and culminate your hiking week at the majestic Killary Harbour fjord. It's an unforgettable journey through the heart of Ireland's natural beauty and rich heritage.

Details about walking holidays on Ireland's Western Way

The enchanting village of Doolin forms the gateway to an absolute highlight of the tour: the world-famous Cliffs of Moher! A particularly extraordinary panorama awaits visitors from the top of O'Briens Tower. The next stage takes you by ship to Inis Mor, the largest of the Aran Islands. This mystical place immerses you in Irish Celtic history as you walk along the rugged limestone cliffs and miles of dry stone walls.

Back on the mainland, there are two impressive lakes and a moorland landscape to "hike", Lough Boffin and Lough Corrib. On the edge of the Atlantic, the Connemara region has a particularly wild beauty. The Maumturk Mountains, Lough Inagh, the Twelve Bens and Killary Harbour are other impressive natural attractions along the route. Why not spend a few days in Galway before heading home?

The highlights of this Western Way walking holiday at a glance:

  • The diverse Irish culture: Don't miss a visit or two to one of the charming pubs in the evening. Often there is live music typical of the country and with a seafood chowder or an Irish stew, you will feel like you have arrived in Ireland!

  • The Famine Walk: Takes you to Ireland's only fjord, Killary Harbour, but also into the history of the region. Famine means famine and the path was used to transport food quickly.

  • The unique Cliffs of Moher: rise vertically up to 214 metres. Despite the secured paths, you can get quite dizzy looking down. But the adventure is worth it! Walk along the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which has served as a backdrop for films such as "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince".

  • Magnificent views: Make sure your camera has enough memory because you will need it! Whether glittering lakes or green meadows with countless sheep, photogenic scenery awaits you at every turn on this tour.

Interesting facts about hiking along the Western Way

With a hiking time of four to six hours, the tours are not too long, so you have enough time to enjoy the scenic and cultural highlights. Due to the rocky sections, you should stand firm in your walking shoes. The weather in Ireland is characterised by precipitation, so changeable conditions are to be expected.

This tour has been graded as Medium. Find out more about our walking holiday difficulty levels.

Tour information
Medium
  • 8 Days / 7 Nights
  • Self-Guided
  • Luggage transfers included
  • Total walking distance: approx. 79 km
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Itinerary

The Cliffs of Moher rise over 120 metres from the Atlantic Ocean. This impressive cliff landscape provides the backdrop for your first day of hiking. In the morning a short transfer to Liscannor and from here you follow the Cliffs of Moher Trail, which takes you directly along the cliffs back to Doolin.

approx. 5 h
approx. 12 km
450 m
500 m

In the morning transfer to the ferry and drive to Inis Mor, the largest island of the Aran Islands. Stone walls have been piled up as far as the eye can see to cultivate the barren soil.

The walk takes you past a seal colony to the world-famous ruins of Dún Aenghus (UNESCO World Heritage Site). By the time you arrive, the tourist crowds have already moved on and you can take your time to examine this spectacular site. Afterwards, hike back to Cill Rónáin.

approx. 5 h
approx. 17 km
230 m
230 m

The Aran Islands are considered the centre of Gaelic language and music. If you are interested in customs, you can discover a lot here. If you would rather get out into the fresh air, rent a bike or lace up your hiking boots to discover the many other buildings and fortifications on the island.

In the morning, take the ferry back to the mainland to Ross a' Mhil. Here you will be picked up and taken to the starting point of the walk at Lough Boffin.

The stage takes you through a colourful mixed forest and ends on the shores of Lough Corrib. Continue through beautiful moorland until you reach the end point of today's walk. Short transfer to your accommodation.

approx. 5.5 h
approx. 19 km
245 m
245 m

In the morning transfer back to the valley of Tiernakill. The Maumturk Mountains are one of the highlights of the Great Western Way. On the way up, the landscape seems almost mountainous, but a view of the endless green hills and the many sheep show why Connemare is one of the most beautiful corners of Ireland.

Arriving at the pass of Maum Ean, a mystical site awaits you. St. Patrik visited this place a long time ago. A small chapel, Celtic crosses and a statue of St. Patrik make this a sacred place. You will end the day with a descent to Lough Inagh.

approx. 5 h
approx. 16 km
395 m
345 m

Trees are a rare commodity in Ireland, but today's stage takes you through several forests at once. The stage itself is varied. You leave the hills of the Maumturk Mountains and the 12 Bens behind you and soon reach flatter terrain. Your destination is the small coastal village of Leenane, picturesquely situated at the end of Killary Fjord.

approx. 5 h
approx. 15 km
165 m
225 m

Route information

For the hike on the Cliffs of Moher Trail you need to be free from vertigo. For the other stages you need to be in good physical condition for hikes of up to 20 kilometres. Surefootedness is an advantage on the descent from the Maum Ean Pass.

Prices and dates

Prices are per person in GBP and exclude flights

Price calculation and check availability: Ireland's Western Way

Place of arrival: Doolin
  Season 1
06.04.2024 - 26.04.2024
28.09.2024 - 13.10.2024

Daily
Season 2
30.03.2024 - 05.04.2024
27.04.2024 - 27.09.2024

Daily
Ireland's Western Way, IR-COWDL-08X
Base price
1,139.00
1,239.00
Single room surcharge 439.00 439.00

Hotel information: You will stay in country hotels and B&Bs.

Season 1
Apr 6, 2024 - Apr 26, 2024
Sep 28, 2024 - Oct 13, 2024
Daily
Season 2
Mar 30, 2024 - Apr 5, 2024
Apr 27, 2024 - Sep 27, 2024
Daily
Ireland's Western Way, IR-COWDL-08X
Base price
Single room surcharge
1,139.00
439.00
1,239.00
439.00

Hotel information: You will stay in country hotels and B&Bs.

Season 1
Apr 6, 2024 - Apr 26, 2024
Sep 28, 2024 - Oct 13, 2024
Season 2
Mar 30, 2024 - Apr 5, 2024
Apr 27, 2024 - Sep 27, 2024
Doolin
Double room p,p
Single room surcharge
Leenane
Double room p.p
Single room surcharge
75.00
29.00
95.00
35.00
75.00
29.00
95.00
35.00
Additional nights
Place of arrival: Doolin
  Season 1
Apr 6, 2024 - Apr 26, 2024
Sep 28, 2024 - Oct 13, 2024

Daily
Season 2
Mar 30, 2024 - Apr 5, 2024
Apr 27, 2024 - Sep 27, 2024

Daily
Doolin
Double room p,p 75.00 75.00
Single room surcharge 29.00 29.00
Leenane
Double room p.p 95.00 95.00
Single room surcharge 35.00 35.00
Prices per person in GBP

Included services and travel information

Services

Included:

  • 7 overnight stays as stated, breakfast included 
  • Luggage transfer (from day 5) 
  • Transfers and ferry crossings according to programme 
  • Carefully elaborated route description 
  • Detailed travel and tour documents 
  • Service hotline 

Note:

  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price
  • Luggage transfer Aran Islands (with ferry crossings luggage needs to be taken autonomously)

Optional:

  • Organised transfer from Leenane to Westport, £60.- per way, reservation required, payable on spot.
Information

Arrival/Departure:

  • Airport Dublin or Shannon.
  • Airport Dublin. Via Citylink bus (www.citylink.ie) to Galway, approx. 2.5 hours. Or from Dublin Heuston via train (www.irishrail.ie) to Galway, approx. 2 hours. From Galway via bus (www.buseireann.ie) to Doolin, duration approx. 2 hours.
  • Airport Shannon via bus and train to Doolin, approx. 2.5 hours.
  • Organized transfer from Leenane to Westport available. Westport via train to Dublin Heuston, approx. 3.5 hours.

Other important information: 

  • The distance travelled is approximate and may differ from the actual distance.  
  • Travel cancellation insurance, including travel interruption insurance is recommended.