Ireland's Wild West

Starting from $3,990 per person

Trip Length:

6 days

Group Size:

6 - 10 People

Trip Dates:

Fall 2024 SOLD OUT
Trip details for Spring/ Fall 2025 Coming Soon

Custom dates available upon request*

TRIP OVERVIEW

Explore the West of Ireland and all it has to offer.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Wrap yourself in the wilderness of Ireland and enjoy soaring cliffs, remote walks, hidden beaches, epic bays and buzzing towns.

Hike along towering sea cliffs
Visit remote islands
Summit Ireland's holiest mountain
Stay in charming Westport Mayo

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Double occupancy accommodations in Westport, Mayo; meals as noted in the itinerary (alcohol not included); group transfer on days 1 & 6 between Shannon Airport and Westport; all transportation during course of trip; professional guides.

WALKING

Trip difficulty is moderate. Guests should be experienced hikers in good physical condition and capable of hiking 4 - 8 miles (2 - 6 hours) each day with elevation gain / loss of up to 2100'. Hiking is across rolling hills, mountainous terrain, coastal headlands, rocky trails, wooden steps and bogs.

Itinerary

DAY 1

Our trip begins at Shannon with a 10:30am pickup at the Airport. Our first stop is the famed Cliffs of Moher Coastal Path. Our walk will be the south / north route from Liscannor to the visitors center. The Coastal Path, towering 750' above the Atlantic, closely follows the edge of the cliffs offering spectacular views of the surrounding country side, ocean and Aran Islands. After lunching in Doolin, a centre of traditional Irish music, we head to Westport where we will be staying for the duration of our trip. Westport is home to great food, a vibrant traditional Irish music scene and a hop skip and jump from some of Ireland's best out outdoor activities. Lunch and dinner included.

Walk Length

4 miles

Elevation Change

100'

DAY 2

Known as Ireland’s Holiest Mountain, Croagh Patrick has been a place of pilgrimage for more than 4,000 years, in honor of Saint Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint. We follow a lesser known trail to the famous summit with its white-washed church before descending by the pilgrim’s path. On a clear day the summit offers views over the hundreds of small islands in Clew Bay, the town of Westport and the surrounding mountain ranges. Our next stop will be a small brewery called Mescan, named after St. Patricks personal brewer. We return to our hotel to enjoy Westport's active nightlife. Breakfast and lunch included.

Walk Length

6 miles

Elevation Change

2,050'

DAY 3

A short ferry ride allows us the whole day to explore Clare Island, a landscape dominated by its vast hills and the imposing peak of Knockmore. We will visit the castle and burial place of the famous "Pirate Queen" Grace O'Malley. Our hiking possibilities are vast with everything from rugged peaks, towering cliffs, sea caves, sandy beaches and ruined Napoleonic signal towers. Granuaile's Castle is a short walk along the coast from the quay and from there we hike up to the northern tip of the island where the lighthouse is perched high on the cliffs. Following the North Coast takes us to Knockmore, the island’s highest peak. From here it is a quick descent to the more sheltered southern coast which loops back to the little quay, the hub of village life. We will then head back into Westport for dinner. All meals included

Walk Length

7 miles

Elevation Change

1,600'

DAY 4

The wild terrain and romantic associations of Connemara have been drawing poets, mystics, and hikers for years. Today’s drive and hike showcases why many consider this to be some of Ireland's best scenery. Killary Harbour is Ireland's only fjord that forms a natural border between County Galway and County Mayo. Here, you will find some of the most dramatic scenery in Ireland. From the northern shore of the harbor rises Mweelrea, the highest mountain in Connacht at 814m. To the south you can see the Maumturk Mountains and the Twelve Bens. There are two small communities in the vicinity: Rosroe, where we begin our walk, on the southern side and Leenane to the east where we finish up the day. In the former, you’ll find a hostel that was once a residence where philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein stayed for some time after WWII, using it as a quiet place to write. Nearby you can also explore the so-called Green Road, a route that travels eastward along the side of the fjord toward Leenane. This road stretches for 9km and was built in the 19th century as a famine relief project. Additionally, this area is known for aquaculture, with a salmon farm operating at Rosroe and mussel rafts commonly spotted to the east. All meals included.

Walk Length

8 miles

Elevation Change

1,000'

DAY 5

Today we will spend our time exploring Achill Island’s Keem Bay. Tucked into the scenic coast of Achill Island, this secluded paradise is guarded by cliffs on either side, offering magnificent views of the horseshoe-shaped bay below. Whether the sun is cracking the stones, or the air is crisp with winter’s chill, this stunning landscape is sure to leave you speechless. Today’s walk is a circular route and features of interest include the Watch House at Moyteoge Head, Bunowna Booley Village and the ruins of Captain Charles Boycotts estate who’s ostracism by his local community Ireland gave the English gauge the verb ‘to boycott’. Breakfast and lunch included.

Walk Length

5 miles

Elevation Change

1,100'

Day 6

Enjoy a light breakfast at the hotel and say your final goodbyes prior to departure for Shannon Airport. If you are continuing your exploration of this beautiful country, trains and buses depart regularly from Westport to multiple location throughout Ireland.