Atlantic Edge Escape - 7 Day Walking Tour

Tour highlights

Unlock the west of Ireland's varied and beautiful landscape with this Wild Atlantic Way coastal tour. Our journey along the Atlantic Edge of Ireland will explore some of the most remote and wildest places in the country taking in spectacular cliff walks, pristine beaches and dramatic sea stacks.

The town of Sligo is our starting point, known as the Surf Coast, and from this vibrant town we will spend the week hiking along the Wild Atlantic Way to finish up in the city of Galway. Along the way we will get to know the origins Ireland's famous myths and legends whilst visiting iconic heritage sites of this ancient landscape.

From Sligo this seven day walking tour continues to the rarely explored North Mayo coastline, Achill Island, Ireland's largest offshore island, and Ballycroy/Wild Nephin National Park. Our journey will wander south along Clew Bay where it is said there is an island for every day of the year! From the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way you'll enjoy Ireland's Big Sky country and a true sense of Ireland's wild side.

Each evening we will relax in luxurious accommodation and sample some of Mayo's Finest food from land and sea. With it's location on the Wild Atlantic Way, we have some of the finest, freshest seafood (crab, lobster, mussels, oysters, wild salmon) in the world. Our world famous, sea-spray mountain lamb, is a taste sensation. Add to this our fresh, organically grown local produce, local cheeses, artisan breads and a locally brewed craft beer, you certainly won't go hungry.

Itinerary

Hike to the top of the Hill of the Kings

Our adventure begins in Sligo at lunchtime where our guide will collect you from the train station. We will acquaint ourselves with this lively town full of culture and heritage. This afternoon we'll enjoy a hike to the top of the Hill of the Kings - or in this case, mythical warrior Queen Maeve of Connaught who it is said is buried in the mesolithic tomb at the summit. Here we'll take in stunning views of the surrounding coastline, and rolling hills and the route we will be taking along the Wild Atlantic Way.

You'll have a chance to settle into your hotel accommoation before we meet again to enjoy some traditional Irish music and fine local produce for dinner.

Dartry Mountains

This morning after a hearty breakfast, we head out to the Dartry mountains and the inspiration for many of William Butler Yeats' poetry. We will take a brief visit to his final resting place before we head up to the hike the iconic mountain of Ben Bulben - Ireland's table mountain! In the afternoon we visit the fine Country House and Gardens of Lissaddel to learn about another heroic Irish woman, Countess Constance Markievicz, and her connection with this region.

Wild Atlantic Way

Leaving Sligo, we head west along the Wild Atlantic Way, stopping en route to walk along the pristine beaches of the Surf Coast and on to the historic town of Ballina, County Mayo. The town spans the banks of the River Moy, and is officially designated Ireland's salmon capital. Ballina is a cultural hotspot teaming with museums, traditional streetscapes, gothic cathedral and home to Belleek Castle containing 16th century armoury and the Marshall Doran collection. After a fine lunch today we will head to Enniscoe Country Estate and Heritage centre where you can investigate your family tree or enjoy the country estate and gardens.

Ceide Fields

Today we really step back in time, our journey along this epiic coastline weaves through history - from our most ancient settlers and farm systems of the Ceide fields to the stunning geology formations of the Carrowteige coastal walk. This Irish speaking seaside village is steeped in history with miles of beautiful shoreline.

Today's walk is one of the most spectacular coastal looped walks in the world! Starting at the golden sandy beach at Carrowteige, you’ll head uphill to the cliff trail. Here you’ll get your first views over the rugged coastline of the wild Atlantic Ocean.

On our return to Ballina, you'll walk along the breathtaking headland of Downpatrick Head overlooking the spectacular 45metre sea stack, Dún Briste, home to a variety of nesting sea birds on its many layers of mudstone, shayle and limestone.

Achill Island

Achill Island, Ireland's largest inhabited island is our destination for today's hike. Winding our way along its stunning coastline, shaped by the force of the Atlantic Ocean with dramatic cliffs over turquoise waves below.

Your scenic trail walk offers stunning panoramic views over a local Pirate Queen’s sea kingdom: looking south to her birthplace on Clare Island, east towards Clew Bay, Croagh Patrick, and the mountains of Connemara.

This afternoon we will move on to Westport town - voted Ireland's best place to live, with its choice of award-winning pubs and restaurants.

Westport

Westport is nestled into the southern corner of Clew Bay, full of sunken islands formed by glacial retreat. They say there is an island for every day of the year! Just a short drive along the "Bay Coast" we will stop to hike Irelands holy mountain of Croagh Patrick, which stands watching over the bay. At its summit of 760m (2100 ft), is a small church built for the many pilgrims who visit this most iconic of mountains. It is said that Saint Patrick spent 40 days and 40 nights here before banishing all the snakes from Ireland!

Returning to Westport, you’ll spend your final night together, with dinner in one of Terra Firma Ireland's favourite restaurants and enjoying some lively traditional music.

Galway

This morning we will have time for a short walk around the Westport House and Gardens, ancestral home to Grace O'Malley, the Pirate Queen, before leaving for our final journey together into the city of Galway for your onward journey.

What's included

Highlights:

Summit Sligo's iconic table mountain
Hike along stunning coastal cliffs
Ireland's Holy Mountain - Croagh Patrick
Enjoy the finest ingredients in fresh local produce
Visit historic Irish houses and heritage centres
Irish music in traditional village pub setting

What's Included:

6 nights Luxury accommodation
2 x Dinners on night 1 and 6
5 x Lunches
Professional Mountain leader guides
All tour transport (including pick up and drop off at train station)

Not included:

Airport Transfers
Travel & personal insurance

Activity Level:

"Fit and Active"

This tour involves some hiking on uneven mountainous terrain
Ascents of up to 760m/2500 ft
Ground can be wet and boggy in places
This tour is suited to experienced hikers capable of hiking 4-7 miles per day