Islands & Highlands

Tour highlights

This "sea to summit" walking tour will bring you to the high points of Mayo and Connemara.

Located in the northwest corner of County Galway, Connemara is bound on the west, south and North by the Atlantic Ocean. With incredible landscapes, white sandy beaches, rich heritage and culture Connemara is close to the hearts of Irish people and visitors alike as a rare and beautiful place. They say when you visit Connemara you “experience the real beauty of Ireland”

You will be based in Westport and Clifden, two beautiful Irish country towns offering easy access to the most stunning walks in the country. We have chosen routes for both their scenery and their cultural relevance in Irish history.

Our tour brings you to the iconic mountains of Achill Island, Ireland’s most holy mountain - Croagh Patrick, Sheeffrys and the famous quartzite 12 Bens of Connemara. You will even have a chance to walk to Omey (a tidal island) to explore its wealth of antiquities.

Along the way we will visit deserted valleys, breathtaking scenery and picturesque fishing villages and even an off shore island or two.

In the evenings you can wander these quintessentially Irish towns offering excellent cuisine and local shopping.

Itinerary

Westport, Mayo

Our guide will meet you at Westport train station and bring you to your accommodation.

Once settled you will have a guided walk of the beautiful Heritage town of Westport (voted Best Place to live in Ireland) and a visit to the iconic Westport House, before returning for a delicious dinner in the hotel restaurant & an opportunity to discuss your exciting week in the West.

Croagh Patrick

Croagh Patrick is considered the most holy mountain in Ireland. It is said St Patrick spent 40 days and 40 nights on its summit in the 5th Century. However the traditional pilgrimage to its summit stretches over 5,000 years with thousands climbing the heather covered hills and rough stone paths to the small chapel at the summit.

Today we will climb the 764 metres (2,500 feet) to the summit (known locally as the Reek) and take in the magnificient views over Clew Bay before descending to enjoy a pint of the Black stuff in the cosy pub at the foot of the mountain.

Achill Island

Today we’ll visit Achill Island, one of Mayo's many offshore islands and the largest off the coast of Ireland. Here you’ll experience a landscape shaped by the force of the Atlantic.

The location for today's walk is the tip of Achill Island - one of the most westerly points in Europe. Our walk involves a dramatic cliff top trail above the beautiful white sandy, horseshoe shaped Keem bay. We'll have spectacular and every changing views of the magnificient cliffs of Achill Head and the valley below, views that will remain long in your memory.

This evening you can relax and enjoy some traditional Irish music in the vibrant town of Westport.

King of Connaught

Leaving Westport behind we head futher south on the Atlantic Coast. At 814 metres (2,670ft), Mweelrea is not only the highest mountain in County Mayo but also the province of Connaught. Situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty, rising up from the golden shores of the Atlantic and overlooking Ireland's only fjord, Killary, this is arguably the finest mountain in the west of Ireland.

With a fantastic day of hiking done, we will head to the quaint coastal town of Clifden, our base for the rest of the week.

Omey Island

This morning we’ll take the famous Sky Road route, up among the hills overlooking Clifden Bay, to the magical Omey island, only 600 metres offshore, it is accessible on foot at low water.

The island, although only covering one square mile, is rich in archaeological remains, early Christian sites and the partially buried ruin of a medieval church, with the rolling Atlantic surf and the Twelve Bens of Connemara forming a magnificent backdrop.

Heading back to the mainland for lunch, we’ll spend the afternoon exploring Connemara national park before returning to Clifden, where you can sample some of the local produce and seafood in one of the many pubs and restaurants.

Roundstone, Connemara

This morning we’ll head into the heart of Connemara, for a walk filled with wonderful views of sandy turquoise beaches and the quartzite peaks of the Twelve Bens Mountain Range. We’ll stop for lunch in the beautiful fishing village of Roundstone, eating at a traditional family run pub that specialises in fresh seafood. After lunch we’ll enjoy a walk around the rugged and wild landscape where the world’s first transatlantic flight-landed in 1919, close to the Guglielmo Marconi wireless station. We’ll head back to Clifden to enjoy our final night together with dinner and music.

Cong

After a hearty breakfast on our final day we will take a lakeside journey via the quaint village of Cong – home of the “The Quiet Man” and Ashford Castle, arriving in Westport in plenty of time for your return train.

What's included

Highlights:

Hiking the West of Ireland's most iconic routes
Omey Island at low tide
Mountains of stunning Achill Island
Visit to Ireland's Holy Mountain; Croagh Patrick
Mweelrea - Connaught's highest peak
Connemara National Park the jewel in the west
Landing site of first transatlantic flight

What's Included:

6 nights accommodation with breakfast in superb Irish guesthouse & traditional hotel
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:

Moderate fitness
Peak days will include hikes of up to 6 hours continuous exercise
Some hikes will be on uneven and broken terrain with over 800m in height gain