Overview
The storied west coast of Ireland is blessed with islands, peninsulas, and the most stunning sea cliffs in Europe. Join our legendary Trip Leaders in this stronghold of Irish culture for hikes on the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, through the moonscapes of the Burren, along pilgrim trails on Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s holy mountain, and to wild Connemara and the fascinating Aran Islands. Meet farmers, musicians, and artists, savor sea-to-table cuisine, hear the lilting sound of the fiddle in local pubs, enjoy a warm welcome at our historic lodges and island guesthouses—it all adds up to an inspiring cultural and hiking adventure.
Once again, Wilderness Travel has exceeded my expectations. The trip blew my heart and mind open with its variety, its delicious food and drink, its exquisite hikes, its comfortable nights, its brilliant guides.
— Andrea L., Brooklyn, NY
Itinerary at a Glance
Days 1-2
Galway / The Burren
We begin in the karst landscape of the Burren, whose limestone hills and hidden glens hold Bronze Age burial sites and Celtic high crosses. With sea spray in the air and wildflowers dotting the coastal grass, we’ll go on magical hikes in this surreal place. One evening, we’ll head to our “insider” spot to savor a fine sunset. Our family-run lodge sources ingredients for meals from local artisan-producers in the Burren.
Days 3-5
County Mayo / Clare Island / Westport
Heading into County Mayo, with its island-filled bays, we follow pilgrim trails across the striking quartz peak of Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s holiest mountain, Christianized by St. Patrick in the 5th century. Out on Clare Island, once the domain of the Gaelic pirate queen Grace O’Malley, we hike Ireland’s finest cliff ramparts (and best-kept secret!) and visit a good friend and sheep farmer to see his collies in action. In Westport, famed for its traditional music, we enjoy a festive pub evening.
Days 6-9
Connemara / Aran Islands / Galway
Hiking a pilgrim route into the Maumturk Mountains brings us right to our lakeside Victorian lodge in a wild region of Connemara. In the otherworldly Aran Islands, we walk through an ancient landscape of stone-walled fields and sea cliffs to reach Dún Aonghasa, a magnificent Stone Age fort that has been called an acropolis of the Celtic world. Depart on Day 9 via Galway.
Treasures of Ireland's West Coast
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