Overview
The rugged west coast of Ireland, long the haunt of artists, holds some of the country’s most dramatic scenery and finest hiking. With our extraordinary Trip Leaders Con Moriarty and Ann Curran, it’s also a profound experience of Ireland’s culture. Con and Ann know this land as few others do, introducing us to farmers, foodies, and musicians as we hike and explore from the pilgrims’ mountain of Croagh Patrick to the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, and the spectacular Aran Islands. Along the way, we savor the burgeoning Irish culinary scene, with locally sourced food wonderfully prepared in our island guesthouses and lakeside lodges.
This trip by far exceeded my expectations. The guides were such an inspiration and really gave me a sense of their history and culture. I came away with a new understanding of Ireland and I am forever grateful to our guides for making this all come together for us. A trip of a lifetime!
— Sandy M., Prescott, AZ
Days 1-2
Galway / The Burren
Our hikes begin in the karst landscape of the Burren, whose limestone hills and hidden glens hold 10,000 years of human history, from Bronze Age burial sites to standing stones, Iron Age forts, and Celtic high crosses. At the towering Cliffs of Moher we’ll watch a magical sunset by the sea.
Galway / The Burren - Days 1-2
Hazelwood Lodge
Days 1 to 2 (2 nights), Ballyvaughan, IrelandWith the warmest of Irish welcomes from our hosts, Victor and Geraldine, the Hazelwood Lodge is the perfect spot to call home after a day of hiking. Set just outside the harbor village of Ballyvaughan in the heart of the legendary Burren country, Hazelwood Lodge has just 8 rooms and a wonderful boutique feel. Each room is uniquely decorated with lovely local touches. Set your hiking boots in the “drying room” and enjoy a drink by the crackling fire in the cozy lounge. The lodge has a lovely outdoor garden courtyard, serves a great breakfast, and offers Wi-Fi throughout the building.
Days 3-5
County Mayo / Clare Island / Westport
In County Mayo, we hike up Croagh Patrick (2,507'), a pilgrimage site for thousands of years. Ferrying to Clare Island, once the domain of a Gælic clan and its pirate queen, Grace O’Malley, we hike along one of Ireland’s finest cliff ramparts, visit a sheep farmer to see his border collies in action, and hike to Clare Island lighthouse. One night we join locals for an introduction to Irish poetry. In the market town of Westport, known for its traditional music, we enjoy a festive pub evening.
County Mayo / Clare Island / Westport - Days 3-5
O'Grady's Guesthouse
Days 3 to 4 (2 nights), Clare Island, IrelandThis quaint island guesthouse offers clean and simple interiors and a perfect harbor-front location for the ideal base for a great stay on Clare Island. Feel like a part of the family with lively conversations with the O’Grady family in the comfortable common room, and enjoy the wonderful meals rolling out of their spacious kitchen.
The Wyatt Hotel
Day 5 (1 night), Westport, IrelandConveniently situated around the iconic monument of the Octagon in the heart of lively Westport Town, the Wyatt Hotel is a great place to regroup after an invigorating day’s hike. Rest easy in the Cobblers Bar or explore the town right out of the hotel’s doorstep. Guest rooms feature chic interiors, and there’s superb dining here, under the direction of Chef Eoin McDonell.
Days 6-9
Connemara / Aran Islands / Galway / Clifden
Hiking a pilgrim route into the Maumturk Mountains brings us to our lakeside Victorian lodge in a wild region of Connemara. In the otherworldly Aran Islands, where Gælic is still spoken, we explore a landscape of stone-walled fields and sea cliffs. Back on the mainland, we’ll hike in Connemara National Park, with a picnic on Omey, an island with fascinating archæology. Our final trails lead along Killary Harbour and to the rocky peaks of the Twelve Bens, with a farewell evening in the company of musicians. Depart on Day 9 via Galway.
Connemara / Aran Islands / Galway / Clifden - Days 6-9
Lough Inagh Lodge
Days 6 to 8 (3 nights), Recess, Connemara, IrelandTucked into the foothills of Connemara, the Lough Inagh Lodge evokes a Victorian elegance like no other. Set right at the shores of Lough Inagh, it is the perfect place to relax after our day’s hike—and you may never want to leave. With all the amenities of a modern hotel, Lough Inagh also has the casual charm of a rural fishing lodge. Be sure to find a few minutes to relax in the sitting room by a traditional peat fire.
Treasures of Ireland's West Coast
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