Ireland West Coast Islands Hiking Tour

Your Guides

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The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.

Brendan O'Connor

As an outdoor enthusiast, Brendan had a spoilt upbringing growing up in Killarney where the 22,000-hectare Killarney National Park was literally his very own backyard. He spent his youth out hiking, cycling, and boating in the park. Some years later, he went into ‘exile’ to Cork city for work. He was happy enough in Cork but something was always missing and it was photography that re-awakened Brendan’s love of the great outdoors. It was only then that it dawned on him – “what all these poets were on about.”

Ruth O'Meara

Ruth is from the Irish Midlands and loves hiking, surfing and cycling along the Irish coast. After years of living abroad and travelling around the world in international sales and teaching roles, she moved to Achill Island to pursue her passions and obtain outdoor education leadership qualifications. Since then, she has been lucky enough to guide visitors along the Irish hills and discover hidden gems along with them. She loves sharing her joy of the outdoors with others.

Kevin Cronin

From his earliest memories, Kevin has been drawn to exploring the remote, the wild and the isolated. Sharing these places with others on foot or bike brings him the greatest joy. The change of seasons, the abundance of nature, the sun, the wind and the rain are his oxygen. Hidden valleys, stone walls and ancient roads race in his blood. A quiet pint, fresh crab claws, a beautiful ballad or a story well told feeds his soul. Kevin has walked, cycled and explored much of Europe’s most amazing backdrops but is always drawn back to the wilds of Ireland.

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                    [Headline] => Explore Burren National Park
                    [ActivityOverview] => 2 hours/3.5 miles hiking
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Begin this exciting west coast adventure in the rugged region of the Burren National Park - an exposed limestone landscape that is one of Ireland\'s most fascinating geological sites. Hike the sweeping, rock-strewn Mullaghmore Hill, the inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkien\'s world-building while writing his epic saga, The Lord of the Rings.
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                    [Headline] => Hike Inis Meain
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Kick off the day venturing to the least-visited of the Aran Islands, Inis Meain, which remains a true ambassador of Irish language and traditions. Find yourself captivated not only by the raw landscape of the island and its ancient architecture, but also by its close-knit Gaeltacht or Irish-speaking communities. Hike along silent, winding roads and narrow trails weaving across the remote island, then enjoy a sunset hike of one of Ireland\'s most iconic sites, the stunning Cliffs of Moher.
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                    [Headline] => Explore the Wilds of Connemara
                    [ActivityOverview] => 2-3 hours/4 miles hiking
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From the far-flung village of Roundstone, head for the hills to the wild and forgotten peak of Errisbeg. Squelching into the boggy terrain, meet the friendly locals - herds of hearty sheep and their lambs - who dot these hills. Climb this often-overlooked hill for its stunning views over the white sands of Dog\'s Bay to one side, and the layers of Connemara mountains stretching into the distance on the other.
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                    [Headline] => Be Charmed by Inisbofin Island
                    [ActivityOverview] => 5 hours/10 miles hiking
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Discover small and quaint Inisbofin Island and enjoy some of Connemara\'s most pristine scenery. Follow a winding coastal path to enjoy jaw-dropping Atlantic views past blow-holes and sea arches and enjoy glimpses of playful seals, sea birds and even occasional puffins. View the island\'s Dun More cliffs, iron age promontory fort ruins, and postcard-perfect beaches; then relax with a pint of Guinness, Ireland\'s favorite beer, before heading back to the mainland.
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                    [Travel_Type] => 30-minute private van transfer, 30-minute ferry ride
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                    [Headline] => Discover Killary Fjord
                    [ActivityOverview] => 3-4 hours/8 miles hiking
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Take in the gentle shores of Killary Fjord, one of just three fjords in Ireland. Enjoy a hike through this secluded landscape, drinking in views of white sand beaches and remote islands buzzing with swooping sea birds. Learn about The Famine - a dark part of Ireland\'s past - at a famine-era abandoned village where stories of people who lived here are brought to life by your guide. Afterward, meet with a local oyster farmer to learn about a livelihood deeply connected with the local ecology and taste his delicious produce.
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                    [Latitude] => 53.37 N
                    [Longitude] => 9.48 W
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                    [Headline] => Take in the View from Clare Island
                    [ActivityOverview] => 4 hours/7 miles hiking
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Follow in the footsteps of a 16th Century Gaelic Pirate Queen as you visit Clare Island, guardian of Clew Bay, the former stronghold of Granuaile (Grace O\' Malley). Surrounded by the pristine waters of the North Atlantic, this mountainous island enthralls with its dramatic sea cliffs, home to a great array of birds and wildlife. Take in the island lighthouse, set against a breathtaking background, hike along the slopes of Knockmore, and glimpse the clear unconstrained view back to the mainland.
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                    [Headline] => Depart Shannon
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After breakfast, transfer back to the airport for homeward bound flights.
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    [ActivityHighlight] => This trip is perfect for people who enjoy and are capable of 4 - 10 miles of hiking per day, over a period of several hours. The terrain is varied, with time spent walking on beaches, footpaths, through fields and grassy meadows, and it is often wet underfoot.
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Accommodations

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Charming and boutique hotels featuring warm local hospitality

Westport Plaza Hotel-Westport, Ireland

Comfortable Hotel

Located close to the town of Westport, the elegant Westport Plaza Hotel features spacious rooms, with a Jacuzzi bath and separate shower in the en suite bathroom. Savor sophisticated European food at the Merlot Restaurant, take a quick break at the Plaza Bar over cocktails, indulge in one of Spa Sula's massages or facials, or unwind in its thermal suite.

Doolin Inn

Comfortable Hotel

Ideally situated just steps from the Cliffs of Moher Walking Trail, this charming country inn offers warm, cozy rooms equipped with free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, tea and a coffeemaker, en suite bathrooms, and sitting areas. Breakfast is served in a cheerful dining room. Other amenities include a cafe, a lounge with a fireplace, and a sunny terrace.

Clifden Coach House

Comfortable Hotel

This charming boutique Bed & Breakfast is situated only a two minute's walk from the town center of Clifden in beautiful Connemara. Guestrooms are equipped with a sitting area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, king sized bed, and a private bathroom with a hairdryer and shower. Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. There are also two cozy sitting rooms for gathering or relaxing.

Foyles Hotel

Comfortable Hotel

Established in 1836, the Foyles Hotel is centrally located in the heart of Clifden. The historic and charming décor has been preserved over the last century but still includes modern amenities such as Wi-Fi and flat screen TVs in all the rooms. Dine on locally sourced seafood at the Marconi Restaurant or top off the day with a Guinness at Mullarkey's Bar.

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