Ireland West Coast Islands Private Adventure 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.

Paul Quinn

Paul has been exploring Ireland's wild places for over 30 years, and is greatly appreciative of the opportunity to channel his love for the outdoors as a working mountain guide. He is deeply passionate about the people and culture of Ireland, and finding adventure in the Emerald Isle. His guests describe him as knowledgeable, caring, attentive, and energetic. When he's not guiding, Paul loves adventure racing. 

Michelle Hughes

Michelle has spent her entire career in the great outdoors, and got her first taste of adventure on an overland trip from England to Nepal before moving to Australia. She returned to the UK in a similar dramatic and adventurous fashion by sailing on a wooden junk for three months from Darwin to Singapore. Since then, she has kayaked around the Bijagós Islands, off the coast of Guinea Bissau, hiked through the Dolomites, and braved the mountains in Norway. But her passion for Ireland has always brought her back to the wild countryside where you can find her rock climbing, teaching navigation, or sharing Irish folktales and legends.

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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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                    [Latitude] => 53.0026 N
                    [Longitude] => 9.0008 W
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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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                    [Travel_Type] => 1-hour ferry ride
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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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After breakfast, transfer back to the airport for homeward bound flights.
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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

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

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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