The Burren, Aran Islands and Conemara

Walking trip through the west of Ireland

The essence and variety of the West of Ireland is captured on this three centre-walking trip in the Burren, Aran Islands and Connemara. You will be based in hotels and guesthouses in locations that provide the richest variety of geology, scenery and walking conditions that could be desired.

The Burren is a remarkable area of more than 100 square miles of limestone landscape, where a rich variety of plants thrive in the cracks and crevices. Enjoy the bird's eye view of the dramatic west coast of Ireland on the short flight to the Aran Islands, where Gaelic is still spoken. Explore the many archaeological sites of the island, including the pre-historic fort Dun Aengus. Old pilgrimage sites and bog lands rich in flowers are the treats of Connemara.

Tour Highlights:
Cliffs of Moher
Flight over the west coast to the Aran Islands
The karst limestone habitat of the Burren
Connemara's lake dotted bog land, mountains and seascape

ITINERARY:

(subject to change without prior notice)

Day 1: Arrival

Arrival in Lisdoonvarna, a center of traditional Irish music. Enjoy a nice dinner, followed by a briefing. Overnight in Lisdoonvarna (3 nights).

Day 2: Cliffs of Moher and Atlantic Coast

We offer you a choice of gentle walks along the Atlantic Coast, to allow you to explore the countryside.
Distance: 4 miles / 6.5 km

Day 3: The Burren

The Burren is a unique internationally important habitat interspersed with rare arctic and alpine flowers. Explore it using a combination of walking on green roads and traversing of the karst limestone pavements.
Distance: 13 km / 8 miles; Ascent: 275 m / 900 ft

Day 4: The Aran Islands

A short flight over the dramatic west coast takes you to the Irish-speaking Aran Islands. Walk to the southeast of the island to see spectacular cliffs and puffing holes. Carry on to the Iron Age "Black Fort" (Dún Duchathair). Overnight on the Aran Islands (2 nights).
Distance: up to 14km/8 miles Ascent: little or none

Day 5: Aran Islands - Dun Aengus

Visit several archaeological sites including the pre-historic fort Dún Aonghasa and "Poll na bPéist" (the worm hole), all set in a stony landscape from which a living is laboriously wrenched. Overnight on the Aran Islands.
Distance: up to 21 km / 13 miles; Ascent: little or none

Day 6: Roundstone

Enjoy the views of the island dotted Atlantic coastline and the Clifden bog from Errisbeg, a small mountain behind the village of Roundstone. Overnight in Connemara (2 nights).
Distance: 11km/6 miles Ascent: 350m/ 1,150 ft

Day 7: Connemara Coast

Walk along the shore of Ireland's only fjord, Killary Harbour.  Enjoy a ten-mile walk on the "Famine Trail" through Connemara with its mountain scenery, lake dotted bog land.
Distance: 16 km / 10 miles; Ascent: little or none

Day 8: Departure