7-Day Guided Burren, Aran Islands & Connemara Hike

Hiking Icon - Ireland Walk Hike Bike

Guided

Expert Guide on tour offering guidance and local knowledge.
Boots Icon - Ireland Walk Hike Bike

Grading

Levels 2 & 3
Calendat Icon - Ireland Walk Hike Bike

Duration

6 nights stay, 5 days hiking
Euro Icon - Ireland Walk Hike Bike

Price

From
€2200
Per Person

Join us for a captivating adventure along Ireland’s enchanting west coast as we uncover the mesmerising beauty and magic of three distinctly different regions. Alongside a seasoned Irish guide, explore Connemara’s legendary beauty where vast, luminous spaces, rust-coloured bogs and grey-blue lakes captivate artists and writers. Retreat to the Aran Islands, immersing yourself in authentic rural Ireland, to discover wild coastlines, criss-crossed stone walls, iconic wool sweaters, ancient cliff-top forts, and geological wonders. Delve into the Burren’s moon-like limestone landscape, boasting fascinating rock formations, delicate wildflowers, and ancient portal tombs, all testaments to its unique allure. This active holiday combines five spectacular hikes with fantastic cuisine in charming villages, traditional music, and visits to an array of well-known sites to create a balanced and memorable experience.

Our 7-Day Guided Buren Aran & Connemara Hike departs monthly between May and September and explores our favourite hiking locations in County Galway and County Clare.

Single Supplement: €500

For more information or questions, please contact a member of our team here.

Download the tour brochure.

Highlights

Immerse yourself in thousands of years of history on Inis Mór, Aran Islands

Visit Roundstone, a charming fishing village located in the heart of Connemara

Discover the oldest dated megalithic monument in Ireland and hike the unique karst landscape of the Burren National Park

Explore the magnificent Cliffs of Moher and gaze across the Wild Atlantic Ocean

What's Included?

Ensuite room in 4* hotels with breakfast
Expert local guide who provides insights into history, culture & points of interest
5 fantastic hikes
Lunches and dinners as per itinerary
Ferry and Private shuttle transfers as per itinerary
Dedicated holiday specialist to help with planning

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive to Clifden
Your journey begins in Clifden, a vibrant town nestled between the Twelve Bens and the Atlantic Ocean, hailed as the "Capital of Connemara." Known for its rich history and lively arts scene, Clifden offers pre-tour activities like cycling the Sky Road. After settling in, join your guide and fellow travelers for a briefing and an inaugural dinner at one of the town's top restaurants. Enjoy Clifden's nightlife and music scene before retiring for the night.
Meals Dinner
Overnight Clifden
Day 2 - Roundstone / Errisbeg Mountain, Connemara
We travel to Roundstone, stopping at the Alcock and Brown Monument, honoring the first transatlantic flight. Continuing to Roundstone, a village known for inspiring artists, we admire its coastal beauty and Errisbeg Mountain's backdrop. Here, we will encounter the Bodhrán craft with master maker Malachy Kearns. Our hike today will unveil Connemara's beauty with bogland and beach vistas. Along the way, you can swim in the pristine waters of Western Ireland. Returning to Clifden, dine at a gastropub and enjoy live music, a quintessential Irish experience. Non-hikers can explore Clifden's charms.
Meals Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight Clifden
Hike Distance 11.55 km / 7.2 mi | Elevation Gain 350 m / 1,148 ft | Grading Level 3 | Terrain Paved roads, grassy tracks, and open hillside with rocky and uneven segments, some being boggy and wet. Occasional steep climbs and descents, concluding with paved footpaths and a beach.
Day 3 - Dun Duchathair, Aran Islands
Today, we depart Clifden for Rossaveal Harbour, catching the ferry to the Aran Islands, located 48 km (30 mi) from Galway Bay. Spend two nights on Inis Mór, the largest of the three islands, offering an authentic glimpse into Ireland's past. The Gaeltacht region preserves Irish Gaelic culture, evident in farming practices and local conversations. Inis Mór boasts ancient stone forts, monastic sites, and stunning landscapes. Experience a unique ecosystem with seabirds, feral goats, otters, dolphins, and a seal colony. Upon arrival, embark on a hike to Dún Dúchathair, an ancient fort with dark limestone walls overlooking sheer cliffs. Enjoy an authentic island evening with local cuisine and music. Non-hiking options include exploring Kilronan village, relaxing on the beach or cycling around the island.
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight Inis Mor, Aran Islands Hike Distance 8.42 km / 5.2 mi | Elevation Gain 134 m / 440 ft / 1,148 ft | Grading Level 2 | Terrain Paved roads, gravel tracks with rocky and uneven sections, limestone slabs which can be unstable underfoot.
Day 4 - Dún Aonghasa, Aran Islands
Awakening on Inis Mór offers a unique advantage, allowing us to explore the island's wonders without the rush of ferry arrivals. Today, we venture along a scenic trail, passing stone walls and limestone formations, to reach the mesmerizing coastal blowhole known as "Poll na bPeist" or "Serpent's Lair." Continuing our hike, we arrive at the impressive stone fortress of Dún Aonghasa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back 3,000 years. Perched on a sheer sea cliff, it offers stunning views and archaeological intrigue. Afterwards, we hike along the northern shores to observe a thriving seal sanctuary. Concluding our day, we will visit the renowned Aran Sweater Market, famous for its unique stitches. Enjoy the evening at leisure, perhaps at Joe Watty’s Bar, known for live music and fresh seafood. Non-hiking options include exploring Kilronan village, relaxing on the beach, or cycling around the island.
Meals Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight Inis Mor, Aran Islands
Hike Distance 16.7 km / 10.4 mi | Elevation Gain 279 m / 915 ft | Grading Level 3 | Terrain Paved roads, gravel tracks with rocky and uneven sections, limestone slabs which can be wobbly underfoot. Exposed cliff edges with no protection.
Day 5 - The Burren National Park / Mullaghmore Loop
Our day starts early with an early ferry ride back to Rossaveal Harbour. After a picturesque coastal drive to Galway, enjoy free time exploring the city's streets or visit a local distillery to learn about Irish Whiskey and Potin. In the afternoon, we head to The Burren, a stunning landscape of glacially carved swirls frozen in limestone and adorned with wildflowers. We begin our exploration at Poulnabrone, the oldest dated megalithic monument in Ireland—an iconic portal tomb nestled in fractured limestone fields. Then, we hike the Mullaghmore Loop, a 7.5km trail showcasing unique karst formations like Sliabh Rua, resembling a fossilized cinnamon roll. After a day of adventure, we transfer to Lahinch, a seaside town known for its surf-friendly beaches and lively nightlife, where you'll have the evening to enjoy at your leisure.
Meals Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight Lahinch
Hike Distance 7.6 km / 4.7 mi | Elevation Gain 212 m / 695.5 ft | Grading Level 2 | Terrain Gravel tracks with rocky and uneven sections, limestone slabs which can be wobbly underfoot.
Day 6 - Cliffs of Moher
Today, we hike to the iconic Cliffs of Moher, an essential part of the Irish experience and one of the country's most scenic walks. Stretching 8 km and reaching heights of 214 meters, these wild cliffs were formed over 320 million years ago by crashing ocean waves sculpting soft limestone rocks. Teeming with rare flora and over 30,000 birds during peak times, these cliffs offer breathtaking views of the turbulent sea below. As we hike the full length from "Hag’s Head" to the visitor’s centre, you will immerse yourself in this natural wonder, with vistas of the nearby Aran Islands and, on clear days, Loop Head and the Dingle Peninsula. Our journey concludes with a downhill walk to Doolin village, famous for its Irish music scene, where we'll enjoy a drink in a local pub before returning to Lahinch for our farewell dinner. If you prefer a non-hiking option, you can explore Lahinch town or relax on the beach.
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight Lahinch
Hike Distance 11.67 km / 7.3 mi | Elevation Gain 371 m / 1217.2 ft | Grading Level 2 | Terrain Paved roads, gravel tracks and grassy, muddy trails. Exposed cliff edges throughout the walk.
Day 7 - Depart from Lahinch
After one last delicious Irish breakfast, we will provide a transfer to Ennis where you can connect to all major cities and airports by bus or train. If travelling to Dublin today, the train travel takes 3.5 to 4 hours, and the bus runs every 30 m and takes on average 3h 30m. Should you wish to return from Shannon Airport – there is a regular bus service from Lahinch to Ennis from where you can then link to Shannon Airport.
Jun 9th 2024
7-Day Guided Burren, Aran Islands & Connemara Hike
Fully booked
Jul 14th 2024
7-Day Guided Burren, Aran Islands & Connemara Hike
8 PLACES REMAINING
BOOK NOW
Aug 18th 2024
7-Day Guided Burren, Aran Islands & Connemara Hike
2 PLACES REMAINING
BOOK NOW
Sep 8th 2024
7-Day Guided Burren, Aran Islands & Connemara Hike
6 PLACES REMAINING
BOOK NOW

Grading

Level 2:
Terrain includes both uphill and downhill sections, with a maximum height of around 600 meters (1,950 feet). These hikes are suitable for novice or less experienced hikers and average 3-4 hours.
Level 3:
Terrain includes open mountain and bogland, uphill and downhill sections with some steep slopes, with a maximum height of around 800 meters (2,600 feet). Suitable for hikers with a good fitness level, capable of hiking up to 16 kms (10 miles) a day, and average 4-5 hours.
Chat logo - Ireland Walk Hike Bike

Similar Trips

Contact Us