7-Day Guided Wild Atlantic Way & Islands Hike

Guided

Expert Guide on tour offering guidance and local knowledge.

Grading

Level 2 & Level 3

Duration

6 nights stay, 5 days hiking

Price

From

€2300

Per Person

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Embark on an exhilarating journey to explore part of the legendary Wild Atlantic Way, a mesmerizing coastal route spanning 2,600 km along Ireland’s majestic west coast. Our meticulously crafted guided tour offers a glimpse into the captivating tales of ancient history, epic legends, and breathtaking geology that define this land. Traverse exhilarating cliff-top trails offering enchanting views of the rugged coastline, explore medieval ruins, and marvel at towering sea stacks. Explore two remote islands off the beaten path, Clare Island and Achill Island, and follow an ancient pilgrimage route adorned with Bronze Age relics and megalithic tombs. This adventure blends five exhilarating day hikes with leisurely strolls through charming seaside villages and visits to historic landmarks, creating an immersive and unforgettable experience. Let our experienced Irish guide illuminate the secrets of this landscape steeped in rich history, folklore, and unique ecology, promising an adventure unlike any other.

Our 7-Day Guided Wild Atlantic Way & Islands Hike departs monthly between May and September and explores our favourite hiking locations in County Mayo.

Single Supplement: €500

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

Download the tour brochure.

Ireland guided hiking tour photo of Carrowteige

Ireland hiking tour photo of Carrowteige

Ireland hiking tour photo of Carrowteige and hikers

Ireland guided hiking tour photo of Keem Beach, Achill Island

Guided Ireland tour photo of Achill Island and walker

Ireland guided hiking tour image of Croagh Patrick

Ireland hiking image of Croagh Patrick ascent

Ireland guided tour photo of Clare Island

Ireland guided hiking tour photo of Clare Island

Highlights

Discover stunning Achill Island with its award-winning beach, hidden lakes, and sweeping views

Explore Clare Island, the last stronghold for the Queen of Connaught and an ecologically diverse wonderland of flora and fauna

Climb Ireland’s ancient pilgrim mountain Croagh Patrick and soak up spellbinding views

Hike Queen Maeve’s trail to reach a mystical, unexcavated cairn atop the striking mountain of Knocknarea

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

Transport as per itinerary

Dedicated holiday specialist to help with planning

Itinerary

Day 1 - Ballina

Your adventure begins in Ballina, a town rich in history, arts, and culture dating back to the 14th century, where you will spend the next three nights. Join your guide and fellow travelers for a briefing, followed by an inaugural dinner at one of the town’s top restaurants.
Meals Dinner
Overnight Ballina

Day 2 - Knocknarea and Queen Maeve’s Trail

Today, we begin with a visit to the picturesque village of Easkey, where we stop at the weathered O’Dowd Castle. Our main destination is Knocknarea, known as the "Hill of Kings." At its summit lies the unopened cairn, "Queen Maeve’s Grave," believed to be the burial site of the legendary Queen Maeve of Connacht. The cairn, shrouded in mystery, has never been excavated, adding to its mystique. Following a hike along the Queen Maeve Trail, we reach the summit for breathtaking views. Afterward, we will visit the charming seaside village of Strandhill for refreshments and beach walk. Finally, we return to Ballina for a tour of the artisan Connacht Distillery, where we will learn about their processes and enjoy a tasting session. Non-hiking participants can explore Ballina while the group is on the trail.
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight Ballina
Hike Distance 7.4 km / 4.6 mi | Elevation Gain 404 m / 1325 ft | Grading Level 2 | Terrain Paved roads disappear to grassy tracks and then open hillside with rocky and uneven sections, some boggy and wet underfoot conditions with some steep climbs up and down.

Day 3 - Carrowteigue / Downpatrick Head

After breakfast, we embark on the Carrowteige Cliff Top Hike, hailed by Lonely Planet as a top coastal walk in western Ireland, featuring stunning cliffs, caves, and islands. We then visit Ceide Fields, an ancient Stone Age monument dating back 6,000 years, nestled in a blanket bog ecosystem. Later, we indulge in homemade treats at Mary’s Cottage Kitchen in Ballycastle before stopping at Downpatrick Head, a heritage site with a holy well and stone cross, with breathtaking views of Dun Briste sea stack and Stags of Broadhaven Islands. Returning to Ballina, you will have the evening free to explore its vibrant restaurant and pub scene. Non-hikers can explore Ballina while the group is on the trail.
Meals Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight Ballina
Hike Distance 12.49 km / 7.7 mi | Elevation Gain 493 m / 1617 ft | Grading Level 2 | Terrain Paved roads, sandy and gravel tracks with rocky and uneven sections, can be wet and boggy underfoot.

Day 4 - Achill Island

Today, we explore Achill Island, the largest outlying island in Ireland, connected to the mainland by a bridge. Our scenic drive through the vast Wild Nephin National Park showcases diverse ecosystems. Achill Island offers stunning beaches, dramatic cliffs, and warm hospitality. Our hike begins near the island's north end, leading to a pristine mountain lake and concluding with a deserted village abandoned since the 1845 famine. Continuing our adventures, we enjoy a Sheep Dog demonstration, witnessing the ancient art of sheep herding with Border Collies. This evening, we transfer to Westport for a group dinner and overnight, a town celebrated for its culinary delights and vibrant nightlife.
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight Westport
Hike Distance 10.21 km / 6.3 mi | Elevation Gain 365 m 1197.5 ft | Grading Level 3 | Terrain Paved roads, gravel tracks and grassy, muddy trails. Open hillsides with no trails and rough underfoot conditions.

Day 5 - Croagh Patrick

Croagh Patrick, steeped in ancient pilgrimage lore dating back to 3,000 BC, is revered as the ‘Holy Mountain’ or ‘The Reek.’ Our hike traces the historic pilgrim trail from Aghagower, with a visit to the mountain's Visitor Centre in Murrisk. We then explore DooLough Valley, known for its vibrant landscapes and ties to the Great Famine, before continuing to Killary Fjord. Conclude the day in charming Westport with the evening at your leisure. Non-hikers can explore Westport while the group is on the trail.
Meals Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight Westport
Hike Distance 7.1 km / 4.7 mi | Elevation Gain 743 m / 2437.6 ft | Grading Level 3 | Terrain Gravel tracks, loose scree, rocky, muddy and uneven conditions.

Day 6 - Clare Island

Clare Island, rich in history dating back to 3,500 B.C., offers diverse ecology and nesting sites for various bird species. Visit landmarks like Granuaile’s Castle, a 12th-century abbey, and a Napoleonic Tower. Take a coastal walk to the Clare Island Lighthouse, now luxury accommodation, and climb to the highest point for stunning views. Explore the Napoleonic signal tower and medieval roof paintings at the Cistercian Abbey. Marvel at Granuaile Castle, home to Ireland’s Pirate Queen. Conclude with a group dinner in Westport, ending our Wild Atlantic Way journey amid legends and breathtaking landscapes.
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight Westport
Hike Distance 12.92 km / 8 mi | Elevation Gain 494 m / 1620.7 ft | Grading Level 3 | Terrain Paved roads, gravel tracks and some grassy, uneven and muddy trails. Off-trail walking with some steep climbs.

Day 7 - Depart Westport

Your tour will finish this morning after another delicious breakfast. There are regular buses from Westport to Galway city where you can connect by bus or train to all major cities and airports. Please contact us before you book your departing flights so we can ensure you have sufficient time to travel to the Airport from Westport.
Meals Breakfast

Click here to view/download our full itinerary PDF

Jun 16th 2024

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Sep 15th 2024

7-Day Guided Wild Atlantic Way & Islands Hike

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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.