Hiking Ireland: Burren, Connemara, and the Aran Islands
Inn-Based Hiking Tours
9 Days, 8 Nights 65 MI / 104 KMTrip Highlights
Join us on this Irish trekking tour to Burren, Connemara, and the Aran Islands! Ireland is an incredible hiking destination with stunning North Atlantic seascapes, Celtic forts, rugged limestone massifs, roaming livestock, and world class trails.
Together, we’ll experience jaw-dropping views, awe inspiring historical sites, and delicious Irish cuisine as we trek around this island with dramatic cliff sides, rugged coastlines, emerald green hills, and cozy Irish pubs.
Each night we’ll stay in quaint Irish towns in boutique accommodations, allowing us to sample the delicious cuisine of the region. If pub fare and Guinness is what you fancy, then this trip is right up your alley! With a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll have an insider’s experience of the wilds of Ireland. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to experience the best of Ireland!
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Iconic Hikes of Western Ireland
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Exploring the Aran Islands
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Fjords of Ireland
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Limestone Cliffs
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Exquisite Regional Cuisine
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Charming Traditional Accommodations
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Ancient Celtic Historical Sites
Book This Trip
Trip Details
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Trip Type
Inn-Based Hiking Tours -
Trip Length
9 Days, 8 Nights -
Daily Hiking Distance
Up to 11 miles -
Group Size
3-12 Guests
- day by day itinerary
- logistical and travel information
- gear and clothing lists and more
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Is This Trip Right For me?
This trip involves hiking with a light day pack (10-15 pounds) from 3-5 hours a day. There is no technical difficulty involved with easy to medium paths and tracks. This trek is accessible to the beginner hiker in good shape.
Trip Itinerary
Please Note: We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however occasionally trips are subject to itinerary changes based on a variety of circumstances, including but not limited to: lodging/campground availability, extreme weather, political or bureaucratic obstacles, earthquakes, fires, flooding, changing boat schedules, and more. Normal terms and conditions apply to trips with itinerary changes.
Day 1
Welcome to Éire, the emerald green land of Ireland! On this hiking tour of Ireland you’ll fly into the international airport in Dublin where you’ll make your way into the city. We’ll meet at our first accommodation of the trip in the vibrant, capital city of Dublin. Upon your arrival at the hotel in the city center, you will meet your guide and the rest of the group. We’ll gather for our orientation meeting at 6:00 PM before heading to a typical Irish pub. Slàinte! Or cheers as they say in Gaelic.
Day 2
Hiking Mileage: 4.5 mi (7.5 km)
Elevation Gain: 314 ft (96 m)
Elevation Loss: 37 ft (121 m)
This morning starts with a nearly four-hour transfer to Killary Fjord. We’ll be dropped off at our trailhead overlooking Inis Bearna where we’ll enjoy a lovely lunch before we start our first hike. We’ll begin towards the end of the fjord and walk inland towards Leenane, which translates to “the valley at the head of the sea,” in the heart of Connemara. The coastline views today include tiny inlets, coves, bays, farms, and fishing villages. This fjord is arguably the most beautiful and largest of fjords in Ireland, and we’ll hear about the deep history of this trail. At the end of our hike, we’ll take a short transfer to our wonderful accommodations in Leenane.
Day 3
Hiking Mileage: 8 mi (13 km)
Elevation Gain: 1624 ft (495 m)
Elevation Loss: 1624 ft (495 m)
This morning starts with a transfer to Kylemore Abbey, a famous castle with its rich history and picturesque setting situated on the Atlantic Way. We’ll have a roughly 1.5 hour tour of the grounds before transferring over to Letterfrack and our trailhead for today’s hike. Diamond Hill is one of the most famed hikes of the Connemara region with its spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding hills and coastline. We’ll enjoy some solitude along the Bog Bridge trail on our way to the summit. The view from the summit might be the most breathtaking in all of Galway!
Day 4
Hiking Mileage: 10 mi (16 km)
Elevation Gain: 295 ft (90 m)
Elevation Loss: 295 ft (90 m)
Boat Time: 2 hours
This morning finds us with a road trip along the Sky Road of Clifton. This 10-mile road is rumored to be one of the most beautiful drives in Ireland. We’ll take our time and enjoy the views. In the late morning, we will reach the pier where we’ll board a boat for the island of Inishbofin. This small fisherman’s island is one of the last land masses west of the European continent before the expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. On this trek we might just luck out and see seals in the bay just north of the island as well as long-haired sheep. Residents of this small island depend on peat as a fuel source to heat their homes. You’ll have the option for a cold plunge on what is one of the most picturesque beaches in the region. We’ll take the last ferry out for the day back to our hotel and enjoy a wonderful Irish dinner.
Day 5
Hiking Mileage: 7-10 mi (11-16 km)
Elevation Gain: 800 ft (60 m)
Elevation Loss: 800 ft (40 m)
Boat Time: 2h 45 min.
Today marks the transition into the land of the legendary Connemara with its beautiful coastline. This morning starts with a journey to Roundstone: a small fishing port known for its Bodhran factory, a drum used in traditional Celtic music. We stop for a short hike (about 1.5 hours) to the rocky summit of Errisbeg. We will then ferry to the largest of the three Aran Islands: the island of Inishmore. Inishmore is known for its strong traditional Irish culture and language. Upon our arrival, we’ll cross the north coast to the prehistoric fort of Dún Aonghasa. We may have another opportunity to find seals today. We’ll stay on the island in our cozy lodge at the edge of the sea.
Day 6
Hiking Mileage: 11 mi (18 km)
Elevation Gain: 640 ft (195 m)
Elevation Loss: 640 ft (195 m)
Boat Time: 45 min.
Today starts with a short transfer to Kilmurvey Beach, the start of our hike. We’ll be exploring historical archeological sites and churches along our hike. Today’s efforts culminate in the Eeragh Lighthouse viewpoint. We’ll head back to Kilmurvey Beach and the Inishmore harbor. From here we’ll catch a boat to Rossaveel then onward to Galway for dinner and merriment!
Day 7
Hiking Mileage: 7.4 mi (12 km)
Elevation Gain: 1075 ft (327 m)
Elevation Loss: 1075 ft (327 m)
This morning finds us exploring the vibrant city and historic trading port of Galway. With a population approaching 80,000, Galway has much to offer in the way of traditional jewelry, old pubs, knit sweaters, and bog-oak carvings. After our outing in town, we’ll transfer to the famed Cliffs of Moher, where we’ll catch a glimpse of the Aran Islands, the Maumturks and Twelve Pins Mountain ranges, and the vast expanse of ocean. The Cliffs of Moher are recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark and are described as, “glacially-smoothed karst limestone hills with dramatic sea cliffs that tower over the majestic Atlantic coast.” After an incredible day, we’ll find our accommodations in Doolin, the capital of traditional Irish music, and dine in a cozy, quaint pub.
Day 8
Hiking Mileage: 9 mi (14 km)
Elevation Gain: 960 ft (293 m)
Elevation Loss: 960 ft (293 m)
Today holds a special hike: Burren land. Made up of towering limestone and dotted with wildflowers and spectacular Lapiazs. Lapiazs, or limestone pavement, is a phenomenon of exposed limestone resembling a paved surface and is a sight to behold! Our hike takes us along small country lanes and paths across vast plateaus. The Burren range is one of the less visited but no less spectacular ranges of Western Ireland. We then take our private transfer back to Dublin, about a 3 hours drive.
Day 9
After a typical Irish breakfast and your last fried tomato, we’ll say our goodbyes. Thank you for choosing Wildland!
Trip Dates
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What's Included
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A detailed trip packet that takes the guesswork out of your travel, training, packing, and preparing for the trip
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Trained hiking guide(s) with years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. See Guide Bios.
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Lodging for the duration of the tour
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Transportation throughout the trip, beginning on Day 2 and ending on Day 8
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All meals from Dinner Day 1 to breakfast on Day 9
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Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device
What's Not Included
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Transportation to Dublin, Ireland
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Airport Transfers to and from Dublin airport on first and last day of trek
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All expenses due to unavoidable events e.g. flight cancellation, personal illness, strikes, etc. (we recommend trip insurance coverage for these variables)
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Trekking Poles & Day Pack
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Clothes, rain gear, and footwear
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Bar bills, drink bills, telephone bills, Wi-Fi bills and other personal expenses (shopping/laundry/spa or sauna)
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Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
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Guide gratuities are optional and at the discretion of each customer. A suggested guideline is to reward outstanding service with a tip of 5-10% of the total trip cost. Local currency is preferred, or USD is also appreciated.
Accommodations
* These exact accommodations are not guaranteed. In some instances alternative accommodations of similar quality and location may be used.
THE GRAFTON HOTEL
2 Nights
This modern, art deco styled hotel located off of Grafton street in Dublin is centrally located to many attractions in the city center. Just a hop, skip, and a jump from Grafton Street, the Guinness Storehouse and Trinity College you’ll find plenty to do and see. The Grafton is made up of 128 modern, spacious, and generously decorated rooms and is an excellent setting to experience the magic of Dublin!
LEENANE DELPHI LODGE
1 Night
Delphi lodge is located in the wilderness of Connemara and South Mayo, on the banks of the Bundorragha River. Here you’ll find a hotel, hostel, restaurant and bar, spa and yoga studio, and outdoor activity center nestled into a beautiful setting.
ROSELEAGUE MANOR
2 Nights
This Manor House in Clifden is steeped in old-world country charm with a unique layout and design. In these charming rooms you’ll find carefully maintained original antique furnishings, each with their own unique stories. From the windows of this charming hotel you’ll catch glimpses of forest and ocean.
TIGH FITZ BED & BREAKFAST
1 Night
Located on Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands, Tigh Fitz is a charming refuge in a breathtaking setting. Here you’ll find beaches, areas of archeological and historical remains, and the famous tall cliffs of Aran. You may find this accommodation to be simpler and more rustic than our other accommodations, but it will have all you need. This hotel is all about the location!
LEONARDO HOTEL
1 Night
Sporting a contemporary bar and a newly refurbished interior, The Leonardo presents a cozy and charming accommodation in the hustle and bustle of Galway bay. You’ll find the Medieval City Wall and Spanish Arch a brief two minutes walk from the hotel.
HOTEL DOOLIN
1 Night
Located in the picturesque town of Doolin, Hotel Doolin offers a charming, contemporary setting to rest your head. Here you’ll find a live concert venue nestled into the hotel’s interior courtyard.
Trip Logistics & FAQs
Where Do We Meet?
We will meet you at our first night’s accommodation in Dublin, Ireland, where we’ll conduct our orientation meeting at 6:00 PM. Please plan for your flight to arrive no later than 4:00 PM on Day 1.
Airport transportation is not included in the tour, but easily planned from the Dublin Airport (DUB) to our hotel in the city center. You may choose an airport taxi for approximately 30-40€, the Dublin Express or Aircoach.
Our pre-trip support team will be in contact approximately 45 days before your trip to coordinate your rendezvous and answer any last-minute questions you have.
Travel To Dublin, Ireland
Start/End Location: Dublin, Ireland
Closest Airport: Dublin Airport (DUB). Flights to and from Dublin are the guest’s responsibility.
Airport transportation is not included in the tour, but easily planned to/from the Dublin Airport with multiple economical and convenient options.
Day 1: You may check-in to the hotel by 4:00 PM and orientation begins at 6:00 PM. Please be sure to arrive into Dublin Airport (DUB) no later than 4:00 PM.
Day 9: You may depart today at any time. Breakfast is included and check-out from the hotel is at 11:00 AM.
Safety Precautions
Your safety is our top priority. Our hiking tours are led by professional hiking guides, all of whom are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. Guides adhere to standardized risk management protocols in case of any potential or actual incident, and all tours carry an emergency communication device and comprehensive first-aid kit. Additionally we have a “24/7” system through which guides or guests can reach Wildland support personnel at any time.
In the interest of your safety, it’s important to refer to the Center for Disease Control website for up-to-date recommendations on immunizations before your trip.
Age Restrictions
Age restrictions on this trip are as follows:
- 7 and older to join scheduled and private tours
Trip Insurance
Field evacuation, repatriation, and medical insurance is REQUIRED as a condition of partnership terms with our European vendors (field evacuation and repatriation minimum coverage is a combined $200,000 USD).
We recommend IMG/iTravelinsured. They are one of the world’s leading providers of travel insurance and policies meet all requirements.
For information on the recommended IMG/iTravelinsured policies please click here.
If you already have the required insurance or wish to purchase from anyone other than IMG/iTravelinsured, we recommend careful consultation with the provider to ensure appropriate coverage. This is because many providers have a number of policy exclusions.
Reviews
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Teresita V
5 months agoGreat Experience
It was a great experience The Guides…. The Best
Cristina M
5 months agoHad a great time.
The trip to Ireland was fantastic. The whole experience is worthy every minute. Our Guides, Jemma Baker and Delphine Finot are excellent guides and beautifully people. Highly recommend this trip.
Nuria C
5 months agoWonderful
I'll never forget those beautiful days, so loved and held by Jemma and Delphin. They're both wonderful!
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