Overview
This is a splendid trip along Irelands Western Coastline where as part of the trip you visit and walk three beautiful islands of the Western Coast, starting with Inishbofin off the coast of Connemara and Inishmore, the biggest of the Aran Islands off the coast of Galway. You will also walk along by the Famine Track as you overlook Irelands only fjord the Killary Fjord and along the spectacular Sky Road which will give you breathtaking views onto the Atlantic and hundreds of small islands sitting on this side of the Connemara coast. On this trip you will get a glimpse of some dramatic scenery and the opportunity to meet real Irish characters.
You will be staying in the scenic village of Leenane on Irelands only fjord the Killary, in Clifden, the 'Capital of Connemara' and spending one night on Inishmore, and finally end your journey in Galway, the bustling and historical city, Gateway to Connemara where you can shop for souvenirs, or just enjoy the atmosphere. You will stay at comfortable guesthouses, where rooms are en-suite, breakfasts are excellent, and the scenery is some of Ireland’s finest. For your walks you will be brought by vehicle to different starting points for your walks, from where you will walk, with the help of maps and detailed route notes.
Details
| Duration: |
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7 days (6 nights) |
| Tour Dates 2013: |
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ANY DATE (April - October) |
| Level: |
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Moderate walking on even surfaces and 2 island walks accessed by ferry.
|
| Equipment: |
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You are provided with route notes
and maps, but correct rain proof gear and walking boots are essential to bring with you. |
| Accommodation: |
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Depending on the option: 3* Hotels, B&Bs & Guesthouse or Hostels. |
| Meals: |
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All Irish Breakfasts. |
| Transfers: |
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Transfers to starting point of walks and from, where indicated. Ferry tickets to Inishbofin and Inishmore. Luggage transfers as far as Rossavel. From Rossavel you carry your own luggage. Taxi from Leenane to Cleggan for ferry to Inishbofin, from Cleggan to Clifden and taxi from Clifden to Rossaveal to ferry port in Rossavel for Aran Islands. From Rossavel to Galway city you travel by public bus, which you pay directly. |
| Miscellaneous: |
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Detailed route notes and maps. |
| Contact Point: |
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A Connemara Adventure Tours representative will be in touch with you either on the afternoon of your arrival or the following morning. |
| Departure Point: |
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You depart from Galway City. |
Visit our 'Getting Here' page for more transport information and options.
Itinerary
DAY 1 - LEENANE
Arrive to the lovely village of Leenane. Warm welcome and chance to settle in. You will be given your route notes and general information to study overnight.
DAY 2 – FAMINE TRACK
After breakfast a taxi will pick you up and bring you from your accommodation in Leenane to the starting point of today’s walk which is at the tip of Killary Harbour. With your map in hand you will walk above the shore of Killary Harbour, Ireland's only fjord, along the "Famine Track", a now disused road built after the Great Famine (1848) to provide some employment for the once extensive population of Connemara. You will continue along the Western Way to the village of Leenane where you will be staying tonight. Dinner is your own choice in the village of Leenane.
DAY 3 – INISHBOFIN ISLAND
Today you will have an all day and a night excursion to Inishbofin - one of three offshore islands just off the coast of Connemara! A taxi will pick you up at your accommodation and bring you and your luggages to Cleggan where you will take the ferry to Inishbofin to sample the unique “island life” and take in one of Ireland's unique attractions! This island is an ideal spot for swimming, hill walking, cycling and angling. Irish Traditional music takes Inishbofin to its heart and world-class musicians visit it regularly. On arrival your first glimpse of Bofin, will be the impressive "Cromwell's Barracks" - these are well-preserved ruins dating back to the 17th century. There are also many kinds of unusual kinds of birds as well as colonies of seals on the island. For lucky visitors, there is also the possibility of sighting dolphins, whales and sharks!
DAY 4 – CLIFDEN AND THE SKY ROAD
You return on the morning ferry to Cleggan where a taxi will pick you up and bring you to the start of your walk which will take you along the magnificient "Sky Road" quiet back roads situated on the most edge of Connemara. You will finish this walk by reaching Clifden, known as the "Capital of Connemara", where you can enjoy a well deserved relaxing evening enjoying the atmosphere of this colourful little town.
DAY 5 – INISHMORE ISLAND
A taxi picks you up after breakfast and brings you to Rossaveal in time to take the morning ferry to Inishmore. Inishmore is the largest of the Aran Islands. There are many antiquities on the island, and some of the most fascinating are Dun Aengus, Dun Eoghasa, early Christian monasteries and many more. You may want to discover them on foot, or alternatively there are bicycles for hire at the pier. Stay the night in a Guesthouse on the island, and enjoy a dinner in one of the restaurants.
DAY 6 – GALWAY
Return to the mainland with either the morning or the evening ferry and take the public bus (at your own expense) from Rossaveal into Galway. Spend some time in this bustling, historic town. Enjoy dinner at your own choice (and expense) in one of the many restaurants, and afterwards the lively pub scene. You will be staying in a Guesthouse in Galway tonight.
DAY 7
Depart after breakfast.
Accommodation & Price
Price 2013
- Hotel Option: €695.00 per person sharing, single supplement €135.00
€945.00 for a single traveler (travelling alone)
- B&B Option: €555.00 per person sharing, single supplement €115.00
€825.00 for a single traveler (travelling alone)
- Hostel Option: €435.00 per person sharing
€585.00 for a single traveler (travelling alone)
All prices are in EURO, and based on per person sharing. Per person sharing means two people in one room. Single Room supplement is applied when people require a room for themselves as part of a booking of two or more.
