FAQ 
A Taste of the Wild Atlantic Way Walking Tour
A Taste of the Wild Atlantic Way Walking Tour
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Escape from the hustle and bustle of a busy life and experience true quiet amid unspoiled natural beauties as you walk these trails, paths and coastal ways.
- Follow in the footsteps of those who have walked this way over hundreds of years and discover their fascinating stories.
- Experience the unique scenery and lifestyle of a traditional island community existing on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, with a boat trip to Inishbofin island.
- Choose to climb the pilgrim path to the summit of Ireland’s ‘Holy Mountain’, Croagh Patrick, and marvel at the ancient custom of travelling this rocky path barefoot.
Gabriel’s must-do activity:
Climbing Croagh Patrick when I first arrived in the west of Ireland is an experience I will always treasure – the sense of achievement, the endless views and the camaraderie of other climbers passing you by all helped to create an unforgettable experience.
YOUR TOUR IN BRIEF
Tour Essentials:
This is a 7-day (6 night) tour starting every Tuesday from April to October.
The tour starts in the village of Leenane in Connemara, Co Galway and finishes in Westport town in neighbouring Co Mayo.
A Taste of the Wild Atlantic Way Tour consists of moderate walking on back-roads, trails and, a rockier ascent on Croagh Patrick mountain.
Equipment and information:
Correct rain proof gear and walking boots are essential to bring with you.
Before your arrival, you will need to download our app ('Roadbook for Discovery') on which you will have all the details of your tour (routes, accommodation, vouchers, things to see...). The app works offline once it is downloaded, which means you do not need to use your internet data. It works as a GPS and will give you directions, as well a things to see and do on the way, where to eat...
Hospitality:
Your accommodation each night is provided in 3* hotels or approved B&Bs and guesthouses, where you will enjoy a full Irish breakfast on each morning.
Your luggage will be transferred every day to your next accommodation.
Extras:
Alternative start days - €100 extra per person.
Printed route notes + meet & greet - €125 per booking. Visit our FAQ to see what a meet & greet entails.
You can add some activities at the START of your tour before coming to Connemara:
- Visit the Cliffs of Moher by bus with 1 extra night in Galway - €355 per person.
- Visit the Aran islands (Inis Mor) and spend 2 nights there + 1 night in Galway - €550 per person.
- Visit the Aran islands (Inis Mor) AND the Cliffs of Moher (2 nights in Galway & 2 nights on Inis Mor) - €850 per person.
Please note that these options - for logistic reasons - can be added at the start of your tour only. In order to avoid paying the extra cost for alternative scheduling, you need to plan it so that your walking tour in Connemara starts on a Tuesday. Please don't hesitate to contact us before booking if you have any questions.
Tour Essentials
This is a 7-day (6 night) tour starting every Tuesday from April to October.
The tour starts in the village of Leenane in Connemara, Co Galway and finishes in Westport town in neighbouring Co Mayo.
A Taste of the Wild Atlantic Way Tour consists of moderate walking on back-roads, trails and, a rockier ascent on Croagh Patrick mountain.
Equipment and information
Correct rain proof gear and walking boots are essential to bring with you.
Before your arrival, you will need to download our app ('Roadbook for Discovery') on which you will have all the details of your tour (routes, accommodation, vouchers, things to see...). The app works offline once it is downloaded, which means you do not need to use your internet data. It works as a GPS and will give you directions, as well a things to see and do on the way, where to eat...
Hospitality
Your accommodation each night is provided in 3* hotels or approved B&Bs and guesthouses, where you will enjoy a full Irish breakfast on each morning.
Your luggage will be transferred every day to your next accommodation.
Extras
Alternative start days - €100 extra per person.
Printed route notes + meet & greet - €125 per booking. Visit our FAQ to see what a meet & greet entails.
You can add some activities at the START of your tour before coming to Connemara:
- Visit the Cliffs of Moher by bus with 1 extra night in Galway - €355 per person.
- Visit the Aran islands (Inis Mor) and spend 2 nights there + 1 night in Galway - €550 per person.
- Visit the Aran islands (Inis Mor) AND the Cliffs of Moher (2 nights in Galway & 2 nights on Inis Mor) - €850 per person.
Please note that these options - for logistic reasons - can be added at the start of your tour only. In order to avoid paying the extra cost for alternative scheduling, you need to plan it so that your walking tour in Connemara starts on a Tuesday. Please don't hesitate to contact us before booking if you have any questions.
Further information on getting to/from Ireland can be found here
ITINERARY
You will feel as though you have entered another world, where time stands still, when you arrive in Leenane Village. Nestled against a backdrop of steep hills and at the head of Killary Fjord it is far from any urban centre yet connects a wide and close-knit community in this part of Connemara. The views all around you are spectacular and, like the weather patterns, ever-changing. Enjoy your first evening in Connemara in one of the most beautiful places in Ireland!
So-called because it was built as a famine-relief project during the Great Famine of the 1840s, the greenway along the shores of Killary Fjord brought outlying communities closer together in the nineteenth century. When you hike along the path you cannot help but sense the history and lives of all those who have walked this way before you. With mountains rising out of the water on either side and few signs of civilisation along the way, this is a true escape and a rare find in the modern world. You will be transferred to the starting point and your walk will finish again in Leenane. A cold pint of Guinness in an authentic west of Ireland pub is just the thing to end the day!
15 kms/80 m elevation/3-4 hours walking
Distance:
15 km
You will be transferred to the starting point of today’s walk which follows an ancient pilgrim’s path to Maumean (translated from Gaelic as the ‘pass of the birds’). The summit of Maumean at a height of 320m is marked by a small chapel and other religious features associated with Ireland’s patron saint, Patrick. There is much ritual and myth attached to this site and it will give you a fascinating insight into religious practice in Ireland over the past few centuries and before. You will then follow the Western Way, a marked walking trail, to the tranquillity of the Inagh Valley where you will stay tonight. The valley is surrounded by the majestic Maam Turks and Twelve Bens mountain ranges and is a perfect haven for complete rest and relaxation after a day on the hills.
16 kms / 250 m elevation / 4-5 hours walking
Distance:
16 km
Today you will be transferred to the fishing village of Cleggan where you will take the ferry to Inishbofin island. Bofin or 'Inis Bo Finne' (Island of the White Cow) lies seven miles off Connemara’s coast in the Atlantic Ocean. It is estimated that it was inhabited as far back as 8000 – 4000 B.C. As you sail around the tower and signal light into the harbour, you will come upon a sixteenth century ruined barracks. This was used as a prison for Catholic priests from all over Ireland after the English Statute of 1585 declared them guilty of high treason. There are several looped walks around the island which you are free to explore, after which you might find yourself drawn into a cosy pub by the traditional music you can hear inside!
Depending on the availability of accommodation, you will either stay on Inishbofin or you will take the ferry back @5pm and your taxi will drive you back to Clifden for the night.
Choice of walks between 6 and 15 kms, elevation from 60 to 180m, from 1 to 5 hours walking
Distance:
6 to 15 km
Your taxi will pick you up from Clifden this morning and bring you to the start of your walk on the Renvyle Peninsula in the National Park of Connemara. This is a relatively easy walk but a very rewarding one with stunningly beautiful views over Kylemore Abbey and lake. The summit also offers views onto the whole peninsula, the islands of Inishbofin and Inishturk to the west and north west, the Maamturk mountains and the Ben Choona mountain range to the south. You will be brought to your accommodation on the Renvyle peninsula, another wonderful place which will add to your authentic Connemara experience.
7 kms / elevation 400 m / 2 to 3 hours walking
Distance:
7 km / 400 m ascent
After breakfast you will be transferred to the start of today's hike at Murrisk, on the shores of Clew Bay in Co. Mayo. A place of ancient history, Croagh Patrick is Ireland’s sacred mountain, and a rich vein of archaeological heritage. This dazzling quartzite pyramid (764m) even has a small chapel at its peak. Ireland’s fifth-century patron saint, St Patrick, is said to have fasted on its summit for forty days. It is a challenging climb but the 360-degree views with which you will be rewarded make it worth the effort. No walking trip in Ireland would be complete without reaching its impressive peak. On returning to sea level you will be transferred to your final night’s accommodation in the vibrant, picturesque town of Westport where you will find superb restaurants, pubs, live music and craic.
7 kms / elevation 764m / 4 to 5 hours walking
Distance:
7 km / 764 m ascent
Breakfast and depart Westport for your onward journey.
You will feel as though you have entered another world, where time stands still, when you arrive in Leenane Village. Nestled against a backdrop of steep hills and at the head of Killary Fjord it is far from any urban centre yet connects a wide and close-knit community in this part of Connemara. The views all around you are spectacular and, like the weather patterns, ever-changing. Enjoy your first evening in Connemara in one of the most beautiful places in Ireland!
So-called because it was built as a famine-relief project during the Great Famine of the 1840s, the greenway along the shores of Killary Fjord brought outlying communities closer together in the nineteenth century. When you hike along the path you cannot help but sense the history and lives of all those who have walked this way before you. With mountains rising out of the water on either side and few signs of civilisation along the way, this is a true escape and a rare find in the modern world. You will be transferred to the starting point and your walk will finish again in Leenane. A cold pint of Guinness in an authentic west of Ireland pub is just the thing to end the day!
15 kms/80 m elevation/3-4 hours walking
Distance:
15 km
You will be transferred to the starting point of today’s walk which follows an ancient pilgrim’s path to Maumean (translated from Gaelic as the ‘pass of the birds’). The summit of Maumean at a height of 320m is marked by a small chapel and other religious features associated with Ireland’s patron saint, Patrick. There is much ritual and myth attached to this site and it will give you a fascinating insight into religious practice in Ireland over the past few centuries and before. You will then follow the Western Way, a marked walking trail, to the tranquillity of the Inagh Valley where you will stay tonight. The valley is surrounded by the majestic Maam Turks and Twelve Bens mountain ranges and is a perfect haven for complete rest and relaxation after a day on the hills.
16 kms / 250 m elevation / 4-5 hours walking
Distance:
16 km
Today you will be transferred to the fishing village of Cleggan where you will take the ferry to Inishbofin island. Bofin or 'Inis Bo Finne' (Island of the White Cow) lies seven miles off Connemara’s coast in the Atlantic Ocean. It is estimated that it was inhabited as far back as 8000 – 4000 B.C. As you sail around the tower and signal light into the harbour, you will come upon a sixteenth century ruined barracks. This was used as a prison for Catholic priests from all over Ireland after the English Statute of 1585 declared them guilty of high treason. There are several looped walks around the island which you are free to explore, after which you might find yourself drawn into a cosy pub by the traditional music you can hear inside!
Depending on the availability of accommodation, you will either stay on Inishbofin or you will take the ferry back @5pm and your taxi will drive you back to Clifden for the night.
Choice of walks between 6 and 15 kms, elevation from 60 to 180m, from 1 to 5 hours walking
Distance:
6 to 15 km
Your taxi will pick you up from Clifden this morning and bring you to the start of your walk on the Renvyle Peninsula in the National Park of Connemara. This is a relatively easy walk but a very rewarding one with stunningly beautiful views over Kylemore Abbey and lake. The summit also offers views onto the whole peninsula, the islands of Inishbofin and Inishturk to the west and north west, the Maamturk mountains and the Ben Choona mountain range to the south. You will be brought to your accommodation on the Renvyle peninsula, another wonderful place which will add to your authentic Connemara experience.
7 kms / elevation 400 m / 2 to 3 hours walking
Distance:
7 km / 400 m ascent
After breakfast you will be transferred to the start of today's hike at Murrisk, on the shores of Clew Bay in Co. Mayo. A place of ancient history, Croagh Patrick is Ireland’s sacred mountain, and a rich vein of archaeological heritage. This dazzling quartzite pyramid (764m) even has a small chapel at its peak. Ireland’s fifth-century patron saint, St Patrick, is said to have fasted on its summit for forty days. It is a challenging climb but the 360-degree views with which you will be rewarded make it worth the effort. No walking trip in Ireland would be complete without reaching its impressive peak. On returning to sea level you will be transferred to your final night’s accommodation in the vibrant, picturesque town of Westport where you will find superb restaurants, pubs, live music and craic.
7 kms / elevation 764m / 4 to 5 hours walking
Distance:
7 km / 764 m ascent
Breakfast and depart Westport for your onward journey.
ACCOMMODATION
B&B/3* ACCOMMODATION
When you select this tour you will have the chance to stay in either 3* hotels or Bed & Breakfast/guesthouse accommodation.
The 3* hotels that have been selected are all comfortable, well-appointed properties which also boast their own character and style. You may find yourself in a historic manor house hotel, one with a modern twist or get a 'room with a view' overlooking a shimmering lake or a golden beach.
Staying in B&B/guesthouse accommodation is a unique experience where very often you are staying in a family home, with your hosts being the owners of the property. You will receive a warm welcome and will have access to plenty of local stories. Best of all you will catch a glimpse into the lives of the local people of the areas through which you travel. Accommodation is warm, cosy and homely and breakfast is home-cooked by your host.
B&B/3* ACCOMMODATION
When you select this tour you will have the chance to stay in either 3* hotels or Bed & Breakfast/guesthouse accommodation.
The 3* hotels that have been selected are all comfortable, well-appointed properties which also boast their own character and style. You may find yourself in a historic manor house hotel, one with a modern twist or get a 'room with a view' overlooking a shimmering lake or a golden beach.
Staying in B&B/guesthouse accommodation is a unique experience where very often you are staying in a family home, with your hosts being the owners of the property. You will receive a warm welcome and will have access to plenty of local stories. Best of all you will catch a glimpse into the lives of the local people of the areas through which you travel. Accommodation is warm, cosy and homely and breakfast is home-cooked by your host.
TOUR DETAILS
ACCOMMODATION
LOW SEASON: April, May, September & October
HIGH SEASON: June, July & August
What's included
Meals
- All breakfasts
Transport
- We will bring you to and from the start and finish of each walk as indicated.
- We will collect you from Maam Cross bus stop and bring you to Leenane on the day of arrival. You can make your way from Galway city to Maam Cross via Citylink bus which has 5 daily buses serving this area, on the Galway-Clifden bus line.
Accommodation
- 6 nights accommodation (includes private en-suite)
Extras
- Return ferry ticket to Inishbofin Island
BIKES
- Each bicycle is equipped with a bottle cage, small front handlebar bag, bike rack (with option to add pannier bags).
- Safety – we provide a helmet (various sizes) and a high visibility jacket for our customer’s safety on the road.
- Spare tube, repair kit with tyre levers, pump and bike lock are all provided.
- Cyclists are expected to be able to have a general knowledge of the function of bicycles, i.e. how to change gears, how to brake properly, replacing a slipped chain, changing a flat tyre. Please check out this link if you are looking for few tips.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
DIFFICULTY Easy
Represents a low level of activity with maximum 35 kms on the bike or 12 kms by foot per day – 3 hours physical activity
DIFFICULTY Medium
Represents a medium level of activity with maximum 50 kms on the bike or 15 kms by foot per day – 4 to 5 hours physical activity
DIFFICULTY Hard
Represents a higher level of activity with maximum 80 kms on the bike or 25 kms by foot per day – 6 to 7 hours physical activity
CUSTOMISE THIS TOUR
You can add extra days or shorten this holiday to suit your needs or schedule.
We are very fortunate to have hundreds of kilometres of magnificent coastal and scenic routes and paths to enjoy. So the options are endless.
We understand that the duration of this tour may not be the ideal amount of time for everyone so if you would like a longer or a shorter version, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will design a custom tour for you to suit your needs.
GETTING TO TOUR START POINT
You can take a Citylink bus or a Gobus directly from Dublin airport (or from Dublin city centre) to Galway (approx. 3 hours trip) and then a Citylink bus or a Bus Eireann bus from Galway to Maam Cross bus stop (Galway – Clifden line/50 minutes trip).
For this tour, which starts in Leenane, a taxi from Maam Cross to Leenane (30 minutes) will be organised and is included in your tour price (as long as you confirm to us your arrival time to Maam Cross one month prior to arrival).
Please note that the last Citylink bus leaving Galway to Clifden is at 5.30 pm.
Total journey time is approximately 5 hours.
Reviews
Brittany
17 Nov 2019
5/5
Everyone was so friendly and helpful from the very beggining to the last accommodation, all of the drivers, etc. Everything was very well coordinated and very easy for me to figure out.
Mary
12 Nov 2019
5/5
After the meeting with Conor everything was so easy to follow and simple to figure and the walks were just marvelous, even when it rained! Thanks so much!
Ingo
13 Jun 2022
5/5
Reliable planning. Good accommodations. All wishes were taken into account. Thank you!
ACCOMMODATION
LOW SEASON: April, May, September & October
HIGH SEASON: June, July & August
What's included
Meals
- All breakfasts
Transport
- We will bring you to and from the start and finish of each walk as indicated.
- We will collect you from Maam Cross bus stop and bring you to Leenane on the day of arrival. You can make your way from Galway city to Maam Cross via Citylink bus which has 5 daily buses serving this area, on the Galway-Clifden bus line.
Accommodation
- 6 nights accommodation (includes private en-suite)
Extras
- Return ferry ticket to Inishbofin Island
BIKES
- Each bicycle is equipped with a bottle cage, small front handlebar bag, bike rack (with option to add pannier bags).
- Safety – we provide a helmet (various sizes) and a high visibility jacket for our customer’s safety on the road.
- Spare tube, repair kit with tyre levers, pump and bike lock are all provided.
- Cyclists are expected to be able to have a general knowledge of the function of bicycles, i.e. how to change gears, how to brake properly, replacing a slipped chain, changing a flat tyre. Please check out this link if you are looking for few tips.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
DIFFICULTY Easy
Represents a low level of activity with maximum 35 kms on the bike or 12 kms by foot per day – 3 hours physical activity
DIFFICULTY Medium
Represents a medium level of activity with maximum 50 kms on the bike or 15 kms by foot per day – 4 to 5 hours physical activity
DIFFICULTY Hard
Represents a higher level of activity with maximum 80 kms on the bike or 25 kms by foot per day – 6 to 7 hours physical activity
CUSTOMISE THIS TOUR
You can add extra days or shorten this holiday to suit your needs or schedule.
We are very fortunate to have hundreds of kilometres of magnificent coastal and scenic routes and paths to enjoy. So the options are endless.
We understand that the duration of this tour may not be the ideal amount of time for everyone so if you would like a longer or a shorter version, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will design a custom tour for you to suit your needs.
You can take a Citylink bus or a Gobus directly from Dublin airport (or from Dublin city centre) to Galway (approx. 3 hours trip) and then a Citylink bus or a Bus Eireann bus from Galway to Maam Cross bus stop (Galway – Clifden line/50 minutes trip).
For this tour, which starts in Leenane, a taxi from Maam Cross to Leenane (30 minutes) will be organised and is included in your tour price (as long as you confirm to us your arrival time to Maam Cross one month prior to arrival).
Please note that the last Citylink bus leaving Galway to Clifden is at 5.30 pm.
Total journey time is approximately 5 hours.
Reviews
Brittany
17 Nov 2019
5/5
Everyone was so friendly and helpful from the very beggining to the last accommodation, all of the drivers, etc. Everything was very well coordinated and very easy for me to figure out.
Mary
12 Nov 2019
5/5
After the meeting with Conor everything was so easy to follow and simple to figure and the walks were just marvelous, even when it rained! Thanks so much!
Ingo
13 Jun 2022
5/5
Reliable planning. Good accommodations. All wishes were taken into account. Thank you!
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
To secure your booking, we will request 30% deposit per person. Please note this is a
non-refundable payment. The balance payment is due 30 days before the tour starts.
If your tour start date is within 30 days of booking, the full, non-refundable payment is required upon booking.
We do not organise travel to/from Ireland. However there is plenty of useful information on our Getting to Ireland page.