Walking Tours Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Islands Hiking Tour
Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Islands Hiking Tour
Discover Atlantic islands, villages, valleys and wild seascapes of Ireland’s Connemara coast on this fascinating 7-day hiking tour. Immerse yourself in traditional island life. Explore landscapes shaped by the ever-changing elements and walk in the footsteps of those who have lived and worked this land at the very edge of Europe for thousands of years.
Tour Highlights
- Spend 3 nights on two Atlantic islands - Inishbofin & Inishmore - where celtic traditions and community are strong.
- Walk the haunting Famine Trail along spectacular Killary Fjord.
- Experience life in the west of Ireland in all its guises - from tiny island villages to bustling market towns.
- Relax with true Connemara hospitality in charming, family-run hotels & guesthouses.
Why choose this tour
Connemara’s islands are very special places, layered with history, culture and landscapes carved by the power of the Atlantic ocean. This tour gives a real insight into a traditional way of life that’s unlike anywhere else in the world.
Itinerary
Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Islands Hiking Tour
- Connemara - Killary Fjord - Inishbofin island - Clifden - Inishmore (Aran Islands)
- Hand-picked, stunning walking routes to explore at your own pace.
- Average 7-15 km (4-10 miles) a day.
- Starts Leenane, Co. Galway. Finishes Inishmore, Aran Islands, Co. Galway.
- Upgrades available.
Welcome to Connemara. Failte go Conamara! The starting point for your tour is the picturesque village of Leenane, nestled among the Maamturk Mountains, at the head of Killary Fjord. Despite its small size there is always a buzz of conversation and craic in the village’s two pubs and a choice of restaurants serving great food from locally-sourced ingredients. Enjoy your first night in Connemara in our home town - one of the most beautiful places in Ireland!
Distance:
15 km (9 miles) | Elevation 80m (260ft) | 3-4 hours walking
After a hearty Irish breakfast, we’ll bring you to the start point of today’s hike. The Famine Trail along the edge of Killary Fjord, was built as a relief project during the Great Famine of the 1840s. As you hike along the path through abandoned villages, you can’t help but sense the history and lives of all those who have walked this way before you. With spectacular views over the fjord and surrounding coastline and majestic mountains rising either side, this is a true escape.
After your hike, we’ll meet you at the finish point and bring you back to Leenane, where you’ll spend a second night. We suggest a cold pint of Guinness in an authentic west of Ireland pub is just the thing to end the day!
Meals included: Breakfast
Distance:
Choice of routes: 6-15 km (4-9 miles) | Elevation 60-180m (195-260 ft) | 1-5 hours walking
This morning we’ll bring you to Cleggan where you’ll catch the ferry to Inishbofin Island ('Inis Bo Finne' - Island of the White Cow). Forty minutes by ferry, this small island is layered in history and a world apart from the mainland. As you sail around the tower and signal light into the harbour, look out for the 16th century ruined barracks used as a prison for Catholic priests from all over Ireland after the English Statute of 1585 declared them guilty of high treason.
You’ll have the whole day to explore beautiful Inishbofin and discover some of its secrets. You’ll have a choice of walking routes - there are several looped walks around the island with stunning views of the island's beautiful coastal cliffs, coves, harbour and beaches. Meandering laneways and old stone walls all contribute to the feeling of stepping back in time. You might even find yourself drawn into a cosy pub by the sound of traditional Irish music.
You’ll spend the night on Inishbofin or return to Cleggan on the 5pm ferry where we’ll meet you and bring you to your next stop of Clifden.
Meals included: Breakfast
Distance:
6 km (4 miles) | Elevation 160m (520ft) | 1-2 hours walking
If you stayed on the island, you’ll take the ferry back to Cleggan this morning and we’ll bring you to the pretty, colourful town of Clifden. Perched on the very edge of the western seaboard and known as the "Capital of Connemara", Clifden is bursting with culture, quaint streets, colourful shops, cosy pubs and restaurants, and you’re never far from traditional Irish music.
Spend the day exploring and walk to the ruins of Clifden Castle. Enjoy an evening in this friendly town where everyone knows each other but the warmth towards visitors is legendary – the perfect place to strike up a conversation with a few local characters!
Meals included: Breakfast
Distance:
Choice of walks or bike ride | 8-25km (5-16 miles) | Elevation 50-220m (165-720ft) | 1-6 hours
This morning we’ll bring you to Rossaveal in time for the ferry to Inishmore, the largest of the three Aran Islands off the coast of Co. Galway, where you’ll spend the next two nights. Explore this fascinating island on foot or you can hire a bicycle at the pier.
There are more than 50 monuments of Christian, pre-Christian and Celtic origin on the island, including Dun Aonghusa, an impressive prehistoric stone fort perched on top of soaring sea cliffs where the full power and majesty of the Atlantic Ocean can be felt.
In the evening take in some breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean as the sun sets. You can dine in a choice of local restaurants with fresh seafood and traditional Irish cuisine on offer and experience a traditional Irish music session at one of the local pubs.
Meals included: Breakfast
Distance:
Choice of walks or bike ride | 1-6 hours
Your second day on Inishmore is a chance to really get to know the island and get a sense of the people who call this beautiful place home. Get off the beaten track and meander on quiet lanes with ancient stone walls, stopping to swim in crystal clear waters lapping on sandy beaches, or walk to Poll na bPéist, known as the Wormhole, a naturally formed rectangular pool carved into the coastal rock. Make the most of your last night on the island with more great food, music and craic.
Meals included: Breakfast
After your breakfast today you’ll take the ferry back to Rossaveal, where you can catch a connecting bus to Galway City. It’s the end of your tour and time for your onward journey, bringing your unforgettable memories of Ireland with you. Slan go fóill! – we’ll see you again soon.
Meals included: Breakfast
Welcome to Connemara. Failte go Conamara! The starting point for your tour is the picturesque village of Leenane, nestled among the Maamturk Mountains, at the head of Killary Fjord. Despite its small size there is always a buzz of conversation and craic in the village’s two pubs and a choice of restaurants serving great food from locally-sourced ingredients. Enjoy your first night in Connemara in our home town - one of the most beautiful places in Ireland!
Distance:
15 km (9 miles) | Elevation 80m (260ft) | 3-4 hours walking
After a hearty Irish breakfast, we’ll bring you to the start point of today’s hike. The Famine Trail along the edge of Killary Fjord, was built as a relief project during the Great Famine of the 1840s. As you hike along the path through abandoned villages, you can’t help but sense the history and lives of all those who have walked this way before you. With spectacular views over the fjord and surrounding coastline and majestic mountains rising either side, this is a true escape.
After your hike, we’ll meet you at the finish point and bring you back to Leenane, where you’ll spend a second night. We suggest a cold pint of Guinness in an authentic west of Ireland pub is just the thing to end the day!
Meals included: Breakfast
Distance:
Choice of routes: 6-15 km (4-9 miles) | Elevation 60-180m (195-260 ft) | 1-5 hours walking
This morning we’ll bring you to Cleggan where you’ll catch the ferry to Inishbofin Island ('Inis Bo Finne' - Island of the White Cow). Forty minutes by ferry, this small island is layered in history and a world apart from the mainland. As you sail around the tower and signal light into the harbour, look out for the 16th century ruined barracks used as a prison for Catholic priests from all over Ireland after the English Statute of 1585 declared them guilty of high treason.
You’ll have the whole day to explore beautiful Inishbofin and discover some of its secrets. You’ll have a choice of walking routes - there are several looped walks around the island with stunning views of the island's beautiful coastal cliffs, coves, harbour and beaches. Meandering laneways and old stone walls all contribute to the feeling of stepping back in time. You might even find yourself drawn into a cosy pub by the sound of traditional Irish music.
You’ll spend the night on Inishbofin or return to Cleggan on the 5pm ferry where we’ll meet you and bring you to your next stop of Clifden.
Meals included: Breakfast
Distance:
6 km (4 miles) | Elevation 160m (520ft) | 1-2 hours walking
If you stayed on the island, you’ll take the ferry back to Cleggan this morning and we’ll bring you to the pretty, colourful town of Clifden. Perched on the very edge of the western seaboard and known as the "Capital of Connemara", Clifden is bursting with culture, quaint streets, colourful shops, cosy pubs and restaurants, and you’re never far from traditional Irish music.
Spend the day exploring and walk to the ruins of Clifden Castle. Enjoy an evening in this friendly town where everyone knows each other but the warmth towards visitors is legendary – the perfect place to strike up a conversation with a few local characters!
Meals included: Breakfast
Distance:
Choice of walks or bike ride | 8-25km (5-16 miles) | Elevation 50-220m (165-720ft) | 1-6 hours
This morning we’ll bring you to Rossaveal in time for the ferry to Inishmore, the largest of the three Aran Islands off the coast of Co. Galway, where you’ll spend the next two nights. Explore this fascinating island on foot or you can hire a bicycle at the pier.
There are more than 50 monuments of Christian, pre-Christian and Celtic origin on the island, including Dun Aonghusa, an impressive prehistoric stone fort perched on top of soaring sea cliffs where the full power and majesty of the Atlantic Ocean can be felt.
In the evening take in some breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean as the sun sets. You can dine in a choice of local restaurants with fresh seafood and traditional Irish cuisine on offer and experience a traditional Irish music session at one of the local pubs.
Meals included: Breakfast
Distance:
Choice of walks or bike ride | 1-6 hours
Your second day on Inishmore is a chance to really get to know the island and get a sense of the people who call this beautiful place home. Get off the beaten track and meander on quiet lanes with ancient stone walls, stopping to swim in crystal clear waters lapping on sandy beaches, or walk to Poll na bPéist, known as the Wormhole, a naturally formed rectangular pool carved into the coastal rock. Make the most of your last night on the island with more great food, music and craic.
Meals included: Breakfast
After your breakfast today you’ll take the ferry back to Rossaveal, where you can catch a connecting bus to Galway City. It’s the end of your tour and time for your onward journey, bringing your unforgettable memories of Ireland with you. Slan go fóill! – we’ll see you again soon.
Meals included: Breakfast
Our favourite on this tour
Inishbofin Island is a very special place. This ancient island has been inhabited since as far back as 8000–4000 BC! Today it’s home to about 200 people who will warmly welcome you and give you a fascinating insight into traditional island life.
Our Reviews
See what our guests have to say about travelling in Ireland with Connemara Adventure Tours.
About your tour
Tour
Essentials
Duration: 7 days, 6 nights
Start day: Any Day. March to November.
Start/end location: This tour starts in Leenane, Co. Galway and finishes on Inishmore, Aran Islands.
How to get here
Difficulty level: Easy
This tour consists of easier walking routes, although there may be some uneven ground and gentle hills. Longer & shorter route options are available most days.
DIFFICULTY
What's
included
Accommodation: You’ll relax each night in a private en-suite room in comfortable 3* hotels, B&B & guesthouses.
Meals: Breakfast is included each morning.
Luggage transfers: Our local team will transfer your luggage to your next accommodation every day, leaving you free to explore at your ease.
What to Bring on you Tour
Roadmap for Discovery App: Your bespoke tour app with itinerary, routes and lots of local insider info ready to download before you arrive.
Find out more
Extras/Experiences:
Return ferry ticket to Inishbofin Island
Return ferry ticket to Inishmore, Aran Islands
- 4*+ hotels
- Personalised meet & greet & printed route notes
- Private transfer from Galway, Westport or Knock Airport at the start & end of your tour.
Add-on
experiences
Add these amazing experiences on to your tour:
- Visit the Cliffs of Moher by bus with 1 extra night in Galway City.
- Dublin City Experience - 1 night in Dublin + whiskey tasting tour.
- Private transfer to & from the tour start/end point.
Customer
service
Our dedicated local team will be on hand for advice and help throughout your stay.
- Add a personalised meet & greet + €125 per booking.
Customise your tour
Everything you could
wish for & more
Make this tour into your own truly Irish experience with
a Tailor-Made Tour. All our tours can be customised. You can add extras, lengthen or shorten your tour to suit your needs or schedule.
Visit a remote, ancient island, follow in St Patrick’s footsteps, taste the finest Irish whiskey. The options are endless!
Get in touch with our Ireland travel experts and we’ll build the trip of a lifetime just for you.
Customise your tour
