Island Hopping Along the Wild Atlantic Way

Distance:

Choice of routes: 5-8 km (3-5 miles) | Elevation 60-180m (195-260 ft) | 1-3 hours walking

After a hearty Irish breakfast, you’ll travel to Roonagh pier by local bus, enjoying the stunning coastal scenery along the way. The ferry journey to Inishturk (‘Island of the Wild Boar’) takes just under an hour. Take in the spectacular views, Mweelrea and the Twelve Bens to the south, passing the islands of Caher and Ballybeg, and Clare Island, Achill and the Bills Rocks in the distance.
You’ll arrive at the picturesque harbour and drop off your luggage at your accommodation. Then it’s time to lace up your walking shoes and set off to explore this 5 km-long (3 mile) island. The island loop walk, a 6–8 km trail, will take you to quiet bays, rugged cliffs and green hills. Pause to take in the sweeping ocean views and discover hidden coves along the way.

Meals included: Breakfast 

Distance:

Choice of routes: 5-8 km (3-5 miles) | Elevation 60-180m (195-260 ft) | 1-3 hours walking

Wake up to your first full day on Inishturk. Wander its quiet lanes, hidden beaches, taking in the stunning views and sound of the Atlantic all around. You’ll find traces of Celtic and early Christian remains, the ruins of an early 19th century Martello signal tower, and the remains of pre- and post-famine farmhouses dotted through the landscape. According to local historians, around 600 people lived on Inishturk before the Great Famine, but like so many areas along the western seaboard of Ireland the population never recovered. The island now has around 56 full-time residents.
 
For a more hands-on experience, you can join a local fishing trip or take part in a crab-claw experience with the islanders, learning traditional skills and gaining a feel for life in this remote community (optional).

Enjoy your last evening on Inishturk - watch a spectacular sunset over the Atlantic ocean, revel in a sky full of stars and find true relaxation in the island’s quiet and calm.

Meals included: Breakfast

Distance:

Choice of routes: 5-11 km (3- 8 miles) | Elevation 100 - 507m (328-1663 ft) | 2-4 hours walking

After breakfast, you’ll take the ferry back to Roonagh pier – keep an eye out for pods of dolphins leaping alongside the boat. From there, you’ll catch another ferry for the short journey to ancient Clare Island, where rugged cliffs, lush hills and historic charm welcome you. Drop off your luggage at your accommodation and set out to explore this beautiful island.
Clare Island is the largest of the 365 islands in Clew Bay, famous as the ancestral home of the legendary Pirate Queen, Grace O’Malley (Granuaile). Just 8 kilometres (5 miles) long, the island has a vibrant community of about 160 people, who farm, fish and run tourism businesses in this beautiful place. Visit ancient Clare Island Abbey, wander past stone cottages of the old village, explore the lighthouse and its dramatic coastal views, or hike up to Mount Graney for panoramic vistas of Clew Bay.
Spend the evening in one (or both!) of the island’s two pubs, where you’ll find traditional music and good food.

Meals included: Breakfast

Distance:

Choice of routes: 5-11 km (3- 8 miles) | Elevation 100-507m (328-1663 ft) | 2-4 hours walking

Wake up to the calm of Clare Island and enjoy a relaxed morning wandering the island’s quiet paths, breathing the fresh Atlantic air. Stop for a swim at a golden beach, visit the many ancient sites scattered around the island - Granuaile’s Castle, the 12th century Cistercian Abbey, the Napoleonic Tower and ancient Bronze Age remains are all within easy reach.

In the afternoon, you’ll board the ferry to Achill Island (Oileán Acaill), Ireland's largest offshore island. We’ll transfer you from the ferry port to your accommodation at Keel, where you’ll stay for the next two nights.

Achill Island is a truly spectacular place. Its unique landscape has inspired many artists and writers, with picture-postcard beaches, some of Europe's highest cliffs and large tracts of blanket bog sweeping over the island's two peaks and down to the sea. Settle in and enjoy your first evening in Achill with dinner in a local pub or restaurant and catch a traditional music session.

Meals included: Breakfast

Distance:

Choice of routes: 6-15 km (4-9 miles) | Elevation 17-34m (55-111 ft) | 1-5 hours walking

Explore Achill Island at your own pace with a choice of scenic walks. Stroll along the soft sands of Keel Beach, where Atlantic waves crash, or follow cliff-top paths for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and sea. Quiet trails winding through hills and valleys  offer a true sense of the island’s wild beauty and far-flung feel.  

For a more adventurous hike, head toward the deserted village of Slievemore, a trail that combines history with stunning landscapes. This poignant village has the remains of almost a hundred deserted stone cottages, as well as megalithic tombs dating back some 5,000 years.

Or take the shuttle bus to beautiful Keem Bay, famous for its starring role in the Oscar winning movie The Banshees of Inisheerin. And keep a watch for basking sharks, sometimes seen close to the shore. By evening, as the sun casts a golden glow over the landscape, make the most of your last night on the island with more great food, music and craic.

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, spend your last morning soaking up the magic and mystery of this very special place. In the afternoon it’s time to leave island life behind, and catch the local bus across the bridge back to the mainland, and on to Westport town.
Spend the evening back in this lively town voted Ireland’s Best Place to Live, exploring its many restaurants and pubs, making sure to catch some live traditional Irish music on the last night of your tour.

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast 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