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The Western Way
Self-guided walking trail in Connemara, Galway
Enjoy a self-guided walking tour in Connemara, discover the pleasures of the Western Way long distance hiking trail, starting in
Leenane and going as far as Westport.
You will stay in wonderful selected B&Bs, comfortable and informal private houses, far away from the hustle and bustle of cities. All rooms are
en-suite, the scenery could not be better.
Your luggage will be transferred and you will be brought to the different starting points for your walks, from where you will go along tracks, with the help of maps supplied and detailed walking route notes. You will discover the beautiful landscape of Connemara, Killary Harbour and last but not least Croagh Patrick - Ireland’s Holy Mountain.
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Daily itinerary:
DAY
1
Arrival to the village of Leenane, in Connemara.
Situated at the head of Killary Harbour, Leenane village is
surrounded by mountain and sea. You stay the night in a well-chosen B&B.
Your maps and starter pack will be waiting for you to go through.
Dinner your own choice from the village of Leenane.
DAY 2
After
your breakfast you will be transferred from your accommodation for your
walk to Maumean and St Patrick’s Well (320m). Maumean is a place of pilgrimage but also a point along
the Western Way that offers you spectacular views over the picturesque
valley of Lough Inagh with the Mamturk mountain on one side and the Twelve
Ben mountain range on the other.
You make your way along a paved track to your B&B in the Inagh
Valley. Dinner can be chosen
at a nearby hotel.
DAY
3
Taking a packed lunch with you from your accommodation you continue on
along the Lough Inagh Valley for a walk along the base of the mountain
through bogland and forest for 12km until you reach the area of Kylemore.
Stay the night in Kylemore and tonight’s dinner is included.
DAY 4
A relaxing day today, with a visit of the Connemara National Park and
Kylemore Abbey (inclusive of the Victorian Walled Garden – entrance fees
are not included). You will
be picked up at your accommodation in the morning and brought to Connemara
National Park. The park
covers 2,000 hectares of Connemara Mountain countryside and one of
Irelands six National Parks. There
is lots of information in the visitor centre, with audiovisual theatre and
walks. Kylemore Abbey
is one of Ireland’s top visitor sites and a very picturesque Abbey.
You can visit the Abbey, visitor centre and Victorian walled
gardens as well as the restored Gothic Church and Mausoleum where the
original owners are buried. You
return in the evening to your accommodation where dinner is again included
this evening.
DAY
5
You leave Kylemore today to explore the Killary Harbour area - walking
along the Famine Track, and continuing along the Western Way back to the
village of Leenane. Today’s walk provides you with beautiful views over
Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord, whilst you follow its shores for
approximately 14kms. You stay in B&B in the village of Leenane, dinner
not included - there are wonderful restaurants to choose your own meal.
DAY 6
After breakfast you will be picked up at your accommodation and brought to
the starting point of today’s walk near Westport. Walk along the
Pilgrim's Walk into Westport, a colourful market town.
You will stay the next two nights in Westport B&B, dinners not
included as there are so many restaurants you can choose your meals from.
DAY
7
Your target today is the top of Croagh Patrick - Ireland's Holy mountain.
This is quite a tough climb, but the views from the top is fantastic.
The fact that you have walked where many pilgrims have before you
make this a very satisfying day.
You return to your accommodation in the evening.
DAY 8
Breakfast, followed by departure.
Suggested
Addendum:
DA
Y 8
Transfer from Westport to Rossaveal the ferry port for the Aran Islands
and take the ferry to Inishmore. You
walk on this fascinating island, which has history, archaeology and
magnificent scenery. Stay
the night in island guesthouse for dinner, B&B.
DAY 9
You stay another night to fully explore this island, choose your own
dinner this evening.
DAY
10
You leave the Aran Islands and take the ferry to Doolin. Walk to the cliffs of Moher.
Stay the night in guesthouse (dinner not included) and afterwards
enjoy the traditional Irish music that you can find in the many pubs in
Doolin.
DAY 11
Breakfast and departure.
Please
contact us for details on additional costs.
For a more detailed programme, list of suggested equipment or any questions contact tours@killary.com
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