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Ireland's Aran islands 8-day Self-guided Walking Tour Level 1
Ireland: land of contrasts! Rough and spectacular at some points, idyllic and peaceful in other places. The Cliffs of Moher mark the beginning of your week along the green coast of Ireland. The walk along the coastline is one of the most spectacular trails in the world. Then things get more peaceful on the Aran Islands. The setting sun brings a dreamy atmosphere to this small village in the bay of Galway. From here you continue on the Great Western Way where you experience Ireland at its best. Boggy landscapes, green hills and the Fjord of Killary Harbour as final destination of your hiking week in Ireland.
You must not have vertigo when walking the Cliffs of Moher coastal trail. For the other legs you need to be in a good shape for hikes up to 20 kilometres. Surefootedness is needed for the descend from Maum Ean Pass.
Luggage transfer Aran Islands (with ferry crossings luggage needs to be taken autonomously)
Slow Tours offers a number of other Walking Tours in Europe
Individual arrival in Doolin
Cliffs of Moher | approx. 5 hours , approx. 12 KM, + 450 hm / - 500 hm,
The cliffs of Moher tower more than 120 metres over the west coast of Ireland. This coastal line makes the setting for your first hiking day. After a short transfer you will start your hike close to Liscannor. Your walk leads along the Cliffs of Moher Trail that follows along the coastline back to Doolin.
Aran Islands | approx. 5 hours, approx. 17 KM, + 225 hm / - 225hm
Transfer to the harbour and with the Ferry to Inis Mor, the biggest of the Aran Islands. Countless stone walls were built on this island to harvest the poor soil. Your walk leads past a seal colony to the ruins of Dún Aenghus (UNESCO world heritage site). When you arrive at the site the tourist buses have left already and you can take a close look at this spectacular fortress. Then you make your way back to Cill Rónáin.
Oughterard - Maam's Cross | approx. 5 hours, approx. 21 km, + 220 hm / - 180 hm
You rise early to catcht the first ferry back to the mainland. A transfer brings you from Ross a’ Mhil to the starting point of your hike at Lough Boffin. You follow a trail through a colourful forest that ends on the shores of Lough Corrib. At the end of the lake a landscape typical for Connemara awaits you. Swamps, green hills and sparkling rivers make for an idyllic ending of this lake. At the end of the trail you will be picked up and be brought to Tiernakill valle your accommodation. Walking time: approx. 5.5 hours, approx.19 km, + 245 hm / - 245 hm
Maam's Cross - Lough Inagh | approx. 5 hours, approx. 16 km, + 395 hm / - 345 hm
Short transfer back to the valley of Tiernakill. Today you walk towards the Maumturk Mountains. The way up to Maum Ean pass shows Connemara at its best. Endless green hills, myriads of sheep and a wonderful views are waiting today. Hundreds of years ago St. Patrick walked this trail as well and blessed the hills of Connemara from the top of Maum Eans pass. Today a small chapel, a celtic cemetery and a statue of St. Patrick marks this sacred site. From here you descend to the valley and walk towards the 12 Bens and Lough Inagh.
Lough Inagh - Leenane | approx. 5 hours, approx. 15 km, + 165 hm / - 225 hm
Trees are scarce in Ireland but today you walk through several forests. The landscape is varied. You leave the hills of Maumturk mountains and the 12 bens behind and walk through boggy forests towards Killary Harbour. At the end of Connemaras only Fjord Leenane is waiting for you. This idyllic coastal village is the ending point of today's hike.
The Famine Trail | approx. 5 hours, approx. 14 km, + 125 hm / - 210 hm
In the morning transfer to the harbour of Rosroe. From here you will walk along the Famine trail. This street was built during the famine in Ireland to provide people in the interior of Connemara and Mayo with nutrition. Today this trail leads its way along the coast of the fjord of Killary Harbour. On the way you can stop in a small sheep farm where you can watch a sheep dog demonstration.
Individual departure or extension of your stay. Ask us about extra nights
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