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Burren & Connemara - Escorted Walking Tour
A unique tour that introduces a fascinating limestone region that has had much of it's soil eroded over time. On the other hand you have the bogs of Connemara which are protecting "the hands of time"(our history) for years to come. The Burren and Connemara face each other across Galway Bay, and yet it is hard to imagine two more contrasting landscapes. 'Burren' is derived from the Irish word boireann meaning 'place of stone', and the name could not be more apt. There is no part of Ireland where rock so obviously dominates the landscape as it does in the north-west corner of County Clare.

Connemara is an imposing landscape of lakes, moorland and rugged mountains. On a clear day, you can see across to the celebrated Aran Islands. At its northern frontier Co. Galway is separated from Co. Mayo by the long, deep inlet of Killary Harbour, Ireland's only fjord.

Burren & Connemara
Included


Tour Dates:
May 10
June 14
July 12
Aug 9
Aug 23
Sept 13

  • 7 nights bed and breakfast with private bathroom.
  • Full Irish breakfast
  • Picnic lunch (on walking days only)
  • 7 Evening Dinners
  • 6 days walking with expert Irish Guide
  • Transport to/from each days walking locations.
  • Luggage transfers when required.
  • Souvenir book, "Ireland ---- a Travellers Guide."

    Note:
    Any queries please ask at time of booking.

Insurance: Please note that insurance is required on walking tours. Please ask booking agent for details

Double Occupancy: All prices based on two people sharing a room. Single rooms available at a supplement

Not Included

  • Any boat trips
  • Personal drinks
  • Entrance fees to theatres, parks or museums etc. or gratuities.

 ITINERARY
 Day 1

Arrive at first guesthouse in Ballyvaughan where we stay for the next three nights. Evening meal together and a general chat about the coming week.

 Day 2

Our first walk takes us over the spectacular Gleninagh Mountain to explore several stone forts before descending to Black Head. Wonderful views across Galway Bay to Connemara's Maamturk and Twelve Bens mountain ranges and across to the famous Aran Islands. Transfer back to Ballyvaughan for dinner and overnight.
Walk Details - Distance: 16kms. Duration: 5 hours. Max. Height: 320m. Rocky tracks and open mountain with no tracks. Some road walking. Boots essential.

 Day 3

From Ballyvaughan we enjoy a spectacular walk over Turlough Hill with glorious views over to Abbey Hill and Galway beyond. This is a wonderful walk which gives a really true feeling for the Burren at its best. Transfer back to Ballyvaughan for dinner and overnight.
Walk Details - Distance: 22kms. Duration: 6 hours. Max. Height: 350m. Green roads and rocky mountains with no tracks. Some road walking - boots essential.


 Day 4

Transfer from Ballyvaughan to Connemara via Galway. A short time in Galway gives an opportunity to explore this historical city before driving on into the heart of Connemara to enjoy a walk on Errisbeg - overlooking Galway Bay. Transfer from there to Clifden for dinner and overnight.
Walk Details - Distance: 12kms. Duration: 4 hours. Max. Height: 300m. Grass tracks and rough mountain with no tracks. Rocky terrain and can be wet underfoot - boots essential.

 Day 5

This is your free day and, if weather permits, we will organise a trip to glorious Inishbofin, one of the largest islands off the Connemara coast. It has a population of around 200 and is rich in history and archaeology. Return to Clifden for dinner and overnight.
Walk Details - Distance: 12kms. Duration: 4 hours. Max. Height: 250m. Grass tracks with rocky sections and some road walking. Boots essential.

 Day 6

Having enjoyed your Free Day we now climb the northern part of the Twelve Bens range of mountains, with spectacular views over Kylemore Lake, Diamond Hill and the islands of Inishbofin and Inishturk beyond. Transfer to accommodation near Leenane for dinner and overnight.
Walk Details - Distance: 14kms. Duration: 6 hours. Max. Height: 600m. Tracks, open mountain, some rocky terrain and some road walking. Can be wet underfoot - boots essential.


 Day 7

Our last walk takes us along the shores of the magnificent Killary Harbour - a very spectacular walk with many historical stories to tell. Return to our accommodation near Leenane for our farewell dinner together and overnight.
Walk Details - Distance: 20kms. Duration: 6 hours. Max. Height: 350m. Grass and rocky tracks, open bogland and mountain. Some road walking - boots essential.

 Day 8

Departures.

Note: We reserve the right to alter this itinerary due to weather conditions or the walking ability of each group.