We’re heading to the wild Atlantic edge of Ireland!
Beginning in Galway, we’ll journey through Connemara, Mayo and Clare, exploring some of the mountains, coastlines and islands that make the west of Ireland so special.
We’ll climb Diamond Hill in Connemara National Park, walk beside Killary Fjord and beneath Croagh Patrick, experience the fascinating limestone landscape of the Burren and follow the clifftop along the Cliffs of Moher.
And, naturally, there will be islands.
We’ll cross the Atlantic to Inishbofin and Inis Oírr, the smallest of the Aran Islands, where we’ll experience island landscapes, history and communities on foot.
But Ireland is about far more than beautiful scenery.
Along the way, we’ll hear local stories, learn about the history that has shaped this part of Ireland, meet some of the people who call it home and experience the food, music and pub culture that are such an important part of life here.
There will be coastal walks and mountain views, ancient ruins and stone walls, local food, live music and, I’m quite sure, a Guinness or two.
For me, this adventure is also an opportunity to share some of the places in western Ireland that I’ve loved for years — while discovering a few new ones right alongside you.
If you love beautiful landscapes, time outdoors, local culture and experiencing a destination at a slower pace, this is a wonderful way to discover Ireland’s Atlantic edge.
Important to know:
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Our Irish adventure begins in Galway, where we’ll meet our fellow travelers and set out to explore the city on foot — and through its food.
Joined by a local guide, we’ll wander through Galway’s streets and markets, stopping at independent shops and local producers along the way.
We’ll sample some of the flavors of western Ireland while hearing the stories behind the food and the people who make it.
It’s a wonderful introduction to Galway and to the importance of food, community and local traditions in this part of Ireland.
After our time in the city, we’ll leave Galway behind and make our way west into Connemara.
Our home for the next few nights is Clifden, a lively small town surrounded by the mountains, bogs and coastline that make this corner of Ireland so special.
I spent nearly a week here several years ago and quickly became very fond of Clifden — wonderful locals, lively pubs and a town that’s simply a lot of fun to spend time in.
We’ll settle into our hotel before gathering for our first dinner together and looking ahead to the adventure to come.
Overnight: Clifden — Clifden Station House Hotel
Meals included: Lunch and Dinner
Please note: Pre night(s) accommodation available upon request
Today we head into Connemara National Park, a place I absolutely love and have been lucky enough to explore on foot several times.
Our walk takes us up Diamond Hill, a climb I’ve made twice and one where the views are definitely worth the effort!
As we make our way higher, the landscape of Connemara begins to unfold around us — stretches of bog, the peaks of the Twelve Bens, the Atlantic in the distance and, from certain viewpoints, even Kylemore Abbey tucked into the landscape below.
It’s one of those places where the scenery seems to get bigger with every step.
After our walk, we’ll return to Clifden, where the rest of the afternoon and evening are yours.
Wander through town, pop into some of the shops, find a pub for a pint or simply enjoy having some time to explore Clifden at your own pace.
Overnight: Clifden — Clifden Station House Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch
Today we’re heading to one of the islands scattered just off Ireland’s Atlantic coast — Inishbofin.
This will be my first time on Inishbofin so I’m super excited to experience this island right alongside you!
We’ll begin with a drive along the Sky Road, one of Connemara’s most scenic coastal routes, before catching the ferry for the short crossing to the island.
Once on Inishbofin, we’ll set out on foot along its rugged coastline, following trails past cliffs, sea arches and blowholes with the Atlantic stretching out before us.
Keep an eye out for some of the island’s wildlife along the way.
Seals can be spotted around Inishbofin’s shores, while seabirds make their homes along the coast.
But there’s plenty of history here too.
Joined by a local archaeologist, we’ll discover some of the stories that have shaped Inishbofin over the centuries — from ancient fortifications and archaeological sites to the famine roads that remain part of the island’s landscape today.
And before we leave?
I think we’ve earned a Guinness. 🍺
We’ll raise a pint to our day on Inishbofin before catching the ferry back to the mainland and returning to Clifden for our final night.
Overnight: Clifden — Clifden Station House Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today we leave Clifden behind and travel deeper into the landscapes and history of Ireland’s west coast.
Our walk takes us along Killary Fjord, one of Ireland’s few fjords, surrounded by the mountains of Connemara.
Following the shoreline, we’ll make our way through this quiet landscape with views across the water and into the surrounding hills.
Along the way, we’ll encounter the remains of a village abandoned during the Great Famine and learn more about the people who once lived here.
The famine had a devastating impact on communities throughout the west of Ireland, and the landscape still holds reminders of this difficult period in Irish history.
After lunch beside the fjord, we’ll meet a local sheep farmer and hear about farming life in this rugged corner of Ireland and the connection between the land, the animals and the people who work here.
Then we’ll continue north toward County Mayo, traveling through Doolough Valley — one of my favorite places in Ireland.
It’s a hauntingly beautiful landscape of mountains and lakes, with its own tragic story connected to the Great Famine that we’ll learn more about along the way.
Before reaching Westport, we’ll stop at Silver Strand, a beach that holds a very special place in my heart.
When I first visited in 2007, I didn’t expect to find a beach like this in Ireland.
I was absolutely stunned by its beauty, and all these years later, it remains one of those places I’ve never forgotten.
Then it’s on to Westport, another place I absolutely love and our home for the next few nights.
Overnight: Westport — Westport Plaza Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today we’ll explore the landscape beneath one of Ireland’s most recognizable mountains — Croagh Patrick.
Rather than making the steep climb to the summit (I’ve done it twice and it’s a relentless climb!), we’ll follow the Murrisk Loop, walking through bogland and quiet country lanes beneath the mountain with views across Clew Bay and its many islands.
Croagh Patrick has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries, and that history is woven throughout this landscape.
Along the way, we’ll visit the ruins of Murrisk Abbey, a 15th-century Augustinian friary set near the shores of Clew Bay.
After our walk, we’ll return to Westport with the afternoon free to explore.
And I’m especially happy that we have time to simply enjoy this town.
I’ve been to Westport three times now, including one very memorable visit with my parents,
It’s a town I just love.
There’s an energy here that’s hard to resist — colorful streets, independent shops, plenty of good places to eat and lively pubs filled with amazing traditional music.
Spend the afternoon wandering through town, stop for a pint, browse the shops or simply find a spot and enjoy being in Westport.
And since the evening is yours, I highly recommend finding a pub, ordering a pint and settling in for some live music if you can.
You may just discover why I keep coming back.
Overnight: Westport — Westport Plaza Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch
Today we leave County Mayo behind and travel south to County Clare and one of the most fascinating landscapes in Ireland — the Burren.
This is another place I absolutely love.
At first glance, the Burren can seem almost otherworldly, with great expanses of exposed limestone stretching across the landscape.
But look a little closer and you’ll discover something surprising — plants and wildflowers growing among the cracks in the rock.
In fact, the Burren is known for its remarkable mix of plant life, with species normally associated with very different climates growing side by side.
Part of this unique landscape is protected within Burren National Park.
We’ll set out on foot to experience this limestone landscape for ourselves, learning more about its fascinating geology while discovering some of the prehistoric tombs, ancient settlements and stone walls scattered across the Burren.
There’s something about walking here that really makes you appreciate just how unusual this corner of Ireland is.
Later, we’ll make our way to Lahinch on the County Clare coast, our home for the next few nights.
Tonight, we’ll settle into a traditional Irish pub for dinner, and hopefully some live music — a pretty wonderful way to finish our first day in County Clare.
Overnight: Lahinch — Lahinch Coast Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today we’re heading back out onto the Atlantic for another island adventure — this time to Inis Oírr, the smallest of the three Aran Islands.
At roughly 3km by 3km (2 miles by 2 miles), this is a wonderfully compact island to explore on foot.
I’ve spent time on Inis Mór, the largest of the Aran Islands, but Inis Oírr will be a first for me.
I’m excited to experience a different side of the Aran Islands and discover this wee island along with everyone else.
After crossing by ferry, we’ll set out on foot through a landscape shaped by the sea and generations of island life.
Stone walls crisscross the rocky terrain, creating small fields that stretch toward the coast, while ancient ruins offer glimpses into the island’s long history.
As we walk, we’ll learn more about life on Inis Oírr and have plenty of time to take in the landscape and views across the Atlantic.
For such a small island, there’s a lot packed into these few square miles — and we’ll have much of the day to explore.
After our time on Inis Oírr, we’ll catch the ferry back to the mainland and return to Lahinch.
The evening is yours to enjoy.
Overnight: Lahinch — Lahinch Coast Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch
For our final full day together, we’ll experience one of Ireland’s most famous landscapes the best way we know how — on foot.
We’ll set out along the top of the Cliffs of Moher, where the land rises dramatically above the Atlantic and the views stretch along the County Clare coastline and out to sea.
I first visited the Cliffs of Moher with my parents many years ago and thoroughly enjoyed experiencing this iconic stretch of Ireland’s coast.
This time, I’m especially excited to experience the cliffs in a completely different way — by walking along the clifftop.
Walking gives us a chance to experience the cliffs beyond simply stopping at a viewpoint.
We’ll follow the coastline high above the Atlantic, watching the landscape change as we go and keeping an eye out for the seabirds that nest along the cliffs.
And yes, this is one of Ireland’s most visited places.
But there’s a reason people come here.
Standing high above the Atlantic, with the cliffs stretching away along the coast, is one of those quintessential west of Ireland experiences — and walking the clifftop gives us time to really take it all in.
After our walk, we’ll make our way to Doolin, a small village known for its traditional Irish music.
We’ll have time to relax, perhaps enjoy a pint and, hopefully, hear some live music.
Tonight, we’ll gather for our final dinner together and raise a glass to our journey along Ireland’s Atlantic edge — from Connemara and Mayo to the Burren and County Clare, with a couple of islands thrown in for good measure.
Overnight: Lahinch — Lahinch Coast Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to Ireland’s west coast and our fellow travelers.
We’ll depart Lahinch with drop-offs at Shannon Airport and/or Limerick train station for your onward journey.
After nine days of coastal walks, islands, mountains, ancient landscapes, local stories, lively pubs and plenty of time beside the Atlantic, we’ll have a lot of memories to take home with us.
Meals included: Breakfast
Please note: Post night accommodation available upon request
