Joyce - Private Guide in Dublin

Member Since 2006

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Self-Guided / Independent Holiday

Private tour in Dublin

Duration : 8 days Languages: English

The Western Way is 77 kilometres (50 miles) long; and links Oughterard, better known as "the Gateway to Connemara" situated northwest of Galway city, with the bustling town of Westport in County Mayo..

The trail takes you along the wild and untamed western shores of Lough Corrib, which is the second largest Lake in Ireland, 44 kilometres (27.5 miles). Following a pilgrim route over a mountain pass into the magnificent Inagh Valley, which ends in the village of Leenaun at the head of Killary fjord.

The final days of the trail are spent in the County of Mayo where you will have a chance to climb the famous holy mountain of Croagh Patrick. This is a week made up of spectacular walking, outstanding natural beauty and wonderful people, combined to make an unforgettable holiday.

What is included in the Self-Guided / Independent package?

All accommodation is pre-booked.
Breakfast is supplied each day.
All maps and route details are provided.
Luggage transfers daily while you walk.
We will supply you with all details of train/bus timetables.
We will also supply you with details of the best restaurants and places of interest to visit.

Self-Guided Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive at Dublin or Shannon Airport and take the bus or train to Oughterard. We will supply you with the necessary timetables and information. Oughterard is known as the gateway to Connemara and William Makepeace Thackaray wrote in 1840 "a more beautiful village can scarcely be seen than this".

Lough Corrib, County Galway
Western Way
(Photo: Chris Stacey)

Day 2

Oughterard to Maam

On your first day you will pass the shores of Lough Corrib, Ireland's second largest lake. This lake has a total length of 44km and has over 360 islands, one for each day of the year! As you continue you will see the beautiful Connemara landscape and mountains opening before you.
Info: Walking Distance 8.7 miles (14km) - Height Gain 160m

Bog Cotton
a common sight in Connemara

Day 3

Maam to Lough Inagh

On the first section of today's walk you will pass the site of the famous movie "The Quiet Man" starring John Wayne & Maureen O'Hara. The route continues into the Maumturk Mountains and follows an ancient pilgrim's way to Mám Éan, a holy place in the mountains. The views are very impressive and include the Twelve Bens and Lough Inagh.
Info: Walking Distance 9.3 miles (15km) - Height Gain 280m

Day 4

Lough Inagh to Leenaun

Today you will start at the foot of the magnificent Maumturk Mountains and follow an old green road that takes you to Leenaun. Along the way you will have breathtaking views over Killary Fjord and harbour. Killary Fjord was molded by glaciers moving off the high mountains over ten thousand years ago. The glacier cut a trench in the underlying rocks that was subsequently filled by the Atlantic Ocean. Leenaun is a nice little village nestling on the shore of Killary Harbour and flanked by mountains.
Info: Walking Distance 8.7 miles (14km) - Height Gain 85m

An enchanted mossy woodland (Photo: Onie Ward)

Day 5

Free day in Leenaun or a chance to walk the Killary Fjord

Leenane was once a great wool and weaving centre and the local museum focuses on this woollen industry. It is well worth a visit. You can also walk the famous Killary Fjord and enjoy the beautiful views or visit Kylemore Abbey.
Info: Walking Distance 10 miles (16km) - Height Gain 120m

Fuchsia at Killary Fjord, County Galway

Connemara Shore, Co Galway
Western Way
(Photo: Chris Stacey)

Day 6

Leenane to Drummin

Today you will have the option of starting from Leenaun or Houston's Bridge. Right after leaving Leenaun you will cross the county border, leaving County Galway and entering County Mayo. This part of the route takes you through wild bog lands and forests. You will cross the Sheeffry Hills from where you can enjoy wonderful views of the Erriff Valley and pass Sheeffry Bridge, an old humpbacked structure.
Info: Walking Distance 9.3 miles (15km) option of 23km - Height Gain 160m

Day 7

Drummin to Westport

On your final walking day you will walk in the shadow of Ireland's Holy Mountain; Croagh Patrick. This mountain is a spectacular sight and many pilgrims from around the world come to climb it, many barefoot or on their knees. You will end your walk in the picturesque yet lively town of Westport with many colourful shops and pubs.
Info: Walking Distance 14.3 miles (23km) (option of shorter walk) - Height Gain 420

Day 8

Depart.
We will supply you with timetables and information of the best way to travel back to the airport.

Additional information

Tour information:
Duration: 8 days
Languages: English
Tour package includes:
Airport Transfer :	NO
Hotel pick-up:	NO
Drop-off :	NO
Tour Transportation (car, van, limo, boat, etc…):	NO
Food and Drinks :	NO
Other services (fees apply):
Attraction tickets (concerts, theater, museum, circus...) :	NO
Translation services :	NO
Reservations (hotels, restaurants, airline) :	NO
Visa support :	NO
Additional information:
This tour must be booked at least 7 days in advance of your travel date :	NO
Tour groups must include a minimum of 2 passengers :	NO
Tour prices are flexible and based on your requirements :	NO