Day 1                                                                                                                           Arrival to the small village of Leenane, in Connemara. Situated at the head of Killary Fjord Harbour, Leenane village is surrounded by mountain and sea. You stay the night in a well-chosen family-run accommodation. Your maps and starter pack will be waiting for you to go through. There are a number of restaurants in the village of Leenane where you can go for an enjoyable evening meal.

Day 2                                                                                                                        After your hearty breakfast you will be transferred from your accommodation for your walk to Maumean and St Patrick’s Well (320m). Legend has it that St Patrick stood on this windy pass, looking westward towards the Twelve Bens & agreed he’d bless the land, but nary would he go a step further into the wild still pagan Connemara. Maumean remains a place of pilgrimage & is also a point along the Western Way that offers you spectacular views over the picturesque valley of Lough Inagh with the Maamturk mountains on one side and the Twelve Ben mountain range on the other. You make your way along a paved track to your charming accommodation, which is located in the Inagh Valley where you stay tonight.

Day 3                                                                                                                      Taking a delicious 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 lake-strewn bogland and peaceful forest for 12km until you reach the area of Kylemore. Stay the night in Kylemore and tonight’s dinner is included.

Day 4                                                                                                                        After breakfast you will be picked up at your accommodation and taking a packed lunch with you, you leave Kylemore to explore the Killary Harbour area - walking along the Famine Track, a pathway built by local men and women in return for soup and a small allowance by the British authorities and continuing along the Western Way back to the inviting 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 choice accommodation in the village of Leenane.

Day 5                                                                                                                         After breakfast you will be picked up at your accommodation and brought to the starting point of today’s walk near Westport. Journey along the Pilgrim's Walk, which brings you under the lower slops of Croagh Patrick, Patrick’s sacred mountain as you travel into Westport. The tradition of pilgrimage to this holy mountain stretches back over 5,000 years from the Stone Age to the present day without interruption. It was on the summit of this mountain that Saint Patrick fasted for forty days in 441 AD and the custom has been faithfully handed down from generation to generation ever since. Westport is a small colourful market town and winner of Irelands national tourism award for the tidiest town in 2006. It has lots of nice restaurants and a lively pub scene and very welcoming people. You will stay the next three nights in Westport B&B.

Day 6                                                                                                                            After breakfast a taxi will pick you up and bring you to Roonagh Quay where you will get the ferry to Clare Island. Clare Island is the largest island in Clew Bay. It is 5 miles long and 3 miles wide and there are wonderful options for you to walk. On the rocky headland at the harbour is the square tower which served as Grace O’ Malley’s (Granuaile’s) castle. Clare Island was the stronghold of this remarkable 16th century O’ Malley clan chieftain who lived by her family trade of piracy and plunder. You can also visit the 12th century Cistercian abbey, the remains of a 19th century Napoleonic signal tower and there are also some lovely beaches for you to explore. You return on the ferry to Roonagh Quay where a taxi will pick you up and bring you back to Westport.

Day 7                                                                                                                         You will be picked up at your accommodation in Westport and transferred to Murrisk for today’s walk. 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 are fantastic (climb 750m to the top; 4-5 hours). It is quite a tough climb and the ground is uneven, with the top being most difficult with small rocks that make it tricky underfoot. The fact that you have walked where many pilgrims have before, makes this a very satisfying day. You return to the bottom where you will be picked up and brought to your accommodation in Westport to spend a relaxing evening.

Day 8                                                                                                                             Breakfast, followed by departure.

Suggested Addendum:

Day 8                                                                                                                   Transfer from Westport to Rossaveal the ferry port for the Aran Islands and take the ferry to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands. You walk on this fascinating island, which has history, archaeology and magnificent scenery. Stay the night in island guesthouse.

Day 9                                                                                                                         You stay another night to fully explore this island, again choose your own dinner this evening.

Day 10                                                                                                                       You leave the Aran Islands and take the ferry to Rossaveal and from there, a public bus (you pay direct the public bus) to Galway city. Enjoy the atmosphere of this lively city and stay the night in guesthouse.

Day 11                                                                                                                       Breakfast and departure.

The added cost for transfer to the ferry x ferry ticket to Inishmore, 3 nights B&B, at Euro 268.00 per person sharing (single supplement available).

Please be aware that the programme given for this tour is strictly intended as a guide only and may not be fully adhered to. Climatic conditions, safety regulations and travel options may subject the programme to changes and/or modifications without due notice, at any time. In such case, Killary Tours reserves the right to make any necessary decisions.