Welcome to the Connemara Way.
Tour Highlights
- The Maamturks, old old hills.
- Stunning mountain scenery, the remote wildness of the Twelve Bens.
- Galway & Westport. Bookend the tour in historical colour, craft and local flavours.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Oughterard via the vibrant city of Galway. Oughterard is the gateway to the hills and its favourable position on the Owenarif River makes it a haven for coarse anglers and walkers alike! It was the country of the O’Flaherty clan, feared throughout the land and eventually reduced to obedience in the reign of Elizabeth 1. The ruins of their castle at Aughanure are just outside the village. A local taxi transfer will take you to your accommodation 6km outside the village on the shores of Lough Corrib.
Day 2: Walk Oughterard to Maam 18km, Ascents 100m, approx. walking time 5 hours.
From the shore of Lough Corrib, follow the Way through pine forest, climbing gently through the valleys of the Owenroe and Folore Rivers. The ground is generally wet and is a tough start but gets you into the heart of the Connemara countryside at Maam. A taxi transfer will return you to Oughterard.
Day 3: Walk Maam to Recess 14km Ascents 260m, approx. walking time 4 hours
The farming countryside of Maam climbs steadily through rugged hill country along the old mountain road, to the low pass of Mam Ean and a lovely hillside chapel of St. Patrick. The high Maamturks on your right oppose the Twelve Bens on your left over the haunting Lough Inagh Valley. Accommodation tonight is in Recess, close to lough Inagh, a deep brooding lough under the Twelve Bens.
Day 4 – Lough Inagh to Leenane 20km. Ascents 235m. Approximate walking time 5 hours
A mild day today; firstly pine forest and bogland of Luggagtarriff and Lettershanbally. The Way climbs briefly to Glencraff before skirting the northern flanks of the Maumturks to view Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord.
Overnight accommodation in Leenane village, An Lionán, “the tide filling place”- a lovely hamlet nestling under the impressive Mweelrea Mountains of Co. Mayo.
Day 5 –Free Day in Connemara
Free day in Leenane. You may wish to walk the Killary Famine Road or Connemara National Park and Visitor Centre is also within striking distance by private taxi transfer, as are Kylemore Abbey and the Victorian Walled Gardens. We are happy to advise on available options. Your hosts will assist with transport as required. There is a regular bus service that travels to Clifden town.
Overnight accommodation in Leenane.
Day 6: Walk Leenane to Drummin 17km Ascents 80m, approx. walking time 4 hours
via Lough Lugacolliwee 23km Ascents 430m approx. walking time 7 hours
Entering Co. Mayo today, the Way rises through forest over Tawnyard Lough descending to Sheefry Bridge over the Owenmore River in the Sheefry Hills. The longer route climbs a deep stream ravine crossing at 480m to see the first glimpse of the quartzite cone of Croagh Patrick. The glaciated coum Lough Lugacolliwee is a peaceful place in the midst of such mountain splendour. A taxi transfer will take you from Drummin to Westport.
Day 7: Walk Drummin to Westport 24km. Ascents 230m, approx. walking time 6 hours
A minor road takes you to the south of Croagh Patrick, sheep grazing country, rising to open moorland, before crossing a pass at 250m to see island studded Clew Bay. The Way descends through the remains of a Famine village, then wanders through drumlins, glacial mounds deposited in the flatland surrounding Westport town. The town was the creation of James Wyatt and although classically planned, remains picturesque. Explore at will!
Day 8: Departure from Westport
Prices & Booking
€245 single supplement.
What’s Included
* Seven nights Bed & Breakfast guesthouse accommodation;
* Luggage transfers each day;
* Detailed route descriptions;
* East West Mapping Western Way Guide Book, 1:40000 map.
What’s not included:
* Other meals.
* Entries or excursions.
* Public transfers to Galway & Oughterard and from Westport.
Guest Reviews
September 2021 – N. Sommerkorn, Heuchelheim, Germany
We had wonderful days in Ireland and enjoyed the walking tour a lot. We just got soaked once on or last walking day to Westport. I guess this is not bad for Ireland:)
The tour we liked the most were the one were we hiked to Leenane besides Killary Harbour. The views were amazing.
I was overwhelmed by the kindness and hospitality of all the B&B hosts. Meeting these lovely people was a highlight of the tour. Thanks again for a fabulous tour. I appreciated the way you responded quickly to my emails and tailored the tour to my needs. Well done! I’d be pleased to recommend Tailor-Made to others.
October 2019 – Frank & 3 friends, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
I suddenly realized that I didn’t let you know how are holiday was. You won’t be surprised if I tell you it was great! All in all we had a great holiday with very nice b&b’s and nice weather and beautiful scenery. That’s all you need for a perfect holiday.
Location & Grade
