Welcome to the Connemara Way.
Tour Highlights
- The Maamturks, old old hills.
- Connemara National Park and the Twelve Bens.
- Galway & Westport. Bookend the tour in historical colour, craft and local flavours.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival to Oughterard
Arrival in Galway. Local bus transfer to Oughterard on the Owenariff River, the gateway to the hills. 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. Lough Corrib is the second largest lake in Ireland after Lough Neagh, near Belfast. The dawn chorus is particularly spectacular for Springtime early risers!
Overnight Oughterard townland by Lough Corrib
Day 2 – Oughterard to Maam
From the shores of Lough Corrib, follow the Way through pine forest, climbing gently through the valleys of the Owenroe and Folore Rivers into a magnificent wilderness of mountain and bog to reach civilisation again at the village of Maam Bridge.
Distance 14km, Ascents 90m, approx. walking time 5 hours.
Accommodation tonight is in a small family hotel at Maam Cross. Your evening meal will be in their restaurant.
Day 3 – Walk Maam to Lough Inagh Valley
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. An alternative route takes you high into the Maamturks on a demanding climb to 700m rewarded with fantastic views to the Atlantic and Galway Bay.
Distance 15km. Ascents 220m. Approximate walking time 5 hours.
Alternative Route via Binn Chaorigh 15km Ascents 770m, approx. walking time 7 hours
Accommodation is in Lough Inagh Valley. Your evening meal will be in your guesthouse.
Day 4 – Free Day in Connemara
Free day with optional walks from Lough Inagh. If you missed the Maumturks yesterday it is possible to do a route today behind your guesthouse on Letterbreckaun at 667m. The Twelve Bens are across Lough Inagh with many wonderful routes available. The Connemara National Park and Visitor Centre is also within striking distance as are Kylemore Abbey and the Victorian Walled Gardens. Your hosts will assist you with transfers to your chosen route.
Distance 21km. Ascents 667m. Approximate walking time 6 hours.
Overnight accommodation in Lough Inagh Valley.
Day 5 – Lough Inagh to Leenane
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. The day finishes in the village of Leenane, An Lionan, “the tide filling place”- a lovely hamlet nestling under the impressive Mweelrea Mountains of Co. Mayo.
Distance 14km. Ascents 70m. Approximate walking time 5 hours.
Overnight accommodation in Leenane village.
Day 6 – Leenane to Drummin
Entering Co. Mayo today, The Way rises through forest over Tawnyard Lough descending to Sheefry Bridge over the Owenmore River in the Sheefry Hills. Or the alternative route is via Lough Lugacolliwee which 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.
Distance 12km. Ascents 80m. Approximate walking time 4 hours.
Distance 23km. Ascents 430m. Approximate walking time 7 hours.
Overnight accommodation at Liscarney. Evening meal available at your guesthouse tonight.
Day 7 – Drummin to Westport
The route 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!
Distance 24km. Ascents 230m. Approximate walking time 6 hours.
Overnight accommodation in Westport town.
Day 8 – Departure from Westport
Depart Westport by train for Dublin or by bus to Galway and Shannon.
Prices & Booking
€126 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 2018 – 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 2018 – 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
