Classic West Ireland - Hiking
Country
Ireland
Region
South & West Ireland
Theme
Classic
7
Days
6
Nights
Accommodation
3* / 4*
Walking the Wild West of Ireland.
Built around the Kerry Mountains and the limestone landscapes of The Burren and Connemara, this journey traces Ireland’s western edge through some of its most expressive terrain. Mountain paths shaped by pilgrimage, cliffs carved by Atlantic weather and islands where stone, sea and story are inseparable. The 7-day, 6-night journey strikes a balance between challenging walks and moments of cultural depth and ease. Historic houses and waterfalls, working villages and wide, empty spaces – and of course, charming, handpicked stays – famous for classic Irish hospitality.
Highlights
- Walking sections of the Kerry Way around Killarney
- Pilgrim ascent of Mount Brandon
- Clifftop walking at the Cliffs of Moher
- Exploring the limestone pavements of The Burren
- Hiking Diamond Hill in Connemara National Park
- Ferry journey to Inishmore and the fort of Dún Aonghasa
Handpicked Accommodation
Abbeyglen Castle Hotel, Clifden
Set above Clifden with views across Connemara, Abbeyglen Castle Hotel occupies a restored 19th century castle with original stonework, turrets and open fireplaces
Why we chose it
From its elevated position, the surrounding hills remain in constant view, bringing the outside in.
Doolin Inn, Doolin
A modern inn in the heart of Doolin, known for its strong ties to local music and community. The style is relaxed and informal, reflecting the village’s reputation as a centre of traditional Irish culture.
Why we chose it
After exposed cliff walking and limestone landscapes, the warmth of the inn beckons!
Randles Hotel, Killarney
A long-established family-run hotel just outside Killarney National Park, Randles Hotel combines Victorian roots with contemporary comfort. It
Why we chose it
Close enough to enjoy Killarney’s pubs and atmosphere, yet far enough to feel settled and restorative after time on the hills.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Cork to Killarney, Muckross and Torc Waterfall
Meet your guide in Cork and transfer west to Killarney. After lunch, begin walking on sections of the Kerry Way, one of Ireland’s longest marked trails, originally developed in the 1980s but following much older local routes.
The walk takes in Muckross House, a grand 19th century mansion set within Killarney National Park, and Torc Waterfall, where water tumbles through oak woodland fed by the nearby mountains. The combination of manicured estate and wild landscape offers a gentle but telling introduction to Kerry. Return to Killarney for the evening.
Day 2 – Mount Brandon Pilgrimage Walk
Today brings one of the journey’s more demanding walks, the ascent of Mount Brandon. Rising sharply from the Dingle Peninsula, it is Ireland’s second-highest peak and one of its most sacred mountains.
The route follows a traditional pilgrimage path whose origins reach back to pre-Christian times, later associated with St Brendan the Navigator. Stone markers and prayer stations still line the way, and on clear days the summit offers views across the Atlantic and the Blasket Islands. Return to Killarney in the afternoon, with the evening free to explore the town’s pubs and music scene.
Day 3 – The Cliffs of Moher and Doolin
Transfer north along the Wild Atlantic Way to County Clare. Today’s walk follows the Cliffs of Moher coastal route. Rising to over 200 metres above the Atlantic, the cliffs are home to one of Ireland’s largest seabird colonies, including puffins, razorbills and guillemots during the breeding season. The walking is open and exposed, with the ocean constantly in view. The day ends in Doolin, where the sound of the sea gives way to music and conversation in the village.
Day 4 – Walkin The Burren
Today explores The Burren, a landscape unlike anywhere else in Ireland. Its limestone pavements were formed over 300 million years ago, creating a surface of fissured rock that supports a surprising mix of Arctic, alpine and Mediterranean plants. The walk passes megalithic tombs and ancient field systems, reminders that people have lived and farmed here for thousands of years.
Day 5 – Connemara National Park and Diamond Hill
Travel west through Galway and into Connemara National Park. Today’s hike tackles Diamond Hill, one of Ireland’s most recognisable peaks. Though modest in height, its position offers far-reaching views across bog, mountain and coastline. The route climbs steadily, revealing layers of Connemara’s geology, quartzite peaks, blanket bog and scattered lakes. The summit rewards the effort with views towards the Atlantic and the Twelve Bens. A transfer follows to the final hotel of the tour.
Day 6 – Inishmore and Dún Aonghasa
After a short transfer, take the ferry to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands. Life here has long been shaped by isolation, stone and sea, with fields divided by dry-stone walls built directly onto exposed rock.
Walk along clifftop paths to Dún Aonghasa, a prehistoric stone fort perched dramatically above the Atlantic. Believed to date back over 2,500 years, its sheer setting raises more questions than answers. Return to Clifden for a final night together.
Day 7 – Departure from Galway
Transfer to Galway, where the tour comes to an end.
Itinerary Designer
Wild, weather, wonderful. Three ‘W’s sum up this part of Ireland!
Will
Featured Experience
Walking the Wild Atlantic Way
Along Ireland’s western edge, the sights, sounds and smells are constantly shifting. Just you and two thousand miles of ocean stretching all the way to North America.