Ireland's Connemara Women's Hiking & Walking Tour
Galway to Cliffs of Moher Along the Wild Atlantic Way
Hike Ireland’s west coast through Connemara’s scenic passes and across the Cliffs of Moher and experience a wonderful weaving of legend, landscape and local flavor.
We rate our trips based on a range of activity levels from 1-5.
See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain for more details.
From $5,999/person
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Snapshots from the Trip
Trip at a Glance
Highlights
- Hike through Connemara, a stunning coastal landscape of rugged cliffs, billowing grasslands and craggy mountains
- Explore the Burren’s moonlike limestone plateau, spotting rare orchids in its rocky crevices and gazing at Galway Bay from Cappanawalla
- Trace the Cliffs of Moher by foot and boat, taking in views of sea stacks, puffins and Aran Islands from above and below
- Savor elevated Irish cuisine, from garden-fresh fare to artisanal cheeses and seasonal specialties served in elegant dining rooms
- Retreat each night to manor hotels that offer refined service, thoughtfully designed rooms and serene views
Sample itinerary. Trip details may vary by departure.
Start Galway Airport & Travel Details
- Walk under a canopy of green through Rosscahill Woods past the quiet banks of Ross Lake, a tranquil spot for spotting herons and taking in the stillness of the Irish countryside
- Hike a historic pilgrimage trail through the Maumturks, a rugged range whose name means “pass of the pigs”
- Climb through Birds’ Pass (also called Mám Éan) where a pilgrimage path winds to a remote chapel and statue of Saint Patrick
- Admire views of western Ireland’s iconic bogland, glacial valleys and distant peaks.
Nights 1-2
Luxury Hotel
This five-star haven offers timeless elegance on the scenic outskirts of Galway, nestled along Lough Corrib with easy access to Connemara and the Wild Atlantic Way. (spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Visit Gleninagh Castle, a 16th-century coastal stronghold that once guarded against pirates and invaders
- Watch a sheepdog demonstration and get a glimpse of local farming life
- Hike Cappanawalla Mountain and see views of Ballyvaughan, Galway Bay and the Atlantic
- Cross the limestone plateau of Burren National Park, diverse with wild orchids and rare Arctic-alpine blooms
- Walk the edge of the world along the Cliffs of Moher, which rise over 700 feet above the Atlantic
- Take in panoramic views from O’Brien’s Tower, a 19th-century lookout built for Victorian tourists
- Look for the Aran Islands and the Connemara mountains in the distance
- Cruise beneath the cliffs for a dramatic perspective on Ireland’s most iconic coastline
- Settle in at an elegant manor hotel nestled in the rocky heart of the Burren.
Nights 3-4
Luxury Hotel
Experience rustic elegance at this ivy-draped country house, nestled in the Burren with wide bay views and an acclaimed restaurant.
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Hike through traditional winter grazing lands and climb to 360-degree views across the Burren’s rock-strewn terrain
- Explore Caherconnel Fort, one of Ireland’s best-excavated stone forts, and watch skilled sheepdogs expertly gather sheep on the hillsides
- Walk the Lough Avalla loop for beautiful views of Mullaghmore’s concentric limestone rings and distinctive flat summit
- Wander the medieval lanes of Ennis, known for its traditional music, and on a guided walking tour, hear tales of faction fighting and murders, sparked by consumption of illicitly distilled poitín
- Raise a glass to a memorable week of Irish adventure, scenic trails and the beauty of the Emerald Isle.
Night 5
Casual Hotel
In the heart of Ennis, this historic manor-turned-hotel invites you in with open fireplaces, old-world charm and easy access to the town's famously musical pubs.
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
End Limerick Airport & Travel Details
This trip has an activity level range of 1-3
All breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners
All accommodations on your Backroads trip
All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Expertise and services of Backroads Trip Leaders
Lightweight carbon hiking poles
Backroads On Trip App with route maps, elevation profiles, daily snapshots and more
Additional local guides and experts, plus equipment for included activities as detailed in your itinerary
Exclusive activities, tours and cultural experiences, as detailed in your itinerary
All luggage transfers and porterage during your trip
Snacks and beverages between meals
Private cocktail and wine receptions on the first and last nights of your trip
Choice of Backroads t-shirt or hat, plus water bottle and luggage tag
Detailed Travel Planner with destination tips and pre-trip information
