Rates Note:

Transfer Option:

Day 1  Arrival in Shannon. Transfer to Liscannor via Ennis and Lahinch
Day 2 Walk along the coastal path overlooking Liscannor Bay and through the farmlands of Kilconnell to reach the cliff path at Hag's Head. Dramatic scenery as you walk above the sheer cliffs that fall 100m to the Atlantic. Pass the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre and follow the green road into Doolin village, the home of traditional Irish music. Overnight Doolin    19km
Day 3  Enjoy a day in Doolin village, its traditional fishing atmosphere and ancient burial grounds keep its presence in the past. There are many archaeological sites to explore – bicycles are available for hire and the limestone escarpment that is the Burren is waiting to be explored. Or consider a boat trip to one of the Aran Islands to explore cliffs and limestone formations and the unique culture of island dwellers. Miles of dry stone walls and centuries of history await you! Walking is available in a circular route of 10 to 14km on the Aran Islands Way. Overnight Doolin
Day 4  Today's route climbs onto the Burren plateau via the old road with wonderful views of the Atlantic coast to the west and east to the scarred limestone hills. You will pass under the peak of Slieve Elva – the highest point in this area at 344m, before descending the Caher valley, one of the only rivers above ground! This section offers views North and West of craggy coastline and unusual "striped" lulls caused by layering of limestone. Overnight Fanore    20 km
Day 5  Today is free for a number of options. A circular walk around Fanore village climbs to 1st century Caher Dun Irghus and Gleninagh Mountain.
A gentler route takes you along the coast following dunes and beaches to the Fanore lighthouse. Then there's always the chance of an Atlantic swim! Overnight Fanore
12km
Day 6  Back into limestone country for the last walk to Ballyvaughan village. Over the Khyber Pass, before descending by the Rathborney River to restored 15th century Newtown Castle a stronghold of the O'Loughlin clan. Ballyvaughan is a sheltered fishing port looking across Galway Bay. Overnight Ballyvaughan    16km
Day 7  Depart Ballyvaughan by bus for Galway or Shannon after breakfast (transfer not included - good public buses or we can arrange a private transfer)

Gear list

You will require probably ALL of the following:

Fully waterproof rainwear; waterproof hiking boots; hiking-pole; light walking shoes; spare layer of clothing; hat/cap; gaiters (gamaschen); day-rucksack; thermos flask; water bottle; lunchbox; plastic bag; torch; insect-repellent spray; First Aid kit; blister-plaster; sunscreen.

On mountain walks you will need strong boots with ankle support but on road walking you may be able to wear lighter boots or shoes. You can usually determine what footwear you require at the start of each day. Heavy mountain boots will be uncomfortable for road walking. You may wish to carry a light pair of shoes in your day-pack.

If you are familiar with using a compass, please do bring one.

Cell phone rental is available and can be pre-booked through www.rentaphone-ireland.com

 If you are travelling from the USA you may wish to check out unlocking your cell phone to use and Irish SIM card. Check out www.unlockitfree.com or  www.bilemo.com/unlock  

You will be staying in comfortable guesthouses and farmhouses. Rooms are as much as possible en-suite. However B&B’s do still have rooms that are not en-suite but should have a bathroom adjacent to the room. We will book these rooms when there are no en-suites available. This happens regularly in the high season.
We do try to make your accommodation convenient to each day’s walk. The walking distances for each day as specified in your tour itinerary may vary, depending where you are staying, as your B&B may not be in the centre of the village. This will be referred to in your route notes and may add 2-3 km to your walk. Please check this before you walk!
On self-guided walking trails, accommodation is usually in small villages or towns and may be off the beaten track. There is usually a Post Office, shops, pubs etc. but there may not be a Bank. Your hosts may also supply your evening meal.
While we have reserved your accommodation, it is a good idea to telephone your hosts with the approximate time of your arrival. Some B&B’s will offer you tea or coffee on arrival – if they don’t please do ask if you would like some. You will find that hosts are very approachable and sometimes you just need to ask for what you want.

If you are spending an extra night in Dublin or Cork, PLEASE telephone your hosts and tell them what time you expect to arrive. They may close their premises in the afternoon as it is their only free time!

You can enjoy evening meals in the guesthouses in some locations, but the hostess needs to be notified beforehand. Picnic lunches can be supplied by her also at a cost of £3.00-£3.50 p.p.
You must show your accommodation list to your host each day on your arrival. Your luggage will be transferred for you each day by the guesthouse owners or taxi

Lunches & Evening Meals
Lunches such as sandwiches or filled rolls are often available in local shops or supermarkets, and many also have hot food counters. Look for names such as Centra, Londis, Statoil, Spar, or check in petrol stations. Please note that it is advisable to carry lunch with you unless told otherwise in the route notes. Do tell your hosts when you arrive if you would like them to provide a packed lunch for the next day (approx. €3.50-4.50).
Some guesthouses can provide an evening meal (approx. €15-20) and will also suggest alternative places to eat. This may be a pub or restaurant and prices will vary enormously depending on where you are but are usually between €15.00 and €25.00 Meals are served in pubs until about 9.00pm.
If you choose to eat with your hosts in their home, please ring them the previous evening, or the morning before you arrive to book a meal. They may have to travel some distance to get supplies! Please ask your hosts for any advice in relation to the best places to eat if you wish to eat out and where to find traditional entertainment.

Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all except:
(a) 1. persons born in the UK travelling direct from the UK (applicable to British passport holders only).
Note: Whilst UK citizens do not require a passport or visa to enter Ireland, most carriers by air or sea now require some form of identification with photograph, usually a passport or driving licence with photo. Visitors should check what form of ID is required with the individual airline, ferry company or travel agent before travelling.
(b) 2. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Note: EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.
Passport Note
3. Imposition of a return ticket as a condition of entry is at the discretion of the Immigration Officer at point of entry.

Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for the following durations:
(a) nationals of EU countries for an unlimited period (nationals of EU countries wishing to stay for longer than three months must register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau).
(b) nationals of Australia, Canada and the USA for stays of up to 90 days.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements