Hiking - Connemara Western Way Galaway & Mayo Ireland The Western Way is a relatively short walking route of 101 km (63 miles) from Oughterard in County Galway to Westport in County Mayo. This part of western Ireland contains Ireland’s finest scenery in unspoilt and quiet countryside. The route is part of the longer Western Way walking route that continues from Westport to Ballina, Co. Mayo. Connemara is a wild place, with some of the finest scenery Ireland has to offer. Early settlements were mainly on the coast; the interior deemed too infertile and wet for any useful occupation. The area suffered huge population loss in the mid 19th century but through the guidance of the Irish Land Commission, land leases were offered to tenant farmers, fishing was structured and the area was slowly rejuvenated. The total walk is 77km. Approximately 36% of the route is on minor roads. Tour Highlights - Lough Corrib, Lough Inagh & Killary Fjord - Kylemore Abbey, Connemara National Park and the Twelve Bens - The famine road by Killary harbour Walking Tour Meeting: Oughterard Airport:   Shannon airport Transfer: Trip Brochure (PDF)

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Rates Note:

A transfer supplement will be added to tours when accommodation in our usual guesthouses is not available. We will of course advise you if this is the only available option to secure a booking.

Transfer and Other Charges:

Any time during the season.

Sample Itinerary: 10-day tour - subject to changes

You will enjoy this trip if you are physically fit and like to hike. The hikes each day will vary from 14-24 kilometres and cross some rough, wet and rocky terrain. Experience of hiking and compass use is an advantage.

Day 1: Arrival 
Make your own way to Oughterard on the Owenariff River. It was the country of the O’Flaherty clan, feared throughout the land and eventually reduced to obedience under the reign of Elizabeth I. The ruins of their castle at Aughanure are just outside the village.
Your host will arrange an evening meal reservation for you and will transfer you after your evening meal to your guesthouse in Dereenmeel, on the Western Way (5km from Oughterard).
Overnight in Dereenmeel
Meals included: none

Day 2: Walk to to Maam 
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 Dereenmeel.
Walking Distance 18 km (about 5 hours) / Ascent 100 m 
Overnight in Doolin
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3: Maam to Recess
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.
Walking Distance 14 km (about 4 hours) / Ascent 260 m 
Overnight in Recess
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4: Recess to Leenane
You start today's hike through 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.
Walking Distance 20 km (about 5 hours) / Ascent 235 m 
Overnight in Leenane
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5: Free Day in Connemara
You may wish to visit Connemara National Park and Visitor Centre within striking distance by private taxi transfer, as are Kylemore Abbey and the Victorian Walled Gardens.
Walking Distance 20 km (about 5 hours) / Ascent 235 m 
Overnight in Leenane
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6: Killary Harbour Famine Road
A taxi transfer takes you to the starting point at Rosroe to walk along the shore of Killary Harbour. The track was constructed after the Great Famine (1848) to provide some employment for the then extensive population of Connemara.
The route offers stunning views of Killary harbour, a glacial fjord, the craggy backdrop of Maol Reidh (Mweelrea) and its gullies steeply descending into the fjord. Aquaculture is an important income for the local community now. There is a salmon farm at Rosroe and the fjord is studded with mussel rafts. You may even be lucky enough to view dolphins or seals!
Walking Distance 14 km (about 5 hours) / Ascent 120 m 
Overnight in Leenane
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7: 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.
If you wish to walk more, the longer route via Lough Lugacolliwee (23km / Ascents 430m) 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.
Walking Distance 17 km (about 4 hours) / Ascent 80 m 
Overnight in Westport
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8: Drummin to Westport
Taxi transfer to Drummin. 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!Walking Walking Distance 24 km (about 6 hours) / Ascent 230 m 
Overnight in Westport
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9: Free Day or Pilgrims Trail
Optional free day in Westport town. Or walk the Pilgrim’s Trail from Ballintober to Westport town. A glorious countryside walk, through the farmlands of south county Mayo, and the valleys of the Camoge & Aille rivers. The Pilgrim trail follows the ancient prayer route from Ballintober Abbey to Croagh Patrick, St. Patrick’s Holy Mountain.
Walking Distance 17 km (about 5 hours) / Ascent 180 m 
Overnight in Westport
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10: Departure
Arrange your own transfer from Westport. You can take the train for Dublin or bus to Galway and Shannon.
Meals Included: Breakfast

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Sample Itinerary: 8-day tour - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival 
Make your own way to Oughterard on the Owenariff River. It was the country of the O’Flaherty clan, feared throughout the land and eventually reduced to obedience under the reign of Elizabeth I. The ruins of their castle at Aughanure are just outside the village.
Your host will arrange an evening meal reservation for you and will transfer you after your evening meal to your guesthouse in Dereenmeel, on the Western Way (5km from Oughterard).
Overnight in Dereenmeel
Meals included: none

Day 2: Walk to to Maam 
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 Dereenmeel.
Walking Distance 18 km (about 5 hours) / Ascent 100 m 
Overnight in Doolin
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3: Maam to Recess
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.
Walking Distance 14 km (about 4 hours) / Ascent 260 m 
Overnight in Recess
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4: Recess to Leenane
You start today's hike through 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.
Walking Distance 20 km (about 5 hours) / Ascent 235 m 
Overnight in Leenane
Meals Included:

Day 5: Free Day in Connemara
You may wish to visit Connemara National Park and Visitor Centre within striking distance by private taxi transfer, as are Kylemore Abbey and the Victorian Walled Gardens.
Walking Distance 20 km (about 5 hours) / Ascent 235 m 
Overnight in Leenane
Meals Included: Breakfast

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.
If you wish to walk more, the longer route via Lough Lugacolliwee (23km / Ascents 430m) 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.
Walking Distance 17 km (about 4 hours) / Ascent 80 m 
Overnight in Westport
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7: Drummin to Westport
Taxi transfer to Drummin. 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!Walking Walking Distance 24 km (about 6 hours) / Ascent 230 m 
Overnight in Westport
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8: Departure
Arrange your own transfer from Westport. You can take the train for Dublin or bus to Galway and Shannon.
Meals Included: Breakfast

                                                    Castlebar area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	46	47	50	54	59	63	66	65	61	56	50	46
Average Low Temperature (°F)	36	35	37	39	43	48	52	51	48	43	39	37
Average High Temperature (°C)	8	8	10	12	15	17	19	18	16	13	10	8
12Average Low Temperature (°C)	2	2	3	4	6	9	11	10	9	6	4	3
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	20	17	18	17	17	18	20	19	18	19	20	21

Source: NOAA


Seasons
Ireland has a reputation of being wet but it is also famous for having 40 shades of green! The expression "a soft day" is a popular one with the Irish and describes light rain in mild temperatures. Because of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf Stream, the weather can be very unpredictable, so waterproof rainwear is essential. The temperatures can range from 5° - 19° Celsius and the highest will rarely go over 25° Celsius.
Due to the high humidity it can get very warm in summer but on higher ground it can suddenly become colder due to the wind-chill factor.

We will supply you with colour copies of the relevant sections of the Ordnance Survey maps 51 and 57; scale 1: 50.000. You will also have detailed text descriptions of each days’ walk and information on where you are staying and where you can eat.

Your hosts are responsible for transferring your luggage to the next accommodation. It should be there by 4 pm or before you finish your walk. Please appreciate that accommodations are often busy with preparing their premises for new guests and transferring luggage is a service only provided for walkers. Occasionally your luggage will not be there before you arrive but it does always arrive. In some places you might have a voucher for a taxi company who will be transferring the luggage, as it is not a service the accommodation provides. 

PLEASE PACK ONLY ONE ITEM OF LUGGAGE PER PERSON. Make sure your luggage is clearly marked with your name on it, as sometimes the accommodation will be transferring luggage for more than one walking company and to more than one accommodation.


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;
• 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, do bring one. It is very important if you follow suggested alternative routes, or if you are walking in poor weather. 

We strongly advocate the use of one or two hiking poles, for your comfort and safety.

Average ratings from 2 tour feedbacks (see details below) (5) Excellent (4) Very Good (3) Good (2) Satisfactory (1) Not Satisfactory Accommodations: Meals: Host/Guide: Name Date jeffrey stanley 9/2/2010 terrill keeler 7/6/2007

Accommodations
This is a progressive tour so nights will be spent in different locations.

Description
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 accommodation 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!

While we have reserved your accommodation, it is a good idea to telephone your hosts with the approximate time of your arrival. Some accommodations 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.

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.

Accommodation Itinerary for 10-day tour - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Accommodation in Dereenmeel
Night 2: Accommodation in Doolin
Night 3: Accommodation in Recess
Night 4 to 6: Accommodation in Leenane
Night 7 to 9: Accommodation in Westport

Accommodation Itinerary for 8-day tour - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Accommodation in Dereenmeel
Night 2: Accommodation in Doolin
Night 3: Accommodation in Recess
Night 4 & 5: Accommodation in Leenane
Night 6 & 7: Accommodation in Westport

Room Occupancy
If you are travelling alone, you will be booked into a single room in your accommodations. This is often a room for two persons that you will have to yourself, which means a single supplement fee needs to be applied.
Please, note that a single traveller also incurs the full luggage transfer fee, which is normally divided between two people.
It is a good idea to contact your hosts and let them know what time you expect to arrive – they tend to be more concerned about walkers hiking alone.


Meals
Only breakfasts are included in your package.

Ireland is renowned for its “Full Irish Breakfast” which consists of bacon, sausages, fried egg and toast. Cereals or a lighter option might be available if you ask. Some walkers find the “full Irish” too much every morning. You can agree with your host on your arrival what time you want breakfast – this is usually between 8.00 and 9.00am.

You can enjoy evening meals in the guesthouses in some locations (for an extra fee), but the hosts need to be notified beforehand. 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.

In the early or late season, local restaurants may be closed or pubs may not be serving evening meals. Your hosts will assist you with alternative arrangements if you are walking in the off-season.

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 (extra fee applies).

Tack:
Horses:
Pace:
Level:		(3 to 3 out of 5)    Moderate
Riders:		Min 2

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 

Passport Required?
British	1
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	2
Visa Required?
British	No
Australian	No
Canadian	No
USA	No
Other EU	No
Return Ticket Required?
British	No
Australian	3
Canadian	3
USA	3
Other EU	No