DAY 1 Westport to Clifden: 164km (101 miles)

Start the day with a morning’s hike up Croagh Patrick with the most spectacular views across Clew Bay and beyond. Head west to the fjord of Killary Harbour where you can enjoy canoeing, gorge walking and archery with Connemara Adventure Tours. Hop from Letterfrack to Clifton and on to Roundstone, keeping your ears peeled for local legends and ancient mythology. Silver lakes, purple mountains and orange fields make this route an enchanting experience.

DAY 2 Roundstone to Galway city 185km (115 miles)

Follow the Wild Atlantic Way to Rossaveal (Ros an Mhíl) where the Galway Gaeltacht starts and the ferry departs to the Aran Islands, with daily sailings to all three islands of Inis Oírr (Inisheer), Inis Meáin (Inishmaan) and Inis Mór (Inishmore). Back on dry land in Spiddal (An Spidéal), Boluisce Seafood Restaurant cook up a feast. Next stop it’s Galway, the City of Tribes, named after the 14 merchant families who ruled the land between the 13th and 17th centuries. A favourite with Irish people and tourists alike, Galway offers a truly Irish bohemian night out.

DAY 3 Galway city to Doolin 95km (59 miles)

After breakfast, amble along the “Prom”, Ireland’s longest seaside promenade before veering southwest to Balllyvaughan with its picture-postcard thatched cottages. Sample the local brew at O’Loughlin’s Pub, a favourite haunt of Stephen Spielberg and Vince Vaughan. From this idyllic village you can explore The Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark. Arctic, Alpine and Mediterranean plants thrive on this unique landscape, including 24 species of orchid. The 6000 year old Neolithic Poulnabrone Dolmen is also well worth a visit, as is The Linalla Ice Cream Experience where you can meet the shorthorn cows who make this heavenly artisan ice cream. Round the day off with a legendary traditional Irish music gig in Doolin.

DAY 4 Doolin to Kilkee: 78km (48 miles)

From Doolin, amble along the Cliffs of Moher which stand a dizzying height of 700 foot, and extend for 8 breathtaking kilometres. If heights aren’t your thing, opt for a cruise and discover why Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was filmed here. Continue on to Lahinch for first class surfing or a spot of golf at one of Lahinch’s championship links golf courses. Your final stop is Kilkee, Charlotte Bronte’s honeymoon destination and a hit with actor Richard Harris, revolutionary leader Che Guevera. According to renowned explorer Jacques Cousteau, Kilkee’s Duggerna Reef is the finest place to dive in all of Europe. After an epic four-day adventure, enjoy a well-earned feast of locally caught seafood in any of the seafront restaurants.

Route Map

Discover Mayo to Clare

Back to all areas