The Wild Atlantic Way Tour Ireland

Lighthouse Loop Walk: Grade: easy - moderate, Length: 8Km, Duration: Approx. 2-3hrs, Ascent: 350m, Terrain: Small mountain trails and roads over looking the coast.

This morning we will be making our way to one of the smaller peninsulas in this area called “the Sheep’s Head” and yes, there are many sheep. The walk is known as the Light House Loop and walks from one side of the peninsula to the next, giving you wonderful views of the surrounding coastline and the Atlantic Ocean. The walks on this Peninsula where created by the local farmers to bring more people into this area, they maintain the trails and are very welcoming to all guests in their small part of West Cork. 

After the walk we can enjoy a scenic tour of the Sheeps Head Peninsula with one or two stops for lunch and Pictures. 

In the evening we will return to our accommodation, have a bite to eat and relax for the evening.

Morning / Afternoon: After breakfast we will be travelling to the small town of Dingle in County Kerry. On the way we will visit Gougane Barra the 6th century monastic site of Saint Finbarr.  The church sits in the most beautiful valley and we will have time to take a walk in this wonderful area.

There is a green island in lone Gougane Barra,

Where Allua of songs rushes forth as an arrow;

In deep-valley'd Desmond - a thousand wild fountains

Come down to that lake from their homes in the mountains. 

On our way to Dingle we can stop in the colourful town of Kenmare for some lunch and a look about this beautiful village. 

We can aslo stop in Annascaul and visit Tom Crean's South Pole pub for a refreshing pint. Tom Crean is a very famous explorer and went on expeditions to the South Pole with Shackleton and Scott

Dingle or "An Daingean" which is its Gaelic and original name is a fantastic small village known for its small quaint pubs, live Irish music and relaxed atmosphere. There is plenty to see and do in his small town with great restaurants, pubs, coffee shops, craft stores etc. What it is really well know for though is its friendly dolphin called Fungie which has been in Dingle harbour for years and visited by thousands of curious guests. You may also be surprised when you enter a pub in Dingle that you can also buy a new pair of shoes or have your old ones mended.

Mt Brandon Walk: Grade: moderate- strenuous Length: 8km, Duration: Approx. 4hrs, Ascent: 750m, Terrain: Open Mountain Tracks.

After a hearty breakfast we will get ourselves ready for one of my favourite walks in this area, Mt Brandon. Which is named after Saint Brendan the voyager; some think he even got as far as North America.

                                                   "Is it right or left for Gibraltar"

                                                   "What track do I take for Mizen Head?"

                                                   "I'd love to settle down near Ventry Harbour",

                                                   St. Brendan to his albatross he said. (St Brendans Voyage)

Mount Brandon is a blessed mountain and there is a pilgrim trail to its summit and is one if Irelands holiest locations. It is less than 1000m but even though it is a pilgrim walk it is quite a challenge. The walk will take about 4hrs and the views from its summit are breathtaking. From it you can see the Atlantic Ocean all around you, the Blasket Islands and Irelands highest Mountain range on the Iveragh Peninsula.

After our walk we can take one of the best coastal drive's in all of Ireland, the Slea Head Drive.

Winding around the western tip of the Dingle Peninsula, the Slea Head Drive offers some of the most awe-inspiring coastal views in Ireland. With dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, ancient stone forts, and the distant silhouette of the Blasket Islands, every bend reveals a new wonder. This scenic loop is rich in history, culture, and wild Atlantic beauty. 

Alternative Morning Activity: If you do not feel like doing the you can visit the Blasket Islands or do an ECO Tour in this area. (not included in cost but the guide will organise for you)

In the evening when after we get back you have plenty of time to stroll around Dingle, visit some of the craft shops, enjoy a bite to eat and relax.

Cliff Walk near Kilkee: Grade: easy / moderate, Length: 8km, Duration: 2.5hrs, Ascent: 100m, Terrain: Grass and Field Trails.

This morning we leave the Dingle Peninsula and travel North towards the River Shannon. We will be taking a Ferry across the mouth of the river Shannon into County Clare and head north on one of the most scenic coast roads in Ireland with views out across the Atlantic Ocean.

                                "Take a view oer the mountains, fine sights youll see there;

                                  Youll see high, rocky mountains on the west coast of Clare,

                                  Oh, the towns of Kilkee and Kilrush can be seen,

                                  From the high, rocky slopes round the Cliffs of Dooneen."

We will stop in the Seaside town of Kilkee for a lovely beach and Coastal Cliff walk before we have lunch here. 

Kilkee is famous with Irish people for one of the best holiday destinations in the West of Ireland.

After our walk amd lunch here we continue along the coast through lahinch and towards the world famous Cliffs of Moher. Here we will stop for a while to enjoy the cliffs and its amazing views across the Atlantic and the islands of the coast. 

The small town of Doolin where we will be staying for the next two nights is another small fishing port town made famous by Its charm and Irish Music.

Doolin really is the capital of Irish music in the West of Ireland, a small and wonderful little village. So relax and soak up the atmosphere.

Today weather permitting we will visit one of the most spectacular places in all of Ireland the Aran Islands. We will take a Ferry from Doolin to Inis Mor, the largest of the three Aran Islands. This is a Gaeltacht area where Irish is still the main language. The Island is full of wonder and absolutely beautiful, I'm sure you will not want to leave. We could hire some bicycles, this is the best way to explore this island and we will visit the world heritage site of Dun Aonghasa Fort which stands over a dramatic 300 foot cliff.

There is a great cafe and local craft shops here also where we can enjoy a bite to eat. There is also a lovely beach if you are brave enough to take a dip in the Atlantic.

After this we will all enjoy a 1 Hour Cruise beneath the stunning Cliffs Of Moher. The Cliffs Of Moher rise to a height of over 700ft/214 meters.

We will then get the Ferry back and relax for the rest of the evening in Doolin.

The Burren Walk, Galway, Connemara, Clifden.

Burren Loop Walk: Grade: moderate, Length: 7.5km, Duration: 3hrs, Ascent:140m, Terrain: Limestone karst, smooth rocky surface

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This morning we will visit one of the most incredible places to walk or visit in the west of Ireland "The Burren". The Burren is a limestone karst whose flora are internationally famous, The bloody Cranesbill, mountain avens and spring gentians are among the many plants from the Arctic, Alps and Mediterranean which grow here..

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We take a short stop into Galway to give you some to look about this Bohemiam little city, full of wonderful arts and crafts, restaurants and small laneway streets before we make our way back to Dublin.

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We should beback in Dublin for approx 18:00