Current as of: May 21, 2024 - 15:04
Current as of: May 21, 2024 - 15:04
3 out of 7 - Moderate
Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way runs the length of the west coast, with traditional villages, ancient monuments and never-forgotten scenery making it the ideal destination for a walking adventure. With our expert local guides bringing the history of this stunning location to life, we explore windswept cliffs, which are interspersed with captivating bays and beaches, plus Killarney National Park and the rugged beauty of Inishmore island.
Highlights
This trip is graded Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.
A reasonable level of fitness is required. The terrain ranges from gravel/grassy tracks with some potentially muddy trails. There are areas of rocky and uneven sections so being confident in your footing is important. On days 5 and 6, there are areas of exposed cliff edges along the walks, so it is not suitable for individuals who suffer from vertigo.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 6
Max group size: 16
Your guide meets you on arrival to Dublin and transports the group to our city centre hotel. After meeting the rest of the group, we enjoy a guided walking tour of the city’s most famous locations and many areas that are often missed.
In the evening, the guide briefs the group on the week’s activities, before we enjoy a delicious evening meal in a local restaurant.
Our hotel is not far from the city centre, so those who wish can explore the capital after dinner. Dublin is famous for its nightlife and many of the bars have live traditional Irish music.
Accommodation: Ashling Hotel or The Hendrick Hotel (or similar)
We meet at the group hotel in Dublin at 3pm and then enjoy a guided walking tour of the city highlights plus many areas that are often missed.
In the evening, the guide briefs the group on the week’s activities, before we enjoy a delicious evening meal in a local restaurant.
Our hotel is not far from the city centre, so those who wish can explore the capital after dinner. Dublin is famous for its nightlife and many of the bars have live traditional Irish music.
Accommodation: Ashling Hotel or The Hendrick Hotel (or similar)
We drive south (3hr 30min) to the hiker-loved town of Killarney in County Kerry. It sits on the edge of Killarney National Park, which has three beautiful lakes and the highest mountain range in Ireland. A treat for those who love the outdoors.
Upon arrival in Killarney, we have time for lunch before a fabulous hike in the national park. Torc Mountain (1,755ft/535m) is steeped in history and mythology. As we hike to the summit, our guide brings those stories to life as we enjoy majestic views of the national park and the three lakes. Descending from the mountain, we pass the rushing Torc Waterfall before heading to the 19th-century estate house whose owners donated the land to enable the national park to be created in 1932. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the gardens before transferring to our Killarney accommodation.
Accommodation: Abbey Lodge (or similar)
Enjoy a scenic drive (1hr 30min) to the western tip of the Ring of Kerry and immerse in the idyllic landscapes around Derrynane National Park. Discover pristine beaches, lush woodlands, ancient abbey ruins and Daniel O’Connell, one of Ireland’s most prominent historic figures, who lived here.
During our hike, we meet a local seaweed forager who takes the group for a seashore walk and introduces us to the secrets of the Derrynane Beach region. Following our hike, we continue our scenic drive around the Ring of Kerry with a few stops along the way before returning to Killarney in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: Abbey Lodge (or similar)
We take a magical boat ride (one hour) from the 15th-century Ross Castle, which sits on the shores of Lough Leane, through the three lakes of Killarney, providing a unique perspective of Killarney National Park. We depart the boat and hike through ancient woodlands to Galway’s Bridge, which spans the Galway River. From here, our hike takes us south, following an old route through the hills, which has been used for hundreds of years by people travelling on foot or driving animals to market. Enjoy views across the Beara Peninsula as we descend to the colourful heritage town of Kenmare.
We then transfer back to Killarney, stopping along the way at the Killarney Brewing & Distillery company for a tour and tasting. It is the largest independently owned brewery, distillery and visitor centre in Ireland and is enveloped by the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks mountains and the Killarney lakes.
Accommodation: Abbey Lodge (or similar)
Our destination today is the majestic Cliffs of Moher. En route, we cross the Shannon, the longest river in Ireland, by ferry. Keep your eyes peeled for the dolphins that often play in the bow waves as the ferry makes the 15-minute journey from south to north.
After the ferry, we continue to the Cliffs of Moher (3hr 15min) for a relaxed hike on the path that winds from the highest point of the cliffs to the quaint village of Doolin.
Most people stand on the clifftops to look down but later this afternoon we see the Cliffs of Moher from a more impressive angle. Our boat trip provides a unique perspective on the most-visited natural site in Ireland, with towering cliffs and an array of seabirds to admire.
Upon finishing our cruise, we have a 15-minute walk to our accommodation in Doolin.
Accommodation: The Lodge Doolin (or similar)
We walk to Doolin pier, where a one-hour ferry ride takes us to the largest of the Aran Islands, Inishmore. On reaching the island, a guide who grew up here joins us for a wonderful hike, on which we discover the glories of Inishmore. Following a lovely old trail, we are brought across limestone pavements to reach the fascinating coastal blowhole called Poll na bPeist (Serpents Lair). This natural tidal rock pool is a wonderful location to learn more about this ancient landscape.
We continue our hike to reach the stone fortress of Dun Aonghasa, which is magnificently located at the top of a sheer stone cliff. We then hike the northern shores of the island to reach a seal sanctuary. With time to enjoy this coastline and visit some of the older churches, we complete our hike back at the harbour.
We return to the mainland on the ferry in the late afternoon and walk to our accommodation in Doolin.
Accommodation: The Lodge Doolin (or similar)
This morning, before our hike, we visit the ancient burial site of Poulnabrone Dolmen (transfer time: 30 minutes). Our guide explains how these pagan sites are intertwined with the Irish Christian history. We transfer (20 minutes) to the start of our walk, just south of Ballyvaughan village. From here, we follow a rural route – known locally as a green road – into the heart of the Black Head hills, with wonderful limestone pavements and stone walls all around. There are fantastic views over Galway Bay and the Aran Islands as we continue around Gleninagh Mountain. Finishing our walk in Fanore village, we are transported (20 minutes) back to our accommodation for our overnight and farewell dinner.
Accommodation: The Lodge Doolin (or similar)
Enjoy another delicious breakfast before starting your journey home. There is a group transfer back to Dublin, so if you wish to extend your stay in the capital please speak to your sales representative about booking extra nights.
Enjoy another delicious breakfast before taking the group transfer back to Dublin airport as you bid farewell to the Emerald Isle. If you wish to extend your stay for extra nights in the capital please speak to your sales representative.
We stay for seven nights in three- and four-star hotels, selected for their character, location and unique charm. The accommodations we usually use are listed below.
Dublin: Ashling Hotel or The Hendrick Hotel (night 1)
Both are close to the River Liffey in the heart of the capital and within walking distance of the finest restaurants, cafes and bars in the city.
Killarney: Abbey Lodge (nights 2-4)
This quaint 15-room B&B provides a traditional warm welcome, while décor includes interesting antiques and art. It’s also ideally located for our adventures and just over a five-minute walk to the historic town centre of Killarney.
Doolin: The Lodge Doolin (nights 5-7)
This family-run property is the result of 20 years’ hard work from owners Niall and Deirdre, who transformed rustic limestone buildings into a welcoming retreat. The property is in a scenic spot, wrapped by the beautiful Irish countryside, and yet it’s only a five-minute walk into the village of Doolin.
Single supplement from 534 €
All breakfasts, six picnic lunches and two dinners are included. Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten free and Dairy free diets can all be catered for on this trip but please advise of any dietary requirements at the time of booking.
Transfers are by private minibus and a ferry on Day 5.
The dominant influence on Ireland’s climate is the Atlantic Ocean. Consequently, Ireland does not suffer from the extremes of temperature experienced by many other countries at similar latitude. However, rain can fall at any time of year, especially on the west coast. In summer, average temperatures range from 15C (59F) to around 25C (77F). As the local people will tell you, this part of the world can experience every season in one day, so pack accordingly.
Start point (August 2024): The Ashling Hotel, 10-13 Parkgate Street, Stoneybatter, Dublin 8, D08 P38N (+353 1677 2324)
Start point (September 2024): The Hendrick Smithfield, 6-11 Hendrick Street, Smithfield, Dublin 7, D07 A8N1 (+353 1482 6500)
Recommended arrival time: The group meets at 3pm at the hotel
Airport: Dublin Airport (DUB)
The start hotel is approximately 9mi (15km/30-minute drive) from the airport. Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
There’s a group departure transfer to Dublin Airport (DUB) for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. We recommend joining the transfer back to Dublin from Doolin as we are unable to arrange additional private transfers. Additional nights’ accommodation can be provided in Dublin if required (please speak to your sales representative to organise).
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Dublin
Location end: Doolin
We also advise using moisture-wicking clothing rather than cotton as it dries much more quickly and is more comfortable when hiking.
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter the Republic of Ireland. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus and rabies (bat lyssavirus). Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Ireland's time zone: Europe/Dublin (UTC +01:00)
Ireland's electricity: Plug type G (three rectangular pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Ireland's currency: Euro (EUR)
ATMs are available in most towns.
You need spending money for meals not included in the itinerary and all drinks. A beer is around €5 – €7.50 and a coffee around €3 – €4, with a average bottle of wine at dinner around €30 – €50. The average range for dinner is €40 – €60 for a 3 course meal.
Although optional, a tip for the walking leader at the end of the trip is greatly appreciated. As a guideline, we recommend a contribution starting from €20 per person.
We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip