Ireland Active Journeys Guided Hiking tour
Tour description
Day 1 Arrive Lisdoonvarna
Day 2 13 km Cliffs of Moher Connemara, Aran Islands & the Burren Day 3 13 km The Burren The essence and variety of the West of Ireland is captured on this three centre-walking Day 4 9 km trip visiting the Burren, Aran Islands, Connemara and Clare. You will be based in hotels Aran Islands and guesthouses in locations that provide the richest variety of geology, scenery and walking conditions that could be desired. Day 5 10 km Aran Islands The Burren is a remarkable area of more than 100 square miles of limestone landscape, Day 6 13 km where a rich variety of plants thrive in the cracks and crevices. Enjoy the bird’s eye view Maumeen Pilgrimage of the dramatic west coast of Ireland on the short flight to the Aran Islands, where Gael- Day 7 16 km ic is still spoken. Explore the many archaeological sites of the island, including the pre- Connemara Coast historic fort Dun Aonghasa. Old pilgrimage sites and bog lands rich in flowers are the treats of Connemara. Day 8 Tour ends
Tour Details 2018
Dates: June 2 July 14 August 11
Cost: $2595 per person
Single Room Upgrade: Limited Fast Facts Length: 8 days / 7 nights Grade: Moderate Includes: Highlights: Starts: Lisdoonvarna 7 nights hotels with breakfasts Ends: Galway City Cliffs of Moher 6 picnic lunches & 7 dinners Flight over west coast to Aran Islands Guide services, local support and back up Prehistoric fort of Dun Aengus service, transfers to/from walks each day Killary Harbour-Ireland’s only Fjord Return flight to the Aran Islands Irish pubs, music & dance
Ac ve Journeys Contact: 1-800-597-5594 or 416-236-5011 Email: info@ac vejourneys.com Itinerary Day 1 Arrival Arrival at accommodation in Lisdoonvarna, renowned for traditional Irish mu- sic. Dinner and briefing. Overnight in Lisdoonvarna (3 nights).
Day 2 The Cliffs of Moher & Atlantic Coast 13 km Enjoy your first days walking along a new coastal walking trail in Clare which will bring you along one of the most outstanding landscapes of Ireland. From Liscannor and Hags Head in the south, along by the majestic Cliffs of Moher and to Doolin in the North, with views over Aill Na Searrach, the Aran Islands and Galway Bay. Ascent: little or none
Day 3 The Burren 13 km The Burren is a unique internationally important habitat. You can explore it through a combination of walking on green roads and traversing of the karst limestone pavements, interspersed with rare arctic and alpine flowers. As- cent: 275m/900ft
Day 4 The Aran Islands 9 km This morning we transfer from Lisdoonvarna to Inverin airport for the short flight over the dramatic west coast to the Irish-speaking Aran Islands located off the west coast of Ireland. A true Irish experience awaits, as we base our- selves on the Largest island Inis Mor for the next 2 nights. Once our luggage is dropped off to the hotel we walk to the southeast of the island to spectacular cliffs and puffing holes, continuing on to the Iron Age Black Fort (Dún Duchathair). Ascent: little or none
Day 5 The Aran Islands – Dún Aonghusa 10 km Today we take a short transfer to visit archaeological sites including the pre- historic fort, Dún Aonghasa and Poll na bPéist (worm hole), all set in a stony landscape from which a living is laboriously wrenched before walking back to our hotel. Ascent: little or none
Day 6 Maumeen Pilgrimage Route 13 km After flying back to the mainland we transfer to enjoy a walk through the beautiful Maumeen Mountains on the pilgrimage route up to St. Patrick’s Well & bed before continuing along the Western Way to Keanes Pub where we can enjoy a well-earned drink before being collected and brought to our hotel. Overnight in Connemara (2 nights).
Day 7 The Connemara Coast 16 km Today we are transferred to the start of the walk along the shore of Killary Harbour -Ireland’s only ord. A walk on the ‘Famine Trail’ through Connemara mountain scenery back to our hotel. This part of Connemara would have been badly affected by the famine in the 1840’s and there is evidence of the destitu- tion of this era, ruined buildings, a famine relief road dating back to 1856 which would have been constructed by the local people in return for food. A lake dotted bog land rich in flora on the Wild Altantic Way, awaits us with unri- valled views of the spectacular bay and across to the northern shore to the Mayo mountains. Ascent: little or none
Day 8 Departure Tour ends after breakfast with transfer back to Galway City. What to Expect Getting There What will the weather be like? The daytime temperature will be around 15 to mid-20 degrees C ( 60’s to 70’s F), Fly to Shannon airport ( if flying to with moderate rainfall. It often rains in Ireland, making the countryside lush and Dublin, you can take a bus or train green. It is usually misty and not torrential downpours, but rain gear is still nec- to Shannon essary, both a jacket and a pair of pants. From Shannon airport we have a
standard transfer at 11:00 for €45 How many hours of hiking a day? per person Be prepared to hike between 4 to 6 hours daily. This is a supported tour, so there is back up service throughout the holiday. If you need to take a day off Private transfers can also be ar- and rest, you can easily do so. ranged. Bus info: www.citylink.ie How fit do I need to be? The fitter the better, so you will be able to enjoy this active holiday. There are some hills and some level terrain, rolling hills rather than any steep pitches. Good waterproof hiking boots are a MUST.
What is the food like? We have included a full Irish breakfast each day. There will be packed lunches on some days, and organized dinners on some nights as well. Please advise in advance of any dietary requirements.
What are the properties like? You will stay at high quality lodges, guesthouses and B&B’s. All the rooms have private facilities. They are chosen for their charm and hospitality. How to book your holiday
Contact our office to make sure there is space available. One of our travel planners will walk you through the entire pro- cess.
Download the reservation form from our site and send in the completed form by fax or email. Once this is done, your space is confirmed and pre-departure packet will be sent.
A deposit is required immediately, and final payment is re- quired 60 days prior to the trip departure. Terms & condi- Extra Services tions are outlined in our Reservation Form.
This tour can be combined with Donegal or Plan your air travel as soon as possible. Kerry for a wonderful two week break. We encourage you to purchase travel insurance, either We have a selection of hotels available for you, through us or a travel insurance provider directly. both before and after the tour.
Ensure you are in proper health for the trip chosen. Contact Hotels in Dublin and Shannon can be arranged for you, ranging from B&B’s to deluxe accom- us for more information on vaccinations, inoculations, and modation. fitness requirements.
Contact us for details.