Small Group
Ireland Walking & Hiking
Connemara & The Wild Atlantic Way
6 Days, 5 Nights
Maximum Group Size
16
Activity Level:
B&R Activity Levels
Priced per person from
$7,995 USD
Single Supplement: $2,000 USD
Available Months
May
Jun
Jul
Sep
Find Dates
Carbon Neutral Trip
Ireland's wild west doesn't just welcome you—it pulls you in. On foot from the ancient limestone landscapes of the Burren and the iconic Cliffs of Moher to the sacred Mamean pilgrimage route through Connemara, this is a journey revealed through its landscapes, its stories and the remarkable people who call it home. The scenery is extraordinary. The craic is guaranteed. Céad míle fáilte.

From geology experts and wildlife guides to storytellers steeped in Irish folklore, the friends you'll meet along the way bring the landscapes of the Burren and Connemara to life in ways no guidebook can.

A private walking food tour through one of Ireland's most vibrant cities introduces you to local producers, craft beers and the spirited culinary culture that makes Galway unlike anywhere else in Ireland.

One of the week's most memorable hikes traces the ancient Mamean pilgrimage route through Connemara National Park—a remote mountain pass walked in the footsteps of St. Patrick for over 1,500 years.
Day by Day
No two trips are ever the same, but this will give you a taste of what your journey will be like.
Rendezvous
Airport City: Dublin
Trip Start: The Hawthorn Hotel, Galway Bay
Time: 9:00 AM
Farewell
Airport City: Dublin
Trip End: Galway Train Station
Time: 10:30 AM
* Itineraries are subject to change. Please confirm exact Rendezvous and Farewell locations upon booking.
Day 1
A gentle woodland walk into Ballyvaughan eases you into the journey ahead before an afternoon hike through the Burren's ancient limestone landscape — one of Ireland's most extraordinary natural environments. The day ends at Gregans Castle with welcome drinks and dinner at the hotel's acclaimed restaurant.
Activity:
Daily hike & walk: 12 km (7.5 mi) | Elevation: 307 m (1,010 ft)
Long option: 23 km (14.5 mi) | Elevation: 557 m (1,830)
Day 2
An early arrival at the Cliffs of Moher beats the crowds, sheer rock faces plunging into the wild Atlantic at their most dramatic. A coastal walk leads to Doolin for lunch before an afternoon guided hike along the limestone landscape of Black Head with a local writer and wildlife documeanty presenter. The evening winds down with a traditional Irish whiskey tasting and dinner at a local restaurant.
Activity:
Daily hike & walk: 14 km (9 mi) | Elevation: 390 m (1,279 ft)
Long option: 27 km (17 mi) | Elevation: 630 m (2,066 ft)
Day 3
Galway sets the tone for the day with a private walking food tour through the city's craft beer spots, local flavours and spirited laneways. The afternoon heads into Connemara for a guided walk through Ballynahinch Castle's 700-acre ancient woodland estate, framed by the Twelve Bens and alive with native wildlife.
Activity:
Daily hike & walk: 11 km (7 mi) | Elevation: 177 m (581 ft)
Day 4
In the company of one of Ireland's leading field archaeologists, today's hike traces the ancient Mamean pilgrimage route beneath the Maumturk Mountains, a remote pass tied to St. Patrick and centuries of Irish tradition. A picnic on the shores of Killary Harbour and a sheep farm visit round out the day before dinner on your own in Clifden.
Activity:
Daily hike & walk: 12 km (7 mi) | Elevation: 340 m (1,115 ft)
Day 5
The morning traces the coastline from Dog's Bay to Roundstone Harbour, where a scenic boat ride through Roundstone Bay—with a weather-permitting stop at a deserted island for lunch—offers one final perspective on Connemara's wild beauty. The week closes with a farewell dinner and live traditional Irish music at Ballynahinch Castle.
Activity:
Daily walk: 8 km (5 mi)
Long option: 19 km (12 mi) | Elevation: 44 m (144 ft)
Day 6
After breakfast, we'll head back to Galway in time for the Dublin train. Your guides are happy to arrange a private transfer to Dublin or Shannon airports, or anywhere else your journey takes you. Slán Go Fóill!
Dates & availability
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Featured stays
Gregans Castle Hotel
Location: County Clare, Ireland
Ballynahinch Castle
Location: Recess, Ireland
What's included
Accommodation & Dining
All breakfasts, lunches and dinners as indicated on the itinerary.
All breakfasts, lunches and dinners as indicated on the itinerary.
Thoughtfully selected local wines, beers, cocktails or non-alcoholic beverages with all meals.
Active Essentials
Use of two lightweight, telescoping walking sticks and a backpack.
A reusable B&R water bottle.
Guided Services
Services of B&R guide(s).
All special events, private tours, guest experts and entrance fees.
All gratuities for baggage, porters and hotel services.Transportation from pick up to drop off.
Logistics and Gratuities
Transportation from pick up to drop off.
Baggage transportation.
What's Not Included: What's Not Included: International flights, travel protection, gratuity for your B&R guides.
This trip is carbon neutral. Learn more about our Sustainability commitment.
Good to know

Terrain
Day 4 features the most challenging hike of the trip, following a historic pilgrimage route with steeper ascents and greater elevation gain — making it closer to a Level 3 activity than the rest of the week.

Air Conditioning
Ireland's temperate climate means most hotel bedrooms are not air-conditioned. Fans can be provided on request if the weather is unusually warm.

Getting Home
At the end of the trip, your guides will transfer you back to Galway for onward train connections to Dublin. Private transfers can be arranged at an additional cost. Shannon Airport is approximately 2.5 hours away, Knock Airport 2 hours away, and Dublin Airport 3.5–4 hours away.
Why choose a Small Group trip?

An Effortless Journey
Our expert Experience Designers are perfectionists, using first-hand knowledge of routes, restaurants and hotels to create an unforgettable experience. This means all the planning is taken care of for you. All you need to do is enjoy.

Active Exploration
From emerging destinations to iconic sights, B&R trips show you the world in a new way on our expertly developed cycling, walking and hiking routes. Travelling through historic villages and romantic vineyards and up to striking viewpoints, our routes offer a variety of challenges for every activity level.

Friends for Life
Your fellow travellers are as passionate and curious about the world as you are, which means the conversations and laughs will be as free flowing as your drink of choice. Don't be surprised if your group starts planning a reunion before the trip is done.

Room for Surprises
We love a plan, but we adore a spontaneous moment even more. Whether it’s an impromptu al fresco meal or a moon-lit musical performance, our advice is to expect the unexpected.
Experience Designer
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