The Connemara Way

Arrival in Galway. Your accommodation will be in the western city / Salthill area and a reference map will be provided in your tour pack. Galway city is a wonderful place, narrow streets, old shop fronts, the gushing Corrib river and yet the peace of the waterfront of the Claddagh fishing harbour. There is always something going on in Galway! __________________________________________________________________________________________

Bus transfer from Galway city to Maam Cross. Private Transfer from Maam Cross to Maam Bridge.Walk Maam Bridge to Lough Inagh Valley.The farming countryside of Maam climbs steadily through rugged hill country along the old mountain road, to the low pass of Mam Ean and a lovely hillside chapel of St. Patrick.
Ascents 220m, approx. walking time 5 hours.

An alternative route takes you via Binn Chaorigh high into the Maamturks on a demanding climb to 700m rewarded with fantastic views of the Atlantic and Galway Bay. Accommodation tonight is in the Inagh Valley, with a deep brooding lough under the Twelve Bens. Ascents 770m, approx. walking time 7hours.
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Free day with optional walks from Lough Inagh.

If you missed the Maumturks yesterday it is possible to do a route today behind your guesthouse on Letterbreckaun at 667m. The Twelve Bens are across Lough Inagh with many wonderful routes available. The Connemara National Park and Visitor Centre is also within striking distance as are Kylemore Abbey and the Victorian Walled Gardens. Your hosts will assist you with transfers to your chosen route. Ascents 650m, approx. walking time 6 hours.
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Walk Lough Inagh to Leenane.

A mild day today, lots of pine forest and wet ground through the bogland of Luggagtarriff and Lettershanbally. The Way climbs briefly to Glencraff before skirting the northern flanks of the Maumturks to view Killary Harbour, Ireland's only fjord. The day finishes in the village of Leenane, An Lionan, "the tide filling place"! a lovely hamlet nestling under the impressive Mweelrea Mountains of Co. Mayo. Ascents 70m, approx. walking time 5 hours.
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Taxi transfer to Glenacally Bridge. Walk Leenane to Drummin. Ascents 80m, approx. walking time 4 hours.

Or the alternative route via Lough Lugacolliwee.  Ascents 430m approx. walking time 7 hours.

Entering Co. Mayo today, Tony Lowry Taxis will transfer you to Glenacally Bridge, as this part of the Way is on 8km of busy main road. The Way rises through forest over Tawnyard Lough descending to Sheefry Bridge over the Owenmore River in the Sheefry Hills. The longer route climbs a deep stream ravine crossing at 480m to see the first glimpse of the quartzite cone of Croagh Patrick. The glaciated coum Lough Lugacolliwee is a peaceful place in the midst of such mountain splendour. Evening meals are available in your guesthouse tonight.
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Walk from Drummin to Westport. Ascents 230m, approx. walking time 6 hours.

A minor road takes you to the south of Croagh Patrick, sheep grazing country, rising to open moorland, before crossing a pass at 250m to see island studded Clew Bay. The Way descends through the remains of a Famine village, then wanders through drumlins, glacial mounds deposited in the flatland surrounding Westport town. The town was the creation of James Wyatt and although classically planned, remains picturesque. Explore at will!
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Optional free day in Westport town.

Or walk the Pilgrim’s Trail from Ballintober to Westport town. Ascents 180m, approx. walking time 5 hours.

A glorious countryside walk, through the farmlands of south county Mayo, and the valleys of the Camoge & Aille rivers. The Pilgrim trail follows the ancient prayer route from Ballintober Abbey to Croagh Patrick, St. Patrick’s Holy Mountain.
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Departure from Westport.

Depart Westport by train for Dublin or by bus to Galway and Shannon.