Walking Tours of Connemara

Introduction to the Connemara Way

Translated as "the Conmaicne, Tribe of the Sea" - even the name Connemara is wildly inspired! Stretching from Galway Bay to Killary Harbour and bounded on the east by Lough Corrib & Lough Mask, the principal range of mountains is the Twelve Bens and the smaller Maumturks.

Grey quartzite peaks, shimmering over bogs and small loughs, fed by an average rainfall of 1700mm! It is a wild place, with some of the finest scenery Ireland has to offer. Early settlements were mainly on the coast; the interior deemed too infertile and wet for any useful occupation.

The area suffered huge population loss in the mid 19 th century but through the guidance of the Irish Land Commission, land leases were offered to tenant farmers, fishing was structured and the area was slowly rejuvenated. Today much of the valley land is now under forestry schemes and intensive fish farming fills the coastal loughs. The predominance of hills and water means a relatively small road network but despite this, a strong native population remains.

Connemara Way Route

The full Western Way runs from Oughterard in Co. Galway to Ballina in north Co. Mayo. Our itinerary covers the south and central section, known as the Connemara Way – though often distinguished in literature as Western Way (Connemara) with the Western Way (Mayo) continuiing from Westport to Ballina.

From Oughterard the way starts alongside the shores of Lough Corrib, one of Ireland's finest lakes much visitied by local and oveseas fishermen. Then it turns west across bogland to the Pass of Mam Ean in the Maumturk Mountains, hauntingly beautiful and superbly uninhabited.

The Connemara Way then descends to the beautiful Lough Inagh Valley and from there follows the shore of Killary Harbour, Ireland's only fjord and a memorable sight to see.

The Way then enters Co. Mayo and the lower Sheefry Hills, crossing forest and bogland. It is wild and desolate on this section before passing under the towering bulk of Croagh Patrick, Ireland's holy mountain. Finally the Way meanders to the island studded Clew Bay and the historic town of Westport.

The total walk is 77km. Approximately 30% of the route is on tarred roads. We offer the following tours on the Connemara Way

• 8 day walking tour beginning in Galway City and finishing in Westport, Co. Mayo.
• Take a break at Leenane and spend a day or two exploring the nearby attractions at Kylemore Abbey, Connemara National Park and take a boat trip to Inishbofin Island.
• It is possible to provide an abbreviated itinerary.
• It is possible to continue from Westport to Achill Island and explore this scenic island area on foot.

Customised holidays based in Connemara that can include walking are also available - just fill out the Itinerary Request Form or e-mail us directly with your requirements.

Airports for this area

Shannon – Bus Eireann connection to Oughterard via Galway city. Taxi transfer to your accommodation, 6km from Oughterard. After your walking tour Bus Eireann from Westport via Galway city to Shannon.

Dublin – Bus Eireann, AirLink Coach or Irish Rail to Galway city. Bus Eireann connection from Galway city to Oughterard. Taxi transfer to your accommodation, 6km from Oughterard.

Alternatively, Aer Arann provide reasonably costed flights from Dublin Airport to Galway. Bus or taxi transfer to Galway City for Bus Eireann connection to Oughterard.

After your walking tour Irish Rail from Westport to Dublin's Heuston Station or Bus Eireann from Westport to Dublin.

Galway – Taxi transfer to Galway city centre. Bus Eireann connection to Oughterard. Taxi transfer to your accommodation, 6km from Oughterard. After your walking tour Bus Eireann from Westport to Galway city and taxi transfer to Galway airport.

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