For independent walkers we offer the chance to discover the pleasures of the Western
Way long distance trail, starting in the wonderful village of Leenane and going as far
as Westport.
For independent walkers we offer the chance to discover the pleasures of the Western Way long distance trail, starting in the wonderful village of Leenane and going as far as Westport.
Follow in the footsteps of St. Patrick. Explore the pilgrim’s path that he once walked and enjoy a landscape steeped in antiquity.
This unspoiled countryside is liberally sprinkled with churches, Celtic artefacts and historical sites. You will stay in Hotel or B&Bs along the route. All rooms are en-suite, breakfasts are excellent, and the scenery around you could not be better. Your luggage will be transferred each day, and you will be brought to the different starting points for your walks, from where you will go along tracks, with the help of maps and walk descriptions, walking at your own pace. You will also discover the beautiful landscape of Connemara and Killary Harbour – Ireland’s only fjord.
Price:
£569 per person sharing for B & B option.
£775 per person sharing for Hotel Option
Included:
6 nights in Hotel or Bed & Breakfast in guesthouse accommodation; luggage transfers each day; detailed route descriptions and 1:50000 maps. Transfers to and from walks where indicated
Not Included:
Transportation to/from home; other meals; transfers where not indicated; entries or excursions.
Departure Dates:
April to October
Day 1:
Arrival in the small and lovely village of Leenane where a warm welcome will be waiting for you. You will stay the first two nights in your accommodation in Leenane. Your maps and starter pack will be waiting for you to go through.
Day 2:
After breakfast you will be picked up at your accommodation to explore the Killary Harbour area -walking along the Famine Track, a pathway built by local men and women in return for soup and a small allowance by the British authorities and continuing along the Western Way back to the inviting village of Leenane. Today’s walk provides you with beautiful views over Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord, whilst you follow its shores for approximately 14kms. You stay in choice accommodation in the village of Leenane.
Day 3:
After your hearty breakfast you will be transferred from your accommodation for your walk to Maumean and St Patrick’s Well (320m). Legend has it that St Patrick stood on this windy pass, looking westward towards the Twelve Bens & agreed he’d bless the land, but nary would he go a step further into the wild still pagan Connemara. Maumean remains a place of pilgrimage & is also a point along the Western Way that offers you spectacular views over the picturesque valley of Lough Inagh with the Maamturk mountains on one side and the Twelve Ben mountain range on the other. You make your way along a paved track to your charming accommodation, which is located in theInagh Valley where you stay tonight.
Day 4:
Today you will start walking from your accommodation and you continue on along the Lough Inagh Valley and the Western Way for a walk along the base of the mountain through lake-strewn bogland and peaceful forest for 10km until you reach Killary Adventure Centre where your taxi will pick you up to bring you to Westport, small colourful market town and winner of Ireland national tourism award for the tidiest town in 2006. It has lots of nice restaurants, a lively pub scene and very welcoming people to spend a lovely first evening.
Day 5:
You will be picked up at your accommodation in Westport and transferred to Murrisk for today’s walk. Your target today is the top of Croagh Patrick – Ireland’s Holy Mountain. This is quite a tough climb, but the views from the top are fantastic (climb 750m to the top; 4-5 hours). It is quite a tough climb and the ground is uneven, with the top being most difficult with small rocks that make it tricky underfoot. The fact that you have walked where many pilgrims have before, makes this a very satisfying day. You return to the bottom where you will be picked up and brought back to Westport where will spend a relaxing evening.
Day 6:
Today is a rest/relaxing day and you will have the choice to chill out around Westport, do a bit of shopping, visit the famous Westport House, hire a bike and cycle along the Greenway, take a trip to Clare Island etc before spending your last night in Westport and enjoy some traditional Irish music!
Day 7:
Breakfast, followed by departure
