Adventourus Active Vacations

7 day Escorted tour

This tour is a twin centre holiday based between Ballyvaughan, in the heart of the Burren, and the village of Leenane in Connemara on the shore of Irelands only Fjord.
The Burren is a limestone escarpment of approx 100 sq miles that has a unique range of flora and a fascinating history. From our base in Ballyvaughan we will be able to explore the best this region has to offer including the Cliffs of Moher.
Connemara is a land of desolate bogs and mountains. It is a harsh but inspiring landscape that reveals its history in deserted famine cottages and archaeological sites. Our base is the picture perfect village of Leenane with its wonderful nearby walks and interesting attractions such as Kylemore Abbey.

From there, we will transfer the group to the village of Ballyvaughan, our base for next 3 nights. (The journey takes approx 1 hour.)

Starting at Gortlecka in the Burren National Park , walk on a narrow lane between Turloughs then across limestone pavements with pavement and hazel woodland flora, to climb through limestone crags to the summit of the modest Mullaghmore Mountain , regarded by many as the spiritual heart of the Burren.

Day 3: Black Head (17 km)

You walk in the north western corner of the Burren. You begin walking up an old path onto the limestone pavements. A hazel scrub vegetation threatens to cover the whole of this area. You may spot one of the herds of feral goats who live wild in the area and thrive on the hazel and fulfil an important function in preventing the scrub from enveloping the thin soils of the region. You walk through the pass and then descend to the Gleninagh valley before joining the Burren Way . The walk continues down a lane alongside the Caher River . The final section of the walk follows a green road around Black Head with beautiful views over Galway Bay to the Aran Islands and the distant Connemara Mountains.

Transfer to the Cliffs of Moher, where you can enjoy a short walk along the spectacular cliffs.
Transfer by minibus to Connemara where we will visit Kylemore Abbey. The mock Gothic castle was a wedding gift from a wealthy Liverpool businessman to his wife in 1868. Since 1920 it has been the home of the Benedictine nuns who run a girl boarding school at the Abbey. There will be time to visit the Abbey, Church and Victorian garden.

Walk from Bunowen along the shores of Killary Harbour overlooking the whole fjord and Mweelrea Mountain, the highest in Connaught. Cross through an old deserted settlement along old path once used by the community to carry their dead to the cemetery. Descend to the Little Killary and walk around to Rosroe Pier to the Youth Hostel that the philosopher Wittgenstein once stayed in when seeking darkness! Return along the old shoreline path to Bunowen.

At 9.00 am drive south through Connemara to Rossaveal on the south coast. From Rossaveal take the ferry (cost €20) out to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands (30 mins). The cliff path leads to Dun Aengus, a 3000 year old stone ring fort built right up to the 100 metre cliff edge. The fort is one of the finest Iron Age ring forts in Europe with two outer walls in addition to the central cashel. After exploring the fort you will take a minibus back to Cill Ronain, where you will have some time before catching the boat back to Rossaveal, then on to Leenane by minibus.

Walk from the Mám valley and climb gradually up to the pass. At the summit of the path there is a statue of St.Patrick and several “stations” around which pilgrims say their prayers. A cleft in the rock is said to have been used by St. Patrick as a shelter. From the pass we continue down to the Inagh Valley where we follow the Western Way along a quiet lake to Lough Inagh.

After breakfast your tour comes to an end, and you may begin your journey home. We would also be more than happy to extend your stay in Europe.

PRICE & DETAILS

Price & Schedule

DEPARTURE DATES:

Any Saturday if you have a minimum of 8 in your group.

- 7 nights B&B accommodation (a mixture of guesthouses and hotels). All rooms have an ensuite bathroom

- Packed lunches & 4 evening meals

- Tour guide with a minibus to offer maximum flexibility to the walking options

- Set transfer to and from Shannon on the start date

EASY TO MODERATE: Routes of medium difficulty on good trails and paths. Daily walking distance up to 5 hours. Good fitness level is required for some parts as you walk up to 17 km with hills. Good hiking gear is required.