WEST OF IRELAND WALKING TOUR - 8-DAY CHALLENGING 
DAY 1: Arrival in Galway City and transfer to Aran Islands
From your point of arrival, use the public transport information we provide to make the journey to Galway City. From here, we will provide you with the necessary details to continue your trip as far as the Aran Islands.*
*N.B. The last bus from Galway to the ferry terminal for the Aran Islands leaves at 17:15. To avoid disappointment, please ensure you are due to arrive in Galway before 16:30. If you are not due to arrive in Galway until after 16:30, please let us know when you are making your booking. In this way, we can arrange for you to spend your first night in Galway city and you may then transfer to the Aran Islands early the following morning.
DAY 2: Explore Inis Mór - The Westen Side • Distance 16km/28km • Walking Time 3.5 – 5.5 hours(16km) / 6 - 9 hours(28km) • Max Height 98m
Reffered to as 'the most magnificent barbaric monument in Europe', no trip to the Aran Islands is compete without a visit to Dún Aengus. The 2,300 year old stone fort, dramatically perched on the edge of a cliff 100m above the surging Atlantic Ocean below, is a magical place to begin your walking holiday.
DAY 3: Explore Inis Mór - The Eastern Side & Transfer to Oughterard • Distance 12-15km • Walking Time 3.5 – 5.5 hours • Max Height 40m
The charming village of Killeany, a beautiful coastal walk along the beach to Dogs Head and another Iron Age fort (Dún Duchathair) are sure to keep you busy until it is time to catch the boat back to the mainland. A taxi will be waiting to transfer you to Oughterard.
DAY 4: Oughterard to Maam Valley • Distance 31km • Walking Time 7 - 10 hours •Max Height 118m
A long, relatively flat, walk follows quiet country roads out of Oughterard alongside the shores of Lough Corrib - an internationally reknowned fishing destination. After passing the lake, you cross some scenic bogland fypical of the local area before finishing your walk in the Maamturk Mountains.
DAY 5: Maam Valley to Leenane • Distance 25.5km • Walking Time 6 - 8.5 hours • Max Height 260m
Those leg muscles will be put to the test first thing this morning as you immediately climb upwards to Máméan Pass (the pass of the birds). At the top of the pass, their is a wonderful surprise. (You will have to visit to find out!) Finish your walk on a beautiful old track overlooking Ireland's only fjord.
DAY 6 - Option A: Leenane to Drummin • Distance 21 km • Walking Time 5 - 8 hours • Max Height 477m
Leaving Connemara behind, you now enter the highlands of South Mayo and the scenery remains as stunning as ever. The views over Lough Lugacolliwee are ample reward for your efforts. Finish your walk with a trek through blanket bogland and then a quiet road walk into the village of Drummin.
DAY 6 - Option B: Leenane to Drummin • Distance 17 km • Walking Time 4 – 6 hours • Max Height 199m
You may find that the efforts of the last few days have caught up with you. If so you can avoid the steep climb into the Sheefry Hills and instead continue along quiet country roads through the village of Drummin and onwards to your accomodation for the night.
DAY 7: Drummin to Westport • Distance 25km • Walking Time 6 - 8 hours • Max Height 246m
The holy mountain of Croagh Patrick looms above you throughout today's hike - St Patrick is said to have fasted for 40 days on the summit of this mountain in 441 AD. Each year, thousands of pilgrims make their way to the top of the mountain (many barefoot) to celebrate their faith.
Day 8: Depart from Westport
There are regular bus and train services from Westport to both Galway City (Regular Connections to Shannon Airport) and Dublin City/Airport.