At An Irish Walking Experience, we offer the opportunity to live out your dream vacation in the unique and legendary West of Ireland. Immerse yourself in the magnificent landscape and panoramic views, including the rolling limestone hills and stunning plateaus of the Burren Region; the remote villages and offshore islands of Connemara and Galway Bay.  Our guides are well versed on the Ireland of yesterday and today - its politics, history, flora, fauna and archaeology.

Our choice of accommodation reflects the nature of our groups - small family run Inns and Hotels located in some of the most beautiful and tranquil spots in the world. A place where you can truly relax and unwind the let your spirit be at ease.

All our accommodations specialise in great food expecting to cater for your special dietary needs.  Restaurants cater for the cosmopolitan nature of our groups while adding a true Irish flavour.

This three centre, guided walk covers three very different areas of the west coast of Ireland - the Burren, Aran Islands and East Clare. You will be based in hotels and guesthouses in locations that provide the richest variety of geology, scenery and walking conditions that could be desired.

The Burren is a remarkable area of more than 100 square miles of limestone landscape, where a rich variety of plants thrive in the cracks and crevices. Enjoy the birds eye view of the dramatic west coast of Ireland on the short flight to the Aran Islands, where Gaelic is still spoken.

Explore the many archaeological sites of the island, including the pre-historic Fort Dun Aonghasa. Old pilgrimage sites and boglands rich in flowers are the treats of East Clare.

 Itinerary

DAY 1 - FAILTE TO IRELAND
Arrival in Shannon Airport and transfer to your booked guesthouse or hotel, overnight in Lisdoonvarna area.

DAY 2 - THE BURREN
The Burren is a unique internationally important habitat. You can explore it through a combination of walking on green roads and traversing of the karst limestone pavements, interspersed with rare arctic and alpine flowers. Overnight in Lisdoonvarna. Distance 8 miles/13km. Ascent 900ft/275m.

DAY 3 - THE ARAN ISLANDS / DUN AONGHUSA
Ferry Trip to the Irish-speaking Aran Islands. Visit archaeological sites including the pre-historic fort, Dun Aengus, and Poll na bPeist (worm hole), all set in a stony landscape from which a living was laboriously wrenched. Overnight on the island. Distance: up to 13miles/21km. Ascent: little or none.

DAY 4 - THE ARAN ISLANDS
Walk to the southeast of the island to spectacular cliffs and puffing holes. Carry on to the Iron Age Black Fort (Dun Duchathair). Overnight on the Island. Distance: up to 8 miles/13km: Ascent little or none.

DAY 5 - GALWAY CITY
After a short flight to the mainland we will visit Eyre Square, Galway Irish Crystal Centre and Shopping Incursion to Galway City. Historical Walking Tour of Galway City. Overnight in Galway City and experience the culture and music of the west.

DAY 6 - INIS CEALTRA TREK
We will transfer from Galway City to Mid-Clare. Today's trek brings you up over the hills of the Slieve Aughty Mountains with fascinating views over the majestic Lough Derg and River Shannon. Along the track you will be passing old farm ruins and miles of stonewalls and your guide will tell you about Ireland's most significant incident in history: About 150 years ago many farms and villages were left because of the Famine.

DAY 7 - BINOR TREK
Morning Boat Trip to the Monastic site of Holy Island. We will then leave for an easy trek into the surrounding peaceful forests of the Slieve Aughty Mountains. For the lunch break we will be back at the An Sibin Riding Trekking Centre. In the afternoon your guide will bring you through the rural farming land in County Galway and the huge area of heather and bog land using the old tracks of the historical Sarsfield Trek.

DAY 8
Departure Day. Optional Transfer to Shannon Airport.

Included in the Package

Pickup from Shannon at 16.00 on arrival and return to Shannon at 11.00 on departure

2004 Rates

Guided / Escorted Hiking Holidays
Burren , Aran Islands & East Clare

May - September 2004
€860 per person sharing
€185 per person Single Supplement
Airport Transfer €40 per person Shannon Airport

We recommend you bring the following items:

          Go to this website for more information: www.irishwalkingholiday.com