Compare 7 Day Connemara and Aran Islands by Hilltoptreks vs Country Roads of Ireland - End Dublin, Small Group, Summer End Dublin Small Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1: Pick up and travel to Galway for onward travel by ferry from Rossaveal to Inish Mor.live irish music

Morning: Your adventure starts with a pickup in Dublin where you will meet your guide. Then it’s off to County Galway, where you will catch the ferry to Inis Mor. 

Afternoon; A short journey by sea and after settling into your accommodation we will take a walk from Kilronan to see a few of the many sites on the islands, such as Lub an Currach and Teampaill Chiarain.

Evening: After a long day of travelling and walking, we will all have dinner and relax in one of the local pubs or restaurants. Traditional music is available most evenings on the island and Inis Mor is famous for it.

Day 2: Full day walking Inish Mor; Lub an Cill Mhuirbhigh , Dún Aonghasa  and Poll na bPeist.

Overnight Inish Mor (Aran Island)

Walk: Easy - moderate Distance 16km, Ascent 180m

Morning & Afternoon; Inish Mor is well known for its monuments dating to Christian, pre Christian and Celtic times. You won’t go far without seeing something of historical interest.

Today after breakfast, we will start from Kilronan village, in the direction of Teampaill Chiarain, in the village of Mainistir (meaning monastery). It is said to have been founded by St Ciarán of Clonmacnoise in the 12th century, on the old site of Mainistir Chonnacht. Several cross-decorated slabs stand near the church.

We will pass a viewing poiAran Islands - Irelandnt for the seal colony on our way and Cill Mhuirbhigh Beach, a sandy beach located on the northern coast of Inishmore Island. This whole area is rich in habitats. Several rare plant species listed as endangered are found here and the birdlife is considered of international significance. You will see many ancient monuments today, the most impressive of which is to Dún Aonghasa, located at the top of 300ft cliffs.  The fort covers 14 acres and has a tri-vallate structure, meaning three concentric walls. The fort was inhabited as far back as approx 1,500. We take a slight detour on our return journey to Kilronan via The Worm Hole or Poll na peist, a really impressive structure cut out of the limestone slabs at the base of the cliffs.

Evening: Once back to our accommodation you will have some free time to possibly explore the craft shops and see the knitwear the Aran islands are famous for. Dinner and some music will end a fantastic day on Inis Mor.

Day 3: Morning ferry from Inish Mor to Rossaveal, Cycle in Connemara - Clifden

Overnight Clifden

Morning; After the journey by ferry from Inis Mor to Rossaveal we will travel to Clifden, where we will settle into our accommodation and have somcycling in Connemaraething light to eat. The journey from Rossaveal , is something to be savoured, taking in parts of the Wild atlantic Way and passing under the spectacular twelve bens Mountains.

Afternoon; After settling in and having a snack to keep you going, our cycle route from Clifden takes us across Roundstone bog, an area scoured by glaciers with hundreds of tiny lakes, and into Roundstone village. Roundstone village has the rugged, glacially sculpted backdrop of Errisbeg Mountain, and a visit to Connemara would not be complete without a visit to the harbour village of Roundstone.

South of the village the crescent-shaped beaches of Gurteen and Dog’s Bay and the beautiful headland between them, reminiscent of the Burren landscape, is a perfect place to stop and have a picnic lunch. After a well deserved rest and picnic at Dogs bay, the route leads us back to Clifden through Ballconeely, along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Evening; Clifden is a lively, traditional west of Ireland town. There are many options here for food, drink, miusic and dance. The town has a huge variety of craft shops also with many local traditional crafts for sale.

Day 4: Kayaking, SUP or Coasteering - Ballynakill Bay

Overnight Clifden

Morning; After a hkayaking in Connemaraearty Irish breakfast you will get to spend a half day Kayaking, stand up paddle boarding or coasteering from Bundouglas, a tiny golden beach on Ballynakill Bay. This headland is carved out with tiny inlets, rich in sea caves and sea stacks .This section of coast will give you the chance to explore them all, up close.

Afternoon / evening; Back on dry land again, we will make our way back to Clifden, along the edge of Streamstown Bay, along the Wild Atlantic Way, for a well deserved rest. A late lunch, and maybe even a few pints.  Clifden is famous for its seafood, so maybe some mussels or oysters and a pint of the black stuff would end a seafaring day on the right note.

Day 5: Inishboffin Island - Walk on white beaches

Overnight Inishboffin

Walk: easy Distance 8km, ascent 80 mDogs Bay - Connemara

Morning; A short drive to Cleggan from Leenane and we will catch the 11am ferry to Inishboffin.

Afternoon; After the short twenty minute ferry journey and settling into your accommodation on Inishboffin , we will do a walk of the Westquarter loop , which takes us along ancient bogroads and white gold beaches. This trail provides spectacular views south to Inishark and the Galway mainland and eventually joins the ‘Low’ road along Bofin Harbour. Along this trail you will have views of the Island’s blow holes and sea arch, sea stags where the Island seal colony can be seen, the Dún More Cliffs and Iron Age promontory fort ruins, picturesque Trá Gheal beach and famine road.

Evening; Inishboffin is world renowned for its traditional Irish music and there will be a choice of pubs to listen to music and possibly even dance.

Day 6: Full day walking Inishboffin; Cloonamore & Middlequarter Loop

Overnight Inishboffin

Walk easy - moderate Distance 12km, Ascent 200m

Morning & Afternoon; The Cloonamore Loop follows bog roads and along the beautiful East End Beach, visiting St Colman’s 14th Century Chapel and Church Lough. This is a very fertile valley sitable for reed beds and other vegetation, which in turn provide cover, food and nest sites for a huge variety of birds. Todays walk also goes over Inishbofin’s second highest point, which on a clear day offers panoramic views of Achill Island , Inishturk  Island and Clare Island, the Twelve Bens, the Maumturk Mountains and Croagh Patrick, the trail visits some of Inishbofin’s historic sites from the Iron and Bronze Age.

Afternoon /Evening;

The Blueway is a network of water trails at which you can to experience a variety of water based activities, including kayaking and snorkelling, in a safe controlled environment. These activities are not included in your tour but can be organised for the afternoon of your full day on Innishboffin. Walking near clifden connemara

Snorkel Trail.

The rocky coastline hosts a large variety of sea life including beadlet, anemones, starfish, limpet, mussels, barnacles, starfish, spider crabs and hermit crabs.

Kayak Trail

Inishbofin harbour is sheltered from most winds other those from the south west, however the inner harbour beyond the old pier remains sheltered at all times.  It is possible to land on the beaches to the east of the fort and also to loop back across the harbour, paying attention to boat movements in the area. This round trip is approx. 2 km in length. Your guide will be able to advise you on providers and perhaps even help you price and book activities.

Day 7: Ferry Inishboffin to Cleggan; 8.15am or 9am depending on day of week.

Depart for Dublin

Today unfortunately is our last day in the west of Ireland on this trip and we will make a stop as make their way back to Dublin.

Slan agus beannacht (Goodbye and blessings) You will be dropped back to Dublin.

Day 1: Welcome to Dublin

On arrival at Dublin airport, transfers leave for your hotel at 08:30, 11:00 and 13:00. Join your Travel Director at 18:00 for a warm and friendly Welcome Dinner, with the opportunity to mingle and get to know each other over a meal with wine.

Day 2: In Dublin’s Fair City Relaxed Start

Become acquainted with Dublin’s elegant squares during an orientation of the city. Discover Custom House, Christchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Enjoy entrance to the 9th century Book of Kells and a walk through the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College accompanied by a Local Expert, who will share their insights into modern life and the establishment’s impressive history. The afternoon is free to explore.

Day 3: A Journey from Dublin to Cork

In the morning, visit one of the country’s main racehorse breeding centres. Continue to the acclaimed 100 year old Japanese Gardens where you can ‘journey through life’ during a walk through the beautiful surrounds. Travel to the medieval city of Kilkenny, home of the world's fastest field game. The ancient Celtic sport of Hurling is over 3,000 years old and Ireland's national sport. Meet an experienced player who will share his passion as you test your skill during a lesson. Continue through Cahir and see its imposing 13th century castle, featured in the film 'Excalibur', on the way to Cork. On arrival, your Travel Director will show you around the compact university city, with its vibrant waterfront and grand Georgian parades.

Day 4: Across the Mountains to Killarney Relaxed Start

Travel to the ruined Blarney Castle. Will you hang upside down from the ramparts to kiss the stone and ensure a lifetime of eloquence? Or enjoy a sensory walk in the extensive and varied estate gardens. Travel across the majestic Derrynasaggart Mountains to the peaceful town of Killarney. For your Farm-to-Table dining experience, enjoy some Irish home cooking in the kitchens of chef John Sheehan. Join John and Freda, your hosts at the 19th Green Guesthouse, and savour the delicious flavours of fresh local cuisine on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Gather together at a Farm-to-Table dinner, using responsibly sourced ingredients from the local community, and gain personal insight into classic Irish recipes that are loved throughout the world.

Day 5: Ring of Kerry Experience Relaxed Start

Start your day with Insight Choice. Choose a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys. Alternatively, join a gentle hike with a Local Expert along the lake shore and past the grounds of Ross Castle, admiring the incredible scenery of the National Park. While there aren't any mountains to climb, walkers should be fit, have good walking shoes or boots, sunscreen and rain gear. Explore around the magnificent Ring of Kerry. Here, mountains, valleys, lakes and sea blend into a landscape that is breathtaking beyond words. Journey past lush lakelands and around towering cliffs as you appreciate sweeping sea views. Continue through delightful villages like Sneem and cross the peat bogs of the Black Mountains to Moll’s Gap to admire Queen Victoria’s Ladies View. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Maybe take the opportunity to hire a bicycle and enjoy one of the many scenic trails around the lake or through the National Park.

Day 6: Around the Dingle Peninsula Relaxed Start

Continue driving with views of wide skies, peaceful towns and coastal scenery of the Dingle Peninsula — the setting for the film Ryan’s Daughter. Drive to dramatic Slea Head at the peninsula’s far end, before reaching your hotel on the shores of Dingle harbour. With the evening at leisure, why not treat yourself to a relaxing experience at the hotel's spa? Offering holistic and therapeutic treatments, the Peninsula Spa is the perfect place to unwind after a busy day of exploring the coast.

Day 7: The Cliffs of Moher and Galway

Journey to the Visitor Centre at the 700-foot Cliffs of Moher. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Clare Coast before a delightful drive through the strange, rocky landscape of the Burren to Galway Bay. On arrival, see the Lynch Memorial and Church of St. Nicholas, where Christopher Columbus reputedly prayed before his voyages to America. See the Spanish Arch and Eyre Square, dedicated to the late US President, John F. Kennedy.

Day 8: Free day Galway or Aran Islands Relaxed Start

Spend a day at leisure to relax and enjoy Galway. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to the Aran Islands? A genuine highlight of the Wild Atlantic Way. With their cliffs and spectacular coastal views, the islands are a true Irish experience.

Day 9: Londonderry

Continue on to County Sligo, stopping at a peaceful churchyard in Drumcliffe to visit the final resting place of Ireland's famous poet, William Butler Yeats. Admire the Blue Stack Mountains of Donegal as you cross into Northern Ireland, bound for the ancient walled city of 'Derry.' What better way to experience sightseeing than with one of Northern Ireland's best storytellers, Ronan, as he takes you on a tour inside the city walls, still topped with cannons. Walk down steep Shipquay Street, with its elegant Georgian houses, to the Gothic Guildhall.

Day 10: Walk in the Giant’s Steps Relaxed Start

Journey to the iconic Giant's Causeway for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Learn how the National Trust is enabling farming and biodiversity to work together, supporting both wildlife and quality food production. Next, prepare yourself for miles of breathtaking beauty as you travel along the road clinging to the Antrim Coast. Continue onto your hotel, overlooking Ballygally Bay. For those who are brave enough, perhaps check out The Ghost Room, in one of the castle’s turrets? In the evening, please join us for a finale Celebration Dinner, where old-fashioned hospitality is blended with good food and wine for an experience that delights the senses.

Day 11: The Antrim Coast to Belfast Relaxed Start

Continue around the Antrim Coast, past the huge Norman castle at Carrickfergus, to arrive in the Northern Ireland capital of Belfast. Meet Hilda, your Local Expert, for a passionate city tour including views of the City Hall, Queen's University, the Parliament Building at Stormont and murals in different locations indicating political sentiments of local residents.

Day 12: Depart Dublin

An early departure transfer will arrive at Dublin airport at 08:00.