Burren Way (incl. Cliffs of Moher & Aran Islands)
€790
per person
The Burren Way is one of Ireland’s most iconic hiking trails. This rewarding self-guided tour will take you through a unique set of limestone hills and valleys following old drover’s roads, forest, coastal paths, and minor backroads. You will take a dip into local culture passing through quiet little towns and villages diversified with picturesque wildflower scenery and Neolithic and early Christian monuments. Spend your independent walking trip in the company of this internationally recognized astonishing scenery.
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Destination
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Duration6 (5) Days I Level: 3 (of 5)
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What is included5 overnight stays in local pensions and inns including breakfast; Luggage transfers; Carefully elaborated route description; Detailed travel and tour documents (incl. GPS tracks); Service hotline
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What is not includedFerry tickets, drinks and other meals, public transportation/taxis
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Best periodApril, May, June, July, August, September, mid-October
FROM OUR GALLERY
Self-guided and inn to inn walking tours along the Burren Way in Ireland (incl. cliffs of Moher and Aran Islands)
1
Day 1. Arrival in Liscannor
You arrive on your own arrangements at the starting point of this hiking tour of the lovely Irish countryside. (check the "Rates & Remarks" tab for hints on how to get there from Dublin). Liscannor, a popular coastal village, is the most preferred starting point for walking along the Burren Way.
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Day 2. Liscannor - Cliffs of Moher - Doolin (18km, 6hrs, +530m/-530m)
Today you will experience one of the highlights of this self-guided walking tour - the magnificent Cliffs of Moher elevated around 120 meters above the Atlantic Coast of Ireland. You will follow the trail 15 kilometers alongside the cliffs, passing by the photogenic O’Brien’s Castle (built in the 14th Century) where you can make a stop to enjoy the view. From there, you will follow the Doolin Cliff Walk to the town of Doolin itself - a venue for traditional music and charming local restaurants.
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Day 3. Doolin - Aran Islands - Doolin (15km, 4hrs, +250m/-250m)
This day is dedicated to the Aran Islands located in Galway Bay. A ferry ride from Doolin (tickets not included, approx. 40 euros return trip) will take you to Inishmore (Big Island) - the largest and most visited of the three islands. A lot of visitors choose to explore Inishmore by bike which one can rent after getting off the ferry. There is a variety of quiet roads where you can walk or cycle surrounded by stone walls from both sides. The highlights of the island are the prehistoric fort of Dún Aonghasa, dramatically located atop a high cliff, and the nearby Worm Hole, a rectangular natural pool. The Worm Hole is rapidly gaining popularity as it has recently become a venue for the Red Bull Cliff diving competition. You can also visit the local shops and pubs where you can stop for lunch or a drink before departure. You can also opt to visit the other island as well, but mind that this will limit the time you spend on Inishmore also don’t forget to check the ferry schedules.
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Day 4: Doolin - Fanore/Doolin (15km, 4.30hrs, +260m/-260m)
After a hearty breakfast, you will explore Burren National Park and its magnificent landscape. The route will take you through farmland near the well-known town of Lisdoonvarna - famous for its music and festivals. Some highlights of this day of the self-guided trip include the Doolin Caves and the Ballinalacken castle. Moving onwards, a small boreen (small cow path) with stone walls on either side will take you on a breathtaking panoramic walk with views of the Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands. You can even opt to climb the highest peak in the area, Slieve Elva (344m) for even better views. Next, a descent to Caher Valley and the charming coastal village of Fanore with its even more charming beaches. N.B. Eating out in Fanore is problematic, so most clients choose to stay an extra night in Doolin and transfer between locations either by public bus (4-5 Euros) or local taxi (20-25 Euros).
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Day 5: Doolin/Fanore - Ballyvaughan ( 21km, 6-6.30hrs, +300m/-300m)
If you have chosen Doolin for your overnight stay you need to reach the trailhead in Fanore in the morning on your own arrangements by public bus or taxi. Your first stop for this section of the independent walking tour is The Black Head. There, you will get your first sneak peek at the gleaming waters of Galway Bay. You can opt to visit The Blackhead Lighthouse or ascend to Cathair Dhuin Irghuis (an ancient stone fort) - both sites are worth the detour, time permitting. Your narrow pathway by the cliffs will later unite with an old Mass Path taking you through the lush green Gleninagh Valley. The last highlight of today’s walk is the 16th-century Newtown Castle before you finally reach the charming fishing village of Ballyvaughan. Make sure you visit the incredible Aillwee Cave. It is one of the oldest and most interesting caves in Ireland where you can explore a frozen waterfall and the bones of a now-extinct brown bear.
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Day 6: Departure day
Onward travel or extra nights
TOUR LOCATION
Price
790 Euro per person in twin/dbl room
Single room & Solo traveler supplement
Single room supplement: 340 Euro;
Solo traveler supplement (incl. sgl. room supplement): 410 Euro
Tips
Daily arrivals between the beginning of April and mid-October. You must not have vertigo when walking the Cliffs of Moher coastal trail. For the other legs you need to be in a good shape for hikes up to 20km. Arrival by plane to Dublin or Shannon. From Dublin airport with the Citylink busses either direct to Galway or to Dublin Heuston and by train to Galway. From here you can get a direct bus (2,30hrs ride) to Liscannor (www.citylink.ie; www.buseireann.ie).
Accommodation
Traditional family pensions and inns including breakfast. Samples of the inns we would normally book (subject to availability), or similar category: Day 1: Liscannor- Carrig House B&B; Days 2/3/4: Doolin- O'Connors Guesthouse; Day 5: Ballyvaughan - Waters Country House;
Send an enquiry about this tour
The reservation confirmation you will get right after placing an order only confirms that your booking is received and an agent has started working on it. It doesn't mean your tour is guaranteed! Wait to hear from us with final confirmation before booking flights or making any other arrangements, related to your holiday. The dates as listed below do not correspond with real-time availability!
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