Discover The Burren and Connemara: Two of Ireland’s Most Stunning Regions
Embark on an unforgettable journey through two of western Ireland’s most captivating landscapes: The Burren in County Clare and Connemara in County Galway. This combined tour takes you from the rugged beauty of the Burren’s limestone plateaus to the wild, mountainous charm of Connemara—an adventure that will immerse you in Ireland’s natural wonders and rich cultural heritage.
The Burren: A Geological Marvel in County Clare
The Burren is one of Ireland’s most unique landscapes, part of the Wild Atlantic Way. Spanning 360 square kilometers, this UNESCO-recognized region is a geological wonder known for its expansive limestone plateaus, deep grikes (fissures in the rock), and stunning Karst topography. The word “Burren” comes from the Irish word “boireann”, meaning “rocky place”, and it truly lives up to its name!
Why Visit The Burren?
- Breathtaking Landscapes: The Burren is an outdoor lover’s paradise, with vast limestone expanses, ancient burial sites, and breathtaking coastal views.
- Rich Flora and Fauna: Despite its rugged appearance, the Burren is home to a surprising variety of plant species. Rare wildflowers and plants from Arctic, Mediterranean, and Alpine climates grow side by side, making the region a botanist’s dream.
- The Burren Way: This marked walking trail stretches from Liscannor to Ballyvaughan, passing near the famous Cliffs of Moher. Along the way, you’ll encounter ancient stone structures, scenic viewpoints, and an ever-changing landscape shaped by time and nature.
Connemara: Ireland’s Wild Heart
Located in County Galway, Connemara is a wild, untamed region that boasts some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery. From the rugged peaks of the Twelve Bens mountain range to the tranquil lakes and winding coastal roads, Connemara offers a striking contrast to the Burren’s limestone landscape.
Why Visit Connemara?
- Stunning Mountain Views: The Twelve Bens and Maumturks mountain ranges offer incredible hiking opportunities with panoramic views of bogs, lakes, and Atlantic coastline.
- A Coastal Paradise: With Killary Harbour and the rugged shores of the Wild Atlantic Way, Connemara’s coastline is dramatic and remote. Its peaceful coves, sandy beaches, and traditional fishing villages make it a perfect place for exploration.
- Rich Irish Culture: Connemara is a living link to Ireland’s Gaelic past. The area is home to many Irish-speaking communities and vibrant cultural traditions. Don’t miss the historic Kylemore Abbey, a Benedictine monastery set on a picturesque lake.
- Wildlife & Nature: The diverse landscapes of Connemara are home to a variety of wildlife, including seals, otters, and rare birds, making it a great destination for nature enthusiasts.
Why Combine The Burren and Connemara on One Tour?
Together, The Burren and Connemara offer an unparalleled combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The contrasting landscapes—the stark limestone plateaus of the Burren and the lush mountains and lakes of Connemara—provide a rich and varied experience of Ireland’s most breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re hiking the Burren Way, soaking in the dramatic vistas of Connemara, or discovering Ireland’s fascinating history and folklore, this tour is an unforgettable way to experience the magic of the west of Ireland.
Highlights of Your Tour:
- Walk through the surreal limestone landscapes of the Burren, past ancient dolmens and the Cliffs of Moher.
- Explore the unspoiled beauty of Connemara.
- Experience Ireland’s Gaelic heritage, with opportunities to meet locals and hear the Irish language spoken in its natural environment.
Prices / Dates
Price: €1,089 per person sharing
Single Supplement: +€565
Solo Traveller Supplement: +€110
Tour Dates: 1 May to 30 September
Tour Grade: Easy to Moderate
Accommodation: Guesthouse or B&B
Included / Excluded
- 8 nights bed & breakfast accommodation
- All accommodation is pre-booked in approved and carefully selected family-run guesthouses with all rooms en-suite.
- Breakfast supplied each day.
- Maps and route notes, both trails have been walked and checked by Christopher from Footfalls.
- Luggage transfers daily while you walk with a small day pack.
- All information on trains or buses needed to get to your first accommodation in Liscannor and back at the end of the tour Leenane.
- 24-7 Emergency Telephone support
- Transfers from point of arrival to Liscannor or from Ballyvaughan to Oughterard and after the end of the tour in Leenaun.
- No luggage transfer from Ballyvaughan to Oughterard
- Packed Lunches
- Drinks and Snacks
- Personal Equipment
You have the option to arrive at Dublin, Shannon or Cork airport and travel by bus or train to Lahinch to begin your walking vacation along the Burren Way. We will supply you with the necessary timetables and information to get you safely to your first accommodation.
Lahinch Village, County Clare
Nestled along the Wild Atlantic Way in Lahinch, this lively seaside village is best known for its long sandy beach, rolling Atlantic waves, and relaxed coastal charm. Often referred to as the surfing capital of the west, Lahinch attracts walkers, swimmers, and surfers alike, with its promenade offering stunning ocean views and a refreshing sea breeze.
The village has a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere, with colourful cafés, traditional pubs, and local restaurants lining the streets.
We will organise a complimentary taxi transfer for you from Lahinch to the beginning of your walk at the Cliffs of Moher.
A visit to the iconic Cliffs of Moher is a true highlight of any journey along Ireland’s west coast. Rising dramatically above the Atlantic Ocean, these towering cliffs offer breathtaking views stretching as far as the Aran Islands on a clear day. Take time to walk along the cliff paths, soak in the ever-changing seascapes, and experience the raw beauty of this world-famous landmark.
From here, your journey continues north towards Doolin, following a scenic coastal trail that keeps the ocean by your side. This walk is both invigorating and memorable, with sweeping views, seabird colonies, and the sound of waves crashing far below.
Arriving in Doolin, you’ll find a charming village renowned for its traditional Irish music, cosy pubs, and warm welcome—an ideal place to relax and reflect after a truly unforgettable day along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Distance: 10 km / 6 miles, Ascent 420 m / 1260ft, Approximate walking time: 4 / 6 hours.
- Distance may vary depending on what exploring you do around the Cliffs and the Visitors Centre.
Today’s walking route is a superb section of the trail, taking you through the hinterland of Ballynahown and onto the plateau of the Burren. You will traverse beneath Slieve Elva, the highest mountain in the area, and if you are feeling energetic, a short diversion will bring you to its summit (344m).
Your descent leads into the Caher Valley and along the Caher River—the only above-ground river in the Burren. Along the way, you will enjoy fantastic views back towards the Cliffs of Moher and across the Atlantic Ocean to the Aran Islands.
You will stay overnight in Fanore.
Distance: 22.5 km / 14.5 miles, Ascent: 852 m / 2556 ft, Approximate walking time: 6 / 7 hours
Today’s walk follows quiet country roads that wind their way around Black Head, where the landscape opens out to reveal sweeping views across Galway Bay. The Aran Islands rise on the horizon, while to the north the rugged outline of the Connemara Mountains stretches into the distance. It’s a gentle and reflective day, shaped by wide skies, limestone terrain, and the ever-present Atlantic.
As you make your way along this peaceful route, you’ll pass Newtown Castle, a striking 16th-century tower house. Once built for a branch of the O’Brien family and later held by the O’Loghlen clan, it stands as a reminder of the area’s rich and layered past.
Your journey ends in Ballyvaughan, a charming harbour village on the southern shores of Galway Bay. Once a busy centre for the turf trade from Connemara—and even the capital of Clare during Victorian times—it carries traces of history from prehistoric settlement to the famine era, while today it offers a warm and lively welcome.
You will stay overnight in Ballyvaughan.
Distance: 20.5 km / 12 miles, Ascent: 755 m / 2265 ft, Approximate walking time: 4 / 5 hours
Take public transport from Ballyvaughan to Oughterard.
Oughterard is a traditional village nestled on the shores of Lough Corrib, the largest lake in the Republic of Ireland. Set at the gateway to Connemara, just 17 km from Galway, it marks the transition from the fertile lowlands to the wild, rugged beauty of the Connemara mountain landscape.
Long known as a centre for angling, Oughterard has a deep connection to the lake, with salmon and trout fishing forming part of its heritage and identity. The village itself has a warm, welcoming feel, with traditional pubs, small shops, and a strong sense of local community.
Oughterard offers a peaceful introduction to Connemara—where the pace slows, the scenery widens, and the true character of the west begins to unfold.
This walk takes you along the south-western shore of Lough Corrib, one of the great western lakes of Europe and known for its trout and salmon fishing and its myriad of islands. You will continue onto the townland of Curraun More, across the Owenree River and through the forest of Folore to join the Maam Road and your first glimpses of the breathtaking mountains of Connemara.
This is a perfect introduction to the Connemara countryside where you will see the landscape change from picturesque to truly wild. This area has largely been untouched by the modern world. You will stay overnight in Oughterard.
Complementry taxi transfer back to Oughterard.
Distance: 24 km / 15 miles, Ascent: 270 m / 810 ft, Approximate walking time: 5 / 6 hours
A complimentary taxi transfer will bring you back to Maam to begin your walk.
In the first section of today’s walk, you will pass the filming location of The Quiet Man, starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara—a classic film directed by John Ford in 1952. As you continue, you will notice the landscape gradually transform from yesterday’s gentle scenery to something more rugged and untamed, as you walk amidst the splendour of the Mamturk Mountains (often referred to as “The Pass of the Pig”).
The trail follows an ancient pilgrim path, rising gently between the mountains at Maumean (“the valley of the bird”), where you will pass St. Patrick’s Church and Holy Well. It is said that Saint Patrick rested here on his journey to Croagh Patrick, the sacred mountain you will later pass on your way to Westport.
As you cross the spine of the Mamturk Mountains, you are rewarded with spectacular views in both directions—back across the Maam Valley and ahead towards the Twelve Bens on the far side of the Inagh Valley, where a beautiful lake, dotted with islands and an ancient crannóg, lies below.
You will stay overnight in Lough Inagh.
Distance: 25 km / 16 miles, Ascent: 570 m / 1710 ft, Approximate walking time: 5 / 6 hours
You depart Lough Inagh, walking directly from your accommodation along an old road that dates back hundreds—perhaps even thousands—of years. The trail contours the base of the Mamturk Mountains, passing the ruins of long-abandoned settlements along the way. This area has remained uninhabited since the time of the Great Famine, adding a quiet sense of history to the landscape.
This is one of the most remote sections of the trail, where a deep sense of peace prevails and you feel far removed from the bustle of modern life. As you descend towards the village of Leenaun, spectacular views open out over Killary Fjord—Ireland’s only fjord. Carved by glaciers over 10,000 years ago and later filled by the Atlantic Ocean, it is one of the most striking natural features in the west of Ireland.
Your day finishes in Leenaun, a village nestled on the shores of Killary Harbour and framed by surrounding mountains. The village gained wider recognition through John B. Keane’s celebrated work The Field, later adapted into a film by Jim Sheridan in 1990. The story, centred on land, identity, and community, reflects themes deeply rooted in Irish history.
You will stay overnight in Leenaun.
Distance: 16 km / 10 miles, Ascent: 245 m / 735 ft, Approximate walking time: 4 / 5 hours
Your journey comes to an end today as you depart for home, carrying with you memories of Ireland’s rugged beauty and rich heritage.
