Difficulty Rating : 5 Start : Liscannor Finish : Clifden Daily Average : 14km Weekly Average : 85km Tour Type : Self Guided,Walking Teaser : A wonderful opportunity to explore the heart of Irelands West Coast
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A wonderful opportunity to take in the most beautiful and iconic spots of Irelands West Coast.     A fantastic  walk by the Cliffs of Moher,  on the Aran islands and then onto some of the great beauty spots of Connemara,  finishing up in the town of Clifden.

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A downloadable version of the itinery is available from the Resources Tab

Itineraries

Day 1

Travel to Liscannor in Clare for the start of the holiday

The tour starts in the seaside village of Liscannor where you spend the night. Taxi transfers available on request from Shannon Airport.
There should be plenty of time to relax, sample the fresh food of the Irish West Coast and enjoy traditional music in the local pubs which Clare is so famous for.

Day 2

Walk the cliffs of Moher to Doolin, 13km

The walk brings you along a spectacular section of the cliffs, the so called hags head, as the rock formation resembles a ladies head looking out to sea.
You can then stop at the visitor centre after 4.75km where there is a short film, displays and café before you continue walking (mostly down) the 7.5km to the village of Doolin.

Day 3

Aran Islands, 20km

The day starts with a 40 minute ferry journey to Inis mor is the largest of the Aran islands. Today’s walk is a loop around the east of the island, starting at Kilronan. Here you will see many great examples of the famous stone dry walls whiles also visiting a seal colony and one of the most famous ring forts in all of Ireland, Dun Aonghasa. What makes Dun Aonghasa famous is that instead of being a traditional ring fort it is made of three defensive walls leading to a sheer 80 metre drop into the Atlantic Ocean. The fort dates back to the bronze age and was built as a deterrent for rival tribes on the island attacking. You will then walk back via the high road which is little more than a gravel track now overlooking the entire island with great views across to the mainland and out over the Atlantic ocean. As this is a circular route it can be shortened.

Day 4

Maum to Lough Inagh, 16.8 kms

Back to the mainland and a transfer to Maum where your walk starts. you will be following the western way with an overnight stay in the Inagh Valley. Along this trail you will have spectacular views of the Maumturk mountains and the twelve bens mountain range. You will be walking on a variety of terrain from old coach roads to small country lanes and open moor lands.

Day 5

Lough Inagh to Leenane 15.2kms

Your walk continues through the valley in the heart of the Connemara sheep farming communities, before ending up on the shores of Killary Harbour and our wonderful hotel in the village of Leenane.

Day 6

Leenaun Hill Walk / Rest day in Leenane 12km

A chance to relax in this beautiful location for the day. You can take a walk up the wonderful Leenane Hill where you are rewarded with wonderful panoramic views over the Maamturk Mountains and Killary Harbour below. You could even take in a wonderful 2 hour cruise of Killary Harbour today or simply relax in our hotel. Another option to include could be enjoying Connemara Seaweed Baths, the only salt water seaweed baths in the West of Ireland and a great way to pamper yourself!

Day 7

Diamond Hill ( Connemara National Park ) 8km

The day starts with a transfer ( about 30 minutes ) to the village of Letterfrack and Connemara National Park where you will climb one the most spectacular mountains in all of Connemara. With panoramic views of the twelve bens mountains. After your walk in the National Park we will collect you and bring you to the nearby town of Clifden for your final night on the tour

  • Seven nights accommodation: A mixture of guesthouses & 3 star Hotels 
  • All breakfasts
  • Ferry from Doolin to the Aran Islands
  • Ferry from Aran Islands to Rossaveal Harbour in Connemara
  • Transfer required on Day 4 and 7 ( including transfer to Clifden at tour end )
  • Luggage transfer between your accommodation stops
  • GPS tracks along with a highlighted map of the tour

The route details are sent to you pre tour as GPS files. This typically happens after final payment is received
Accommodation details are sent to you at this time too

As with all our tours there is an emergency number you can phone. All problems are generally very solvable! People you meet en route are generally very helpful too, a good excuse to chat to the locals if needed!

"Nous avons adoré notre voyage en Irlande. Le circuit passe par des endroits sublimes. Les logements sont d'excellente qualité. Aucun souci pendant notre séjour."     Clare & Connemara Walking tour 2023
We loved our trip to Ireland. The circuit passes through sublime places. The accommodation is of excellent quality. No worries during our stay.

"Un beau tour et de belles prestations au niveau des logements. Je conseille. Nous n'aurions pas fait mieux"
A beautiful tour and great amenities in terms of accommodation. I advise. We couldn't have done better
Clare & Connemara Walking tour 2023

2024 TOUR PRICE
€1050 per person sharing
+ €20  per person high season supplement (July & August)

€285  Single room supplement (if travelling with others)
€425  Solo tour supplement (if travelling alone)

Self Guided Tour Information

Tours can start any day from April to October

This tour starts and finishes in different locations.

Start point for this tour Liscannor in County Clare. Finish point is Clifden in County Galway

You can take a bus to Liscannor.
Click here for the Bus Eireann timetable from Galway or Ennis to Liscannor
Email us if you would like assistance booking a taxi

At the end of the tour you are in Clifden which is  serviced by buses from Galway
Click here for the Bus Eireann timetable from Clifden to Galway
A taxi from Clifden to Galway should cost between 120.00 - 150.00 euro

Liscannor

Aiteall B&B is an example of the type of guesthouse you will stay in.

Doolin

We stay in a number of different B&B's in Doolin.  Seascape B&B is a typical example

Aran Islands

Pier House is one of our favourite guesthouses on the island

Inagh Valley

Lough Inagh Lodge is a wonderful location in the heart of the valley and a must book for this walk!

Leenane

In this beautifully located village our first preference is the Leenane Hotel

Clifden

Your final night of the tour is in the bustling town of Clifden,  capital of Connemara!   Typically we stay in Foyles Hotel

Tour Date Options

Red = booked out / not available, Blue = Limited Availability, Green = available

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Booking Form

Primary Contact Details.

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Insurance

We require you to have Travel Insurance when you book the tour. It is important that you are covered in case of cancellation due to injury as the deposit is non refundable

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Other members of your group if applicable.

Please indicate below how many people are in your group including yourself.

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Sixth person details

 

Seventh person details

 

Eighth person details

 

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Tenth person details

 

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Acommodation

For single travellers, we organise accommodation on a twin sharing basis. Please note it may not be possible on all our tours and a single supplement will be applied.

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Other Information

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Payment Information

If you have been on a previous tour, there is a €50.00 discount on our week long tours in Ireland (unfortunately this discount does not apply to other European trips)

A €250.00 deposit is required for each person booking on a holiday. The Balance payment is required two month prior to the starting date. The deposit is forfeited in the event of a cancellation of your booking. The balancing payment is also non-refundable in the event of the cancellation occuring within 14 days of the tour starting date. All transactions are taken in Euro.

We will contact you to confirm your booking and payment details.

Please ensure that you have read the terms and conditions before proceeding.

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Booking Conditions

Irish Cycling Safaris Ltd (“the Company”) accepts bookings subject to the following conditions:

  • The contract is between the Company and the client, being any person travelling or intending to travel on a tour operated by the company. The contract, including all matters arising from it, is subject to Irish law and the exclusive jurisdiction of the Irish courts. A booking is accepted and becomes definite only from the date when the company sends a confirmation. It is at this point that a contract between the company and the client comes into existence. Before your booking is confirmed and comes into existence the company reserves the right to increase or decrease brochure prices. The company or their agents reserve the right to decline any booking at their discretion.
  • To secure a booking the Company or their agent requires a completed booking form and the necessary deposit. (Full payment if travel within 60 days). The first named client must be over 18 years of age. Clients booking by telephone, by website/E-mail or fax will be deemed to have signed the booking form and read and accepted our terms of booking. The person signing, or being deemed to sign, the booking form warrants that he/she has full authority to do so on behalf of all persons whose names appear thereon, and confirms that all such persons are fully aware of and accept these conditions.
  • The balance of all monies due, including any surcharges applicable at the time, must be paid to the company or their agents not later than 60 days before departure. In the case of non-payment of the balance by the due date the Company reserves the right to cancel your booking and cancellation charges will apply. If any cheque is dishonoured we reserve the right to charge €25 to cover administration costs.
  • Travel Insurance is mandatory for all clients whilst on a tour organised by the Company. Clients are wholly responsible for arranging their own insurance. Clients are responsible for ensuring that they are in possession of private Travel insurance with protection for the full duration of the tour in respect of at least medical expenses, injury, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment, with adequate cover.
  • An administration fee of €25 per booking plus any additional costs incurred will be charged if a confirmed booking is changed or transferred to a different departure date or tour, up to 60 days prior to departure. Thereafter all changes will be treated as cancellations and subject to the relevant charges. Changes are subject to availability. For an administration fee of €25 you may request a credit voucher. This must be redeemed within 12 months of issue and must be used against a new booking. The voucher is non transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash. In certain circumstances, which the Company considers reasonable, the booking may be transferred to another suitable person; however the tour arrangements must remain the same and will only be allowed if all suppliers agree to accept the name change. If a transfer is allowed an administration charge of €25 per person will be charged plus any extra charges levied by suppliers.
  • Should the client wish to cancel, cancellation charges will be imposed. These are calculated from the day written notification is received by the company or their agent as a percentage of the total tour price, including surcharges as follows:

    > 60 days before departure – retention of deposit

    60-14 days before departure – 50%

    < 14 days before departure – 100%

  • Clients are responsible for arranging, and must be in possession of, a valid passport and any visas and vaccination certificates required for the whole of their journey. Information about these matters or related items (climate, clothing, baggage, personal items etc) is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of the company.
  • Should the client have a reason to complain, you must immediately notify our representative and the relevant supplier. If the client’s complaint is not dealt with satisfactorily at the time, they must write to us with full details of the complaint within 28 days of the end of the tour. Failure to notify complaints entirely within accordance of this clause will diminish or extinguish the client’s ability to claim compensation.
  • The company provides all services on a “ground only” basis. The client is responsible for arranging their own travel to the designated start points of each tour. The company cannot accept any liability for any delay/cancellation in your transportation and cannot offer any refunds for lost holiday time.
  • Clients agree to accept the authority and decisions of the Company’s employees, tour leaders and agents whilst on the tour with the company. If in the opinion of such persons the health, level of fitness or conduct of a client at any time before or after departure appears likely to endanger the safe, comfortable or happy progress of a tour the client may be excluded from all or part of the tour without refund or recompense. In the case of ill health the company may make such arrangements as it sees fit and recover the costs thereof from the client. If a client commits an illegal act the client may be excluded from the tour and the Company shall cease to have responsibility to/for them. If you are affected by a condition, medical or otherwise, that might affect you or affect other people’s enjoyment or active participation of the tour, you must advise us at the time of booking. No refund will be given for any unused services.
  • The Company will use its best endeavours to operate all tours as advertised. However, it reserves the right to change any of the facilities, services, prices or itineraries described in our brochure/website. If a major change is necessary or deemed advisable, the company will advise the client as soon as reasonably possible, if there is no time before departure. A major change does not apply to a change of transport or named accommodation, but is usually considered a major change in itinerary or change in duration of a client’s holiday. If advised of a major change before departure, the client will have the choice of accepting changes (at additional cost if applicable), purchasing another available tour from the company, or cancelling the tour with a full refund.

    Provided that the major change is not as a result of situations outside the company’s control or consolidation, compensation will be paid as follows:

    Notification Period Given / Compensation Per Person

    More than 30 days: Nil

    14-30 days: €40

    Less than 14 days: €50

     
  • Force Majeure. We regret we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our contractual obligations is prevented or affected by reasons of circumstance amounting to “force majeure”. In these conditions “force majeure” means any event which we the supplier of services in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events include war or threat of war, riot, civil strife, industrial dispute, terrorist activity, natural or nuclear disaster, fire or adverse weather conditions, epidemics or health risks and all similar events outside our control.
  • The company reserves the right to cancel a tour in any circumstances but will not cancel a tour less than 4 weeks before departure except for “force majeure”, consolidation, or the client’s failure to pay the final balance. Unless the client fails to pay the final balance, the company, upon cancellation will return all monies paid to it, or offer the client an alternative holiday of comparable standard if available (if less expensive than original we will refund the difference, if more expensive, the client will have to pay the difference). Compensation will not be payable (1) where the company is forced to cancel as a result of unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which we could not have avoided even with all due care or (2) where an insufficient number of people book the clients chosen holiday and we notify we are cancelling for this reason not less than 28 days before departure. In all cases our liability is limited to offering the above choices and the compensation payments (where applicable) set out in clause 11. No compensation is payable if we notify you of cancellation more than 8 weeks before departure. We cannot be held responsible for any costs or expenses you may have as a result of cancellation.
  • Client’s bookings are accepted on the understanding that they appreciate the risks inherent in adventure travel and that they undertake the tours featured in our programme at their own volition. Our obligations, and those of any suppliers providing any service or facility involved in any travel arrangements you book with us, are to provide services and facilities with reasonable care and skill. Facilities will be provided to the realistic minimum standard recommended by the regulatory authorities responsible.
  • Bike Hire: The equipment including all accessories supplied is let out on hire. The equipment remains the property of the company and the Client will not sell, hire out or otherwise part with the possessions thereof.

    The Client undertakes not to misuse the equipment and to return it with all accessories in the same condition as when received (ordinary wear and tear accepted). The company shall be entitled to charge the client for any damages caused to equipment during the period of hire. In event of a breakdown, other than a result of the Clients misuse, the company will use its best endeavours to repair or procure repair of the equipment.

    The company will not be liable for any damage or loss whatsoever, through breakdown or other defect in the equipment or other circumstances beyond the company’s control. The Client shall indemnify the company with respect to all costs, claims, expenses and demands suffered or incurred which arise directly or indirectly out of the use of the equipment during the period of hire. The company reserves the right to charge the client for partial or full settlement of any claim. In the event of the equipment being stolen or lost, the company reserves the right to call upon the client to indemnify the company the replacement of the equipment. However, should the equipment subsequently be returned in a satisfactory condition, the company undertakes to refund the clients indemnity within 14 days.

    The Client will ensure that the equipment is adequately secured when not in use, will not use the equipment whilst under the influence of drink or drugs and will immediately notify the company in the event of breakdown or loss of equipment.

  • Clients bringing their own bikes do so on the proviso that their equipment is in a suitable condition for participation in a tour. Responsibility for maintenance of bicycles brought by clients rests with the client. The company will endeavour to accommodate such clients, but cannot guarantee that correct tools and spares will be available, given the wide range of possibilities that exist.