Day 1. Arrival to Leenane Village

The Village of Leenane is located in northern County Galway, on the southern shore of Killary Harbour, nestled under the Maamtrasna and Maamturk Mountains.

Day 2. The Famine Trail

After an evening in Leenane Village, we were transferred to begin our 15K hike of the Famine Trail. With every step, you can’t help but imagine the hardships that the Irish endured during the Great Famine of the 1840’s.

This trail provides a scenic hike in the shadow of the majestic Mweelrea Mountains, following alongside Killary Fjord.

Farmers paint their sheep for identification. In spite of fencing, sheep are known to slip out in search of grazing, and can be reclaimed according to their designated color.

“Sláinte” … Good Health!

Reflections of a great day: the natural beauty of the trail, mountains, the fjord, and roaming sheep … an iced cold pint from Hamilton’s Bar provided the perfect reward!

We headed back to Leenane Hotel for scrumptous Killary Mussels Mariniere cooked in cream, white wine, garlic butter and herbs and a bowl of Creamy Atlantic Seafood Chowder. Our mouths water, just remembering this feast.

Day 3: Mamean

We were transferred from Leenane to begin our 16K hike along an Ancient Pilgrim’s Path to Mameam (Galic for “pass of the birds”).

This rocky trail leads you to the pilgrimage site of St. Patrick, where you will find a small chapel, an open Mass altar, statues of the cross and holy wells. It is said that St. Patrick stood here and blessed Connemara, during the 5th century. Mamean is currently the site of a religious pilgrimage held every year in August. 

There is a Kodak moment at every turn, as the trail winds into Inagh Valley, surrounded by the Maamturk Mountains and the Twelve Ben Mountain range.

Kylemore Pass Hotel & Restaurant served this amazing home cooked meal using fresh local produce and locally caught fish. Yummmm.

Day 4: Inishbofin , County Galway

After being transported to the fishing village of Cleggan, we boarded a ferry for a scenic voyage to Inishbofin Island (Island of the White Cow).

We slipped into island time and ejoyed the contrasting colors between the green hills, aqua ocean, rocky paths, and clear blue skies.

Murray’s Doonmore Hotel has been owned and managed by the Murray family for three generations. This hotel gives you a “home away from home” feel. The welcoming staff, delicious food, ice cold pints, and traditional music are unforgettable.

We hiked the 8K Westquarter loop and were mesmerized by the stunning views of the island’s blow holes, Dún More Cliffs, and aqua seas. We truly lost track of time before heading back to Murray’s Bar to toast to beautiful Inishbofin.

Sláinte to Off the Beaten Path Inishbofin.

Full Moon over Inishbofin … the perfect evening after the perfect day. 

Day 5: Renvyle Peninsula – Diamond Hill

After taking the ferry back to the mainland, we were transported to begin our 7K hike on the Renvyle Peninsula in the National Park of Connemara.

We were greeted along our path by a host of animals. Donkeys in the Renvyle Peninsula were originally used for milking but were later used to move seaweed, potatoes, plow crops, and pull carts. The native Connemara pony is known for its show- jumping ability.

The endangered Molled Cow can be traced back to the 4th century. These cows are typically red with a white line on their head and stomach areas.

Our hike began with a slow, steady incline along a stone wall with colorful wildflowers.

We followed quartzite steps to the 445-m high summit.

We were rewarded by amazing views of Kylemore Abbey, the islands of Inishbofin and Inishturk, the Maamturk Mountains, and the Ben Choona Mountain Range to the south. Woo-hoo!!! We made it to the summit of Upper Diamond Hill. This is definitely the best view of the Connemara.

And now, the slow and steady hike back down to the National Park of Connemara …

Molly’s Bar, located steps away from the National Park of Connemara, in Letterfrack, is a family run, traditional Irish pub. We headed there after our hike and enjoyed chatting with the staff, the bar’s family members, and other locals.

“Sláinte” … Fun times at Molly’s Bar

Day 6. Croagh Patrick and Westport

After a week of beautiful weather, we woke to heavy rains and realized we would have to put Croagh Patrick on our “to do list” for the next visit to Ireland.

Croagh Mountain is Ireland’s sacred mountain. Ireland’s patron saint, St. Patrick, is said to have fasted on its summit for 40 days in 441 AD as he banished snakes from Ireland. Since ancient times, this rugged mountain has attracted more than a million pilgrims, tourists, and locals each year.

 

 

 

From the top of Croagh Patrick, on a clear day, you can enjoy a magnificent view over the Clew Bay Islands. Thank you Connemara Adventure Tours for sharing these Croagh Patrick photos.

 

Day 7. Breakfast and Departure

A special thanks to Conor & Luna, as well as Gabriel & Mila. Throughout the week, they transported us to the beginning of each hike, transferred our luggage, and were available to pick us up after each adventure. They were consistently punctual, helpful, informative and it was always fun to chat with them. Connemara Adventure Tours organized ” A Taste of the Wild Atlantic Way” and provided self guided hikes, Bed & Breakfasts stays, and introduced us to the western most corner of Ireland. We will forever treasure our memories of Connemara off the beaten path. 

 

 

Are you interested in experiencing the true beauty of Connemara ?

 

Start your hiking journey by clicking below.

 

https://www.connemaraadventuretours.com/