Walking Ireland’s West Coast
Walking Ireland’s West Coast
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This route immerses you in Ireland's west coast, where landscapes, ancient history and local culture intertwine naturally. Along the way, you will discover unique areas, dramatic cliffs and lively coastal villages that invite you to walk at your own pace.
- Walk along coastal paths, crossing karst fields, stretches by the sea and routes with breathtaking views over the Atlantic.
- Arrive at charming villages and ports such as Doolin, known for their traditional music, Irish hospitality and local life that marks each day.
- Discover a wide variety of landscapes: the pockmarked landscape of the Burren, the imposing Cliffs of Moher, the remote Aran Islands and ancient stone structures scattered throughout the region.
- Enjoy coastal cuisine, with fresh seafood such as mussels and Atlantic prawns, and local specialities in pubs and restaurants after each day's walk.
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Liscannor
After arriving in County Clare, the journey continues to the small coastal town of Liscannor, located on the west coast of Ireland and overlooking the bay of the same name. Upon arrival, you will begin to feel the unique combination of Atlantic landscapes and vibrant Irish culture and music that characterise this region.
Once settled in Liscannor, you will have the rest of the day free to begin exploring the area. Stroll through the village, take in the bay and notice the buildings and walls constructed from the characteristic Liscannor stone, or visit one of the local cafés and pubs.
Once settled in Liscannor, you will have the rest of the day free to begin exploring the area. Stroll through the village, take in the bay and notice the buildings and walls constructed from the characteristic Liscannor stone, or visit one of the local cafés and pubs.
Overnight in Liscannor
Cliffs of Moher Hotel
This contemporary-style accommodation offers luxurious rooms with television, private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.
It also has a bar where you can relax at the end of the day.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 2 - Liscannor to Doolin 8,1 miles I 13 km
After a short included transfer, you will start the day by following the coast along a spectacular trail that runs alongside the imposing Cliffs of Moher. Along the way, you will enjoy open views of the Atlantic Ocean and, on clear days, you will be able to see the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, and even the hills of Connemara. The sea breeze and the beauty of the landscape accompany every step on one of the most iconic sections of the route.
At the end of the day, you will arrive in Doolin, known as the capital of traditional Irish music. You will have the afternoon and evening to immerse yourself in its lively atmosphere, with live music sessions in the local pubs almost every day, making this stay one of the great memories of your trip.
Ascent: 751m (2,464ft) / Descent: 817m (2,680t)
At the end of the day, you will arrive in Doolin, known as the capital of traditional Irish music. You will have the afternoon and evening to immerse yourself in its lively atmosphere, with live music sessions in the local pubs almost every day, making this stay one of the great memories of your trip.
Ascent: 751m (2,464ft) / Descent: 817m (2,680t)
Overnight in Doolin
Pairc Lodge
Located near the coast, the accommodation offers rooms with TV, private bathroom, and free Wi-Fi.
It also has a beautiful garden and a comfortable terrace.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 3 - Enjoy your day on Inishmore Island 14,3 miles I 23 km
In the morning, you will head to Doolin Pier, where you will board a local ferry to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands, located in Galway Bay. After a 35-minute crossing, you will arrive at an island with a strong Gaelic character, a small population, and its main settlement, Kilronan, in the southeast. Its landscapes and unique atmosphere have even served as a backdrop for films, such as Banshees of Inisherin.
You can find more information about the ferry on the Doolin Ferry Co website.
Once on the island, you can choose from a variety of hiking options depending on your preferred pace. The longest route runs along the coast to the impressive stone fort of Dún Aengus, passing by a seal colony and ancient archaeological remains that are among the oldest in Ireland.
If you prefer a shorter walk, you can take the local bus to Kilmurvey Beach and walk back to Kilronan, or rent a bike to explore the island more freely and enjoy its main attractions.
After exploring this beautiful and interesting island, end the day by taking the ferry back to Doolin.
Ascent: 130m (426ft) / Descent: 130m (426ft)
You can find more information about the ferry on the Doolin Ferry Co website.
Once on the island, you can choose from a variety of hiking options depending on your preferred pace. The longest route runs along the coast to the impressive stone fort of Dún Aengus, passing by a seal colony and ancient archaeological remains that are among the oldest in Ireland.
If you prefer a shorter walk, you can take the local bus to Kilmurvey Beach and walk back to Kilronan, or rent a bike to explore the island more freely and enjoy its main attractions.
After exploring this beautiful and interesting island, end the day by taking the ferry back to Doolin.
Ascent: 130m (426ft) / Descent: 130m (426ft)
Overnight in Doolin
Pairc Lodge
Located in beautiful surroundings, it offers rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
It also has a beautiful garden and a comfortable terrace.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 4 - Enjoy your day off 7,5 miles I 12 km
Today you can choose how you want to enjoy the day, with a free day to continue exploring this spectacular region or simply to enjoy a well-deserved rest at your own pace.
If you want to delve deeper into the wild beauty of the Aran Islands, you can take a ferry to Inisheer, the smallest and closest to the mainland. There you will have the opportunity to visit The Plassey, the famous shipwreck featured in the TV series Father Ted, located on a rocky beach with sweeping views of the Atlantic.
Alternatively, you can choose to discover Doolin and the Burren by bike, an ideal way to explore the west coast and its distinctive lunar landscape. You can also embark on a boat trip to see the Cliffs of Moher from the sea, a different and particularly impressive perspective of these iconic rock formations.
Ascent: 104m (341ft) / Descent: 104m (341ft)
If you want to delve deeper into the wild beauty of the Aran Islands, you can take a ferry to Inisheer, the smallest and closest to the mainland. There you will have the opportunity to visit The Plassey, the famous shipwreck featured in the TV series Father Ted, located on a rocky beach with sweeping views of the Atlantic.
Alternatively, you can choose to discover Doolin and the Burren by bike, an ideal way to explore the west coast and its distinctive lunar landscape. You can also embark on a boat trip to see the Cliffs of Moher from the sea, a different and particularly impressive perspective of these iconic rock formations.
Ascent: 104m (341ft) / Descent: 104m (341ft)
Overnight in Doolin
Pairc Lodge
Located next to a mountainous enclave, this accommodation offers comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
It also has a beautiful garden and a comfortable terrace.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 5 - Doolin to Ballyvaughan 12,1 miles I 19,4 km
After a short included transfer, you will begin the day's walk in Ballynalacken, venturing into one of the most representative routes of the unique Burren landscape. Along the way, you will enjoy sweeping views over the dunes and golden sands of Fanore Beach, as well as green trails and traditional paths that lead inland.
The route follows the official Burren trail, offering panoramic views that stretch beyond the lighthouse to the Aran Islands and the hills of Connemara. The “Burren,” whose name comes from the Irish ‘Boíreann’ and means “rocky place,” has been inhabited since the Stone Age, with numerous remains visible along the route. Here, the silvery tones of the karst landscape coexist with the deep blue of the Atlantic and, in spring, the colorful wildflowers that sprout among the rocks.
The day ends with a gradual descent to the charming village of Ballyvaughan, a coastal enclave ideal for spending the last two nights of the trip and enjoying a peaceful atmosphere by the sea.
Ascent: 266m (873ft) / Descent: 385m (1,263ft)
The route follows the official Burren trail, offering panoramic views that stretch beyond the lighthouse to the Aran Islands and the hills of Connemara. The “Burren,” whose name comes from the Irish ‘Boíreann’ and means “rocky place,” has been inhabited since the Stone Age, with numerous remains visible along the route. Here, the silvery tones of the karst landscape coexist with the deep blue of the Atlantic and, in spring, the colorful wildflowers that sprout among the rocks.
The day ends with a gradual descent to the charming village of Ballyvaughan, a coastal enclave ideal for spending the last two nights of the trip and enjoying a peaceful atmosphere by the sea.
Ascent: 266m (873ft) / Descent: 385m (1,263ft)
Overnight in Ballyvaughan
Monks Ballyvaughan
This accommodation offers spacious and comfortable rooms with television, private bathroom, and free Wi-Fi.
You can also enjoy a local experience by sampling dishes made with typical local ingredients.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 6 - Circular route through Aillwee Cave 6,7 miles I 10,8 km
You will begin the last walk of the trip towards Aillwee Cave. Along the way, you will enjoy sweeping panoramic views over the northern Burren and the sparkling waters of Galway Bay, a perfect end to this walking experience along Ireland's west coast.
Aillwee Cave, one of the oldest caves in the country, is one of the highlights of the route. Its geological formation, with over 330 million years of history, makes it a place of great natural interest.
Ascent: 63m (207ft) / Descent: 63m (207ft)
Aillwee Cave, one of the oldest caves in the country, is one of the highlights of the route. Its geological formation, with over 330 million years of history, makes it a place of great natural interest.
Ascent: 63m (207ft) / Descent: 63m (207ft)
Overnight in Ballyvaughan
Monks Ballyvaughan
This accommodation offers spacious and comfortable rooms with television, private bathroom, and free Wi-Fi.
You can also enjoy a local experience by sampling dishes made with typical local ingredients.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 7 - Ballyvaughan
After a delicious breakfast, it's time to say goodbye and return to your place of origin.
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End of our services.
Itinerary Map
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Services
Included
- Accommodation in en suite rooms
- Daily Breakfasts
- Luggage transfers between accommodations
- Transfers as specified in the itinerary
- Information dossier with maps and routes
- 24-hour telephone support
- Sustainable travel, we compensate the CO2 emissions of your trip
- Taxes
Extras
- Travel insurance
- Cancellation insurance
- Additional nights
Accomodation
General information
The accommodations with which we collaborate have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure the best comfort available.
Our team checks in situ the quality of all the accommodations offered, so that you have an unforgettable experience during your trip.
The accommodation that we will book for your trip will be selected taking into account our commitment to you: guaranteeing comfort, calm and enjoyment throughout your trip.
We work with quality hotels and country cottages with limited capacity, so we invite you to confirm your reservation as soon as possible.
The name of each accommodation will be provided to you a few weeks before your trip begins.
Room types
It is possible to book this journey in single, double or triple rooms.
All rooms have private bathrooms.
Travel & Transfers
To reach the starting point of this Burren Way walking trail, the best option is to fly to Shannon Airport. From the airport, take bus number 51 or 330 to Ennis station. From there, take bus number 350 to Liscannor. You can find more information about buses on the Bus Éireann website.
You can also fly to Dublin Airport and take bus number 712 or 760 to Liscannor, then continue your journey on bus number 350.
To return to your city of origin from Ballyvaughan, you can fly from Shannon Airport. To get to the airport, take bus number 350 to Galway. Please note that this bus only runs twice a day. Finally, take bus number 51 to the airport. You can find more information about buses on the Bus Éireann website.
If you are flying from Dublin Airport, you will need to take the 350 bus to Galway. Then, you will need to take the 761 bus to the airport.
You can also fly to Dublin Airport and take bus number 712 or 760 to Liscannor, then continue your journey on bus number 350.
To return to your city of origin from Ballyvaughan, you can fly from Shannon Airport. To get to the airport, take bus number 350 to Galway. Please note that this bus only runs twice a day. Finally, take bus number 51 to the airport. You can find more information about buses on the Bus Éireann website.
If you are flying from Dublin Airport, you will need to take the 350 bus to Galway. Then, you will need to take the 761 bus to the airport.
FAQs
Is luggage transfer included? What are the luggage requirements?
Absolutely! Each traveller has included 1 piece of luggage that we will transfer between your accommodations. It's important that this piece of luggage meets the following criterias:
- Maximum weight of 45 lbs (20 kg).
- Must be only 1 piece of luggage without any attachments or accessories.
- Should not contain valuables, fragile items, food or medications.
- Must be correctly identified (booking reference of your trip and the full name of the trip holder).
What is the best time of year to do this trip?
This trip is available between April and October. Spring is undoubtedly one of the most recommended times to visit, as wildflowers cover the trails and the Beara Peninsula shows off its most vibrant colours.
If you plan to travel between June and August, keep in mind that these are the busiest months and accommodation tends to fill up quickly. Even so, summer offers the advantage of long hours of daylight, allowing you to make the most of each day.
For those seeking a quieter atmosphere, September is an ideal option, as the flow of visitors decreases and the landscape still maintains a pleasant climate, creating the perfect balance to enjoy the route at a leisurely pace.
What should my physical preparation be?
This route is of medium-high difficulty, making it ideal for people looking for 5 to 7 hours of walking per day with climbs that can be steeper and longer. It is recommended that you are in good physical condition and in good health. Some sections of the walk have uneven terrain, including rocky areas.
How far in advance should I book my trip?
We recommend that you book as soon as you are sure about your dates, as accommodation can fill up very quickly in this area.
What equipment do I need to bring?
Once you make your reservation we will send you all the detailed information about the specific equipment you need for this route, considering recommendations for shoes, boots, clothes and a day-to day backpack.
What if I'm not able to finish one of the stages?
You can call us to arrange a private transfer for you.
If you prefer, you can also use public transport or local taxis to get to your next accommodation.
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