Wander the Wild Atlantic Way – Donegal and Connemara – 9 Night Self-Guided HikingTour
Tour Overview
Hike the coast and mountains of two of the most beautiful destinations along the Wild Atlantic Way! Follow stunning coastal trails high above the Atlantic’s waves. Immerse yourself in the history and culture, and above all, unwind and feel a sense of rejuvenation as you live life at a slower pace.
Duration
10 Days/9 Nights
Tour Price
From €1,850
Season
March – September
Terrain
Varied hilly terrain.
Difficulty
Tour Highlights
The spectacular Donegal and Connemara Coasts – Rugged cliffs and wild Atlantic waves shape a dramatic landscape that’s both breathtaking and unforgettable.
Sliabh Liag Cliffs – Experience breathtaking views and exhilarating hikes high above the Atlantic Ocean
Croke Patrick – Ireland’s holy mountain.
The Famine Trail – Follow the hauntingly beautiful route along spectacular Killary Fjord
Numerous sandy beaches in Donegal and Connemara – Pristine white sand beaches perfect for swimming or peaceful seaside walks.
Donegal and Connemara’s Gaelic culture – Immerse yourself in the living Gaelic heritage of Ireland’s west coast.
Tour Photos
Tour Itinerary
The village of Carrick is nestled at the foot of Sliabh Liag. It will be the base for the Donegal part of your hiking adventure. If you arrive early we can meet you and give you all the information you need. We can also suggest options for short hikes in the area. Later you can relax in one of the local pubs, where you might be lucky enough to stumble upon one of the legendary traditional music “sessions”.
In the morning transfer to stunningly beautiful Muckross Head. It would be difficult to find a better place to appreciate the sheer beauty and variety at the Irish seashore. Spend a bit of time taking in your surroundings near and far. From Muckross follow the narrow coastal road to the village of Kilcar, a centre for traditional weaving. Continue over the hills along narrow roads and tracks back to the Village of Carrick.
One of the most iconic hikes in all of Ireland. The Sliabh Liag Cliffs need no introduction. There are few more spectacular locations along the Wild Atlantic Way. Choose from hiking the full loop, suitable for experienced hikers, via the viewing point at Bunglass and returning via the Pilgrim Path, or a shorter and easier out and back option along the cliffs.
A day in which to savour the rarely visited but incredibly beautiful walk from the village of Glencolmcille to the deserted fishing hamlet of Port. Experience the exhilaration of hiking along the wild and rugged coast with only grazing sheep for company. Loop back to Glencolmcille where you can explore the many stone age, bronze age and early-Christian sites for which the valley is famous.
After breakfast, pick up is at your accommodation in Carrick at 10:30 for the transfer to Westport. Enjoy the chance to see the varied Irish landscapes. Stop for a break and coffee at Drumcliffe — the resting place of poet W.B. Yeats. The graveyard and beautiful church are located on the site of an old monastery where you will still find the remains of a round tower and a very impressive high cross. Continue to Westport, one of Ireland’s most beautiful towns, where the second leg of your Irish adventure begins.
After a hearty Irish breakfast, we’ll bring you to the start point of today’s hike at Murrisk on the shores of Clew Bay in Co. Mayo. Croagh Patrick is a place of ancient history and archaeological heritage. This dazzling quartzite pyramid has a small chapel at its peak in honour of Ireland’s fifth-century patron saint, St Patrick, who is said to have fasted on its summit for forty days.
It is a challenging climb, but the views will make it worth the effort. No walking trip in Ireland would be complete without reaching its impressive peak. A real highlight! When you return, we’ll be waiting to transfer you to your next destination, the pretty village of Leenane where you’ll stay tonight.
This morning’s hike follows the Famine Trail along the edge of Killary Fjord which was built as a relief project during the Great Famine of the 1840s. As you hike along the path through abandoned villages, you can’t help but sense the history and lives of all those who have walked this way before you. With spectacular views over the fjord and surrounding coastline and majestic mountains rising either side, this is a true escape.
At the end of the trail, you can choose to visit Tom’s Sheep Farm or we’ll bring you back to Leenane where you can board the Connemara Lady catamaran for a cruise along the fjord out to the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, with commentary on the fascinating history, landscape and people of this dramatic area. The trip is often honoured by the company of leaping dolphins.
You’ll spend a second night in Leenane, where we suggest a cold pint of Guinness in an authentic west of Ireland pub is just the thing to end the day!
This morning’s walk is in the beautiful National Park of Connemara. It’s a relatively easy but highly rewarding walk, with stunningly beautiful views over Kylemore Abbey and lake, to the Renvyle Peninsula and out to the islands of Inishbofin and Inishturk to the west and northwest, and the Maamturk mountains and Ben Choona mountain range to the south.
After your walk we’ll bring you to the fishing village of Cleggan to catch the ferry to Inishbofin Island (‘Inis Bo Finne’ – Island of the White Cow) where you’ll stay for two nights. Forty minutes by ferry, this small island is layered in history and a world apart from the mainland. As you sail around the tower and signal light into the harbour, look out for the 16th century ruined barracks used as a prison for Catholic priests from all over Ireland after the English Statute of 1585 declared them guilty of high treason.
This ancient island has been the home of fishermen, farmers, monks, soldiers and adventurers for over 6,000 years. Today it has a population of only 200 people who will warmly welcome you during your stay and allow a fascinating insight into traditional island life. After you’ve settled into your accommodation, you might even find yourself drawn into a cosy pub by the sound of traditional Irish music!
Today you’ll have the whole day to explore beautiful Inishbofin and discover some of its secrets. You’ll have a choice of walking routes – there are several looped walks around the island with stunning views of the island’s beautiful coastal cliffs, coves, harbour and beaches. Meandering laneways and old stone walls all contribute to the feeling of stepping back in time. You can explore the remains of ancient Celtic forts and early Christian monasteries or visit a ‘blowhole’, a geological marvel carved by the sea.
You’ll spend the last night of your walking tour in this very special place soaking up its magic and mystery.
After your breakfast today you’ll take the ferry back to Cleggan, where you can catch a connecting bus to Galway City. It’s the end of your tour and time for your onward journey, bringing your unforgettable memories of Ireland with you. Slan go fóill! – we’ll see you again soon.
Additional Information
2026 Dates
Tours available: 02 March 2026 – 24 September 2026
Peak season: 28 May 2026 – 24 August 2026
Prices
Price per person sharing: €1,850
Peak Season Supplement: €85
Single occupancy: €340
Solo Traveller Supplement: €200
Self-Guided bike tour price includes:
- 9 nights Bed and breakfast accommodation in B&B’s or small hotels.
- Welcome meeting on arrival evening (or morning of first hike) in Carrick.
- Hotel to hotel luggage transfers – where applicable.
- Private transfer – Carrick to Westport.
- Visit to W.B. Yeats grave and monastic site at Drumcliffe.
- Transfer to/from start of the daily hike – where applicable.
- Tour app with routes, itinerary, and information on sights and attractions.
- GPX tracks available pre tour. (If you would like to use your own GPS device or mobile app.)
- Emergency support
Not included in price:
- Travel to and from start/finish of tour (Carrick/Cleggan)
- Meals other than breakfast
- Entertainment
- Entry to sites and attractions not included as part of the tour
For this self-guided hiking tour we use a mixture of traditional family run bed and breakfasts and small hotels.
Your host will serve you a delicious breakfast in the morning that will set you up perfectly for the day ahead. All of the accommodations we work with cater for people with special dietary requirements. All rooms have their own bathroom.
Choose a single, double (one double bed), twin (two beds), or family (one double and one single bed) room.
Hiking Donegal and Connemara — Booking the Tour
To book this self-guided hiking tour with Ireland by Bike:
1: Make a Booking Request
Click here to request booking. Once we receive your request we will reply to confirm availability. You will be asked to pay a deposit of €150 per person to secure your booking. Please note that this deposit is non returnable, so it is important that you have all your travel details correct before proceeding to book.
2: Pay Balance
Full payment is required at least 4 weeks before your arrival date. Once we have received your payment we will email you your hiking tour accommodation list, along with your guide notes and all the other essential information. If you would like the GPX tracks we will send them to you at this stage.
3: Enjoy Your Adventure
We will meet you either on the evening you arrive or on the morning of your first hike and get you set up with your bike, notes, GPS etc. We will arrange this with you prior to your arrival. Time to start exploring!
Please see our Booking Terms and Conditions.
This hiking tour starts in Carrick, Co. Donegal and finishes in Cleggan on the west coast of Connemara. Carrick is easily accessible from Dublin Airport, via regular direct buses to Donegal Town and local connections to Carrick.
Use the links below to check the bus timetables:
Getting to Donegal Town From Dublin Airport and Dublin City
By Bus: Direct buses (route 30/X30) run to Donegal Town from Dublin Airport and City every 90 minutes. For timetables see https://www.expressway.ie/ Look for route 30/X30
Local buses from Donegal Town to Carrick
See Locallink Route 293. Timetable.
also
Bus Eireann Route 490. Timetable.
Getting to Donegal Town From Ireland West (Knock) Airport
By Bus: Frequent buses (route 64) run to Donegal Town direct from the Airport. See https://www.expressway.ie/routes-and-timetables Look for route 64.
Getting to Donegal Town From Belfast Airport
By Bus: Airporter service to Derry City See https://airporter.co.uk/ then bus route 64 to Donegal. See https://www.expressway.ie/routes-and-timetables Look for route 64.
If you are arriving in Ireland at a different location and would like advice on how to get to Donegal Town, please let us know and we will help you to plan your journey.
Departure
This tour finishes in Cleggan. A local bus services connect to to Galway City where you can get connections to all of the major airports and other locations around Ireland. See https://www.buseireann.ie/ Look for route 419 or https://www.citylink.ie/timetables/923/
Below you will find the answer to some of the most commonly asked questions about the Iconic Donegal and Connemara Bike Tour. For other more general FAQ’s please visit our FAQ page.
Who is this tour suitable for?
This tour is suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. The distances you hike each day vary from moderate to longer (typically 10 – 15 km). However, it is important to note that the routes are very hilly and the underfoot conditions can vary greatly.
What hiking experience do I need?
It is important that you are a competent hiker. You must be comfortable with hiking on various terrains including exposed mountains and cliffs, and sometimes wet underfoot conditions.
Will I be hiking along with others?
Possibly, but this is not guaranteed. In the quieter months when numbers are smaller it is quite possible that yours will be the only group on the routes at that time.
Are the routes hilly?
The routes on this hiking tour are VERY hilly (this is partly why it is so beautiful.) The gradient varies constantly from gentle to very steep. The routes include climbs of Sliabh Liag and Croke Patrick. For this reason you must be comfortable with hiking in steep terrain.
How do I get to the start?
This hiking tour starts in Carrick, Co. Donegal. There are regular direct bus connections to Donegal Town from Dublin Airport (the arrival point for most people into Ireland). Local buses connect Donegal Town with Carrick.
How do I get from the end of the tour?
The tour finishes in the village of Cleggan. From here a local bus service is available that can bring you to Galway City where you can get transport connections to all of the major airports and to other locations around Ireland.
