Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland – 7 Day Tour
Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland – 7 Day Tour
- Fitness Level : Moderate
- Group: Small Group Tour (Max of 16 people per tour.)
- Suitable for: All age groups
- Duration : 7 Days
Hilltoptreks’ Wild Atlantic Way Walking Tour invites participants to explore one of the world’s most scenic coastal routes, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. This tour takes you along the stunning western coastline of Ireland, where rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and charming villages provide a backdrop for an unforgettable walking experience. Over the course of the tour, you’ll hike some of the best sections of the Wild Atlantic Way. Including iconic spots like the Cliffs of Moher, Gougan Barra, Sheep’s Head and Mt Brandon, as well as visiting some historic sites such as the Rock of Cashel and Blarney Castle.
As you traverse this remarkable route, Hilltoptreks ensures a perfect blend of walking and cultural immersion. Each day features guided walks that showcase the region’s natural beauty while highlighting its historical significance. Participants can look forward to exploring ancient ruins, traditional Irish villages, and vibrant communities, including a visit to Dingle, known for its stunning scenery and lively atmosphere. The knowledgeable guides share insights into the folklore, history, and ecology of the area, enriching the experience and creating a deeper connection to the landscape.
The itinerary is thoughtfully crafted to include a mix of challenging hikes and more leisurely walks, making it suitable for a range of fitness levels. Highlights include the invigorating Mount Brandon Walk, which offers breathtaking views over the surrounding landscape and the Atlantic Ocean. The routes are designed to provide stunning vistas, ample opportunities for photography, and moments to appreciate the fresh sea air. Hilltoptreks prioritises safety and comfort, ensuring participants enjoy a rewarding experience on each hike with plenty of breaks to take in the surroundings.
Accommodations, transportation, and the guided walks are arranged for the tour, allowing guests to focus on the adventure without the hassle of logistics. Each evening, walkers can unwind in comfortable lodgings and experience traditional Irish hospitality. With a perfect balance of outdoor activity and cultural exploration, Hilltoptreks’ Wild Atlantic Way Walking Tour offers an ideal way to experience the breathtaking beauty and rich heritage of Ireland’s west coast.
Private tours for groups are available upon request.
- Dublin, Cork, Rock of Cashel, Blarney Castle, Sheep’s Head, Gougane Barra, Dingle, Doolin, Clare, Cliffs of Moher, Aran Islands, Galway, and the Best of Irish Traditional Music.
- 7 Fully Guided Days Exploring Ireland’s Hidden Treasures.
- 6 Nights of Quality Accommodation with breakfast.
- Guided Walks with local Guides to inform and assist you.
- Pickup and Transport for 7 Days.
- Visits to the Rock of Cashel and Blarney Castle.
- Ferry to Aran Islands and bike hire.
- The Best of Irish Traditional Music.
- Lunches.
- Evening Meals.
- Optional Entry Fees & Extra Activity Options.
- Gratuities.
- We choose the accommodation very carefully, a mix of quality Guest Houses and Hotels.
- There is Free WiFi in all the accommodations we use.
- All the rooms are en-suite.
- The accommodation we use are well used to us bringing them guests after a day’s walk and know that they somewhere comfortable to relax and freshen up.
Wild Atlantic Way Walking Tour – 7 Day Itinerary:
Morning /Afternoon: Your adventure starts from Dublin city center, where you meet your guide and the rest of the group. We will have plenty of time while traveling towards Cork to introduce ourselves and get to know each other a little.
We will be traveling South West to County Cork and to the coastline of the Wild Atlantic Way.
On the way there we will take one or two diversions to visit The Rock of Cashel in Tipperary (truly one of Ireland’s Icons). Then onto Blarney Castle in Cork, to kiss a very important stone.
Evening: Eventually we make our way to West Cork where we be staying for the next two nights.
When we arrive, we can go for a bite to eat and relax in our wonderful surroundings.
Glanlough Loop Walk: Walk 15Km, Ascent 350m, approx. 5hrs.
Grade: moderate- strenuous Length 15km, Duration: Approx. 4hrs, Ascent: 350m, Terrain: Old Roads and Lane-ways, Open Mountains trails.
Morning / Afternoon: This morning we will be making our way to one of the smaller peninsulas in this area called “The Sheep’s Head”.
The walk is known as the Glanlough Loop and walks from one side of the peninsula to the next. It gives you wonderful views of the surrounding coastline and the Atlantic Ocean. The walks on this Peninsula were created by the local farmers to bring more people into this area. They maintain the trails and are very welcoming to all guests in their small part of West Cork.
After our walk, we will return to Bantry and you could explore this coastal village or Bantry House and Gardens.
Evening: There are many places to enjoy a great meal in Bantry and your guide can recommend a few.
Morning / Afternoon: After breakfast we will be traveling to the small town of Dingle in County Kerry. On the way we will visit Gougane Barra the 6th century monastic site of Saint Finbarr. The church sits in the most beautiful valley and we will have time to take a walk in this wonderful area.
“There is a green island in lone Gougane Barra,
Where Allua of songs rushes forth as an arrow;
In deep-valley’d Desmond – a thousand wild fountains
Come down to that lake from their homes in the mountains”.
Evening: Dingle or “An Daingean” which is its Gaelic and original name is a fantastic small village on The Wild Atlantic Way. It is best known for its small quaint pubs, live Irish music and relaxed atmosphere.
There is plenty to see and do in his small town with great restaurants, pubs, coffee shops, craft stores etc. You may also be surprised when you enter a pub in Dingle that you can also buy a new pair of shoes or have your old ones mended.
Staying in Dingle town for the next 2 nights.
Walk on Mount Brandon:
Grade: moderate- strenuous Length 8km, Duration: Approx. 4hrs, Ascent: 750m, Terrain: Open Mountain Tracks.
Morning / Afternoon: After a hearty breakfast we will get ourselves ready for one of my favourite walks in this area, Mt Brandon. Which is named after Saint Brendan the voyager; some think he even got as far as North America.
“Is it right or left for Gibraltar?
What track do I take for Mizen Head?
I’d love to settle down near Ventry Harbour,
St. Brendan to his albatross he said.” (St Brendan’s Voyage)
Mount Brandon is a blessed mountain and there is a pilgrim trail to its summit and is one if Ireland’s holiest locations. It is less than 1000m but even though it is a pilgrim walk it is quite a challenge.
The walk will take about 4hrs and the views from its summit are breath-taking. From it you can see The Wild Atlantic Way all around you, the Blasket Islands and Ireland’s highest Mountain range on the Iveragh Peninsula.
Alternative morning activity: You can also visit the Blasket Islands or do an ECO Tour in this area instead of the walk:(not included in cost but the guide will organize for you)
Afternoon: We will then take a short drive to Annascaul and visit Tom Crean’s South Pole pub for a refreshing pint. Tom Crean is a very famous explorer and went on expeditions to the South Pole with Shackleton and Scott. The book an “Unsung Hero” about Tom Crean is well worth a read and may help you enjoy the Dingle Peninsula even more.
Evening: In the evening when after we get back you have plenty of time to stroll around Dingle, visit some of the craft shops, enjoy a bite to eat and relax.
Cliffs of Moher – Cliff Walk:
Grade: easy / moderate, Length: 8km, Duration: 2.5hrs, Ascent:100m, Terrain: Grass and Field Trails.
Morning: Today we visit one of the finest beaches in all of Ireland “Inch” Beach. Which sits on The Wild Atlantic Way.
There are many fine beaches on the Dingle Peninsula and this is probably the best of them all. Here you try your hand at some surfing, horse riding, swimming or just enjoy a fine beach walk.
Inch Beach is also home to where the famous “Ryan’s Daughter” was filmed. Dusting off those cobwebs and taking a walk on this beautiful sandy beach, the same spot where Sarah Miles as Rosy Ryan met Robert Mitchum as Charles Shaughnessy.
Afternoon: In the afternoon we will travel to the famous “Cliffs of Moher” and Doolin in County Clare. The small town of Doolin is another small fishing port town made famous by its charm and Irish Music.
We will be taking a Ferry across the mouth of the River Shannon into County Clare and head north on one of the most scenic coast roads in Ireland with views out across the Atlantic Ocean.
“Take a view o’er the mountains, fine sights you’ll see there;
You’ll see high, Rocky Mountains on the west coast of Clare,
Oh, the towns of Kilkee and Kilrush can be seen,
From the high, rocky slopes ‘round the Cliffs of Dooneen.”
We will stop at the Cliffs of Moher and you can enjoy a beautiful coastal walk into Doolin approx. 2hrs where we will be staying.
Evening: Doolin really is the capital of Irish music in the West of Ireland, a small and wonderful little village. So, relax and soak up the atmosphere.
We will be staying near Doolin for the next 2 nights.
Morning / Afternoon: There are many small islands of the Wild Atlantic Way. Today weather permitting we will visit one of the most spectacular places in all of Ireland; the Aran Islands.
We will take a Ferry from Doolin to Inis Mor, the largest of the three Aran Islands. This is a Gaeltacht area where Irish is still the main language.
The Island is full of wonder and absolutely beautiful, I’m sure you will not want to leave. We can hire some bicycles; this is the best way to explore this island. We will visit the famous worm hole and the world heritage site of Dun Aonghasa Fort. This Fort stands over a dramatic 300ft cliff.
There are some wonderful beaches on this Island and you might want to bring your swim gear with you.
Evening: We will then get the Ferry back and relax for the rest of the evening in Doolin.
Burren Loop Walk:
Grade: moderate, Length: 7.5km, Duration: 3hrs, Ascent:140m, Terrain: Limestone karst, smooth rocky surface.
Morning: This morning, we will visit one of the most incredible places to walk or visit in the west of Ireland “The Burren”.
The Burren is a limestone karst whose flora are internationally famous. The Bloody Cranesbill, Mountain Avens and Spring Gentians are among the many plants from the Arctic, Alps and Mediterranean which grow here.
After our walk in the Burren, we will drive along The Wild Atlantic Way coastline, with one or two stops along the way to Galway city.
Once we reach Galway there will time to enjoy exploring this small but interesting little city before making our way back to Dublin.
Here’s a quick list of essentials to bring for a guided walk in Ireland:
- Waterproof jacket and trousers – Irish weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for rain.
- Comfortable, sturdy walking boots – Trails can be uneven and wet, so good grip and support are essential.
- Layers of clothing – Dress in layers to adjust to changing temperatures, with a warm layer like a fleece.
- Hat and gloves – Even in summer, it can get chilly on higher ground or in the wind.
- Backpack – A small, comfortable backpack for carrying essentials.
- Water bottle – Stay hydrated, especially on longer hikes.
- Snacks or packed lunch – Some hikes may not have food stops along the way.
- Sun protection – Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as the sun can be strong even on cooler days.
- Camera or phone – Capture the stunning landscapes!
- Personal medication – If needed, bring any essential medications.
A deposit of 10% is required to secure your booking.
The balance of the cost of your tour / walk (including any applicable surcharge) is due not less than 6 weeks prior to scheduled departure. If we do not receive this balance in full and on time, we reserve the right to treat your booking as cancelled by you in which case we shall retain your deposit.
- Loss of deposit applies for cancellations made 6 weeks or more in advance.
- Cancellation fee of 40% applies for cancellations made less than 41 days in advance.
- Cancellation fee of 80% applies for cancellations made less than 4 weeks in advance.
- Cancellation fee of 100% applies for cancellations made less than 2 weeks in advance, or in case of no-show.
Tour Cost and Dates 2025
| Price: 7 Day Tour is €1,285pps |
| DatesMay 12th, Jun 9th, July 7th, Aug 11th, Sep 8th |
Single supplement of €245 (For your own room). |
Gallery
Testimonials
Wild Atlantic Way Tour
We toured the Wild Atlantic Way with Hilltop Treks in June of 2019 and had one of the most memorable experiences of our lifetime. The itinerary to the beautiful countryside gave us a real sense of our Irish heritage. The hikes, cycling and boat rides to well-chosen sites as well as the pub visits provided a real Irish experience. Our guide, Hugh, was amazing. He couldn't have been more knowledgeable, attentive and personable.
Dick and Sally Lane
Wild Atlantic Tour
All great! Itinerary, the group and above all the guides. A great way to discover the beauty of Ireland, it's countryside, music and amazing people!
FAQs for Hilltoptreks' Wild Atlantic Way 7-day Walking and Hiking Tour:
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The walks on these tours are of a mixed level with the option on some days to shorten. All the walks are taken at a pace to suit the group. The groups can range from 6 to 16 people in size with a mixed level of fitness and age usually. If the weather is too bad on a certain day to do the suggested walk, then the guide will suggest an alternative one. The Guide will have the final say on the day about the walk for the safety of the group.
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We choose our accommodation very carefully, it’s a mix of quality Guest houses and hotels. There is Free WIFI in all the accommodations we use. All the rooms are en-suite. The accommodations we use are well used to us bringing them guests after a day’s walk and know that they somewhere comfortable to relax and freshen up.
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Breakfasts are included and there is a wide selection to choose from including a Full Irish, fruit, cereals etc. Lunches for the walks: We will visit some local shops to get supplies. Evening Meals: A known restaurant or Pub will be suggested for evening meals in the places and towns you visit. There are many places in Ireland that accommodate both Vegan and Vegetarian diets.
