Burren and Aran Islands Hiking Tour
This self-guided Burren & Aran Islands hike offers the very best of Ireland’s wild west coast.
Self-Guided
Burren and Aran Islands Hiking Tour Overview
A walking tour on Burren and Aran Islands is a special way to experience Ireland. For those keen on an authentic Irish adventure, this 7-day self-guided walking tour immerses you in the stunning Burren and Aran Islands regions, boasting some of Ireland’s most impressive scenery and countless historical wonders.
Your adventure begins in Doolin, where the jaw-dropping Cliffs of Moher and the peninsula of Hags Head await just a short distance away. There’s no better introduction to County Clare! The next two nights are spent on Inis Mor, the largest of the Aran Islands, where the traditional Irish language and culture remain vibrant. Your final two days are an exploration of the stunning landscapes and rich history of the Burren, where a massive swath of karst formations dominate the landscape. Flower lovers will rejoice at the unique array of species found here, with the Mediterranean and Alpine plants sprouting side by side.
Discover the rugged beauty and infectious spirit of Ireland on this self-guided hiking tour.
Trip highlights
Gaze across eternity from the celebrated Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s top sights.
Explore the exceptional biodiversity found surrounding the ancient limestone formations of the Burren.
Discover prehistoric stone forts on the island of Inis Mor, a slice of Ireland’s long history.
This self-guided Burren & Aran Islands hike offers the very best of Ireland’s wild west coast.
Day By Day Itinerary
Arrive in the charming village of Doolin. Check into your accommodations and pick up your detailed information pack, which includes route guides and contact information. Your host can recommend some excellent places for dinner and live music as a welcome to the region.
- Overnight Location:
- B&B in Doolin
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- None
Your first day of hiking starts with a quick drive from Doolin to the world-renowned Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most famous natural attractions.
Walk from the southernmost point at Hag’s Head all the way along the cliff tops, with endless views of the Aran Islands and the surrounding North Atlantic Ocean. Pass by the visitor centre, built into the rock, where a variety of exhibits on the Cliffs’ natural and historical values are found. Continue into the village of Doolin to end the day.
- Overnight Location:
- B&B in Doolin
- Distance:
- 3-4 hours, 12.5km, 951m of ascent, 902m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Time to head out to the Aran Islands! Take a ferry from Doolin to Inis Mor, the largest of the islands. The Doolin ferry operates from April to October, and it takes roughly 90 minutes to make the crossing.
Explore the southern flank of Inis Mor on a looped walk. The highlight is an old promontory fort known as Dún Dúchathair, or “The Black Fort.” As you walk, keep an eye out for unsteady limestone slabs underfoot.
- Overnight Location:
- B&B in Kilronan
- Distance:
- 2 hours, 8 km, 145m of ascent, 141m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Today you’ll uncover the beauty of Inis Mor’s western half. Stunning vistas accompany your every step as you hike across open cliff tops. The prehistoric stone fort of Dún Aonghasa is a truly striking sight, once called “the most magnificent barbaric monument in Europe.”
After your exploration, return to Kilronan for your second evening on Inis Mor.
- Overnight Location:
- B&B in Kilronan
- Distance:
- 4 hours, 15.5km, 207m of ascent, 207m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Day five of your coastal Irish adventure begins with a ferry ride and a brief transfer to the starting point of your walk at Ballinalacken Castle, where you can spend some time exploring the far away past of the 15th Century.
From here, you will follow along the “Burren Way” to take in the beauty of the surrounding greenery and limestone walls that make the landscape here so visually appealing. Passing by the Fermoyle Chapel, old ring forts, and the impressive Newtown Castle, you will eventually arrive in Ballyvaughan for the night.
- Overnight Location:
- B&B in Ballyvaughan
- Distance:
- 5 hours, 19km, 378m of ascent, 476m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Today begins with another short drive to the starting point of your walk at “Green Road”. Here, you will make your way into the heart of Black Head Mountain and over Gleninagh Mountain while taking in some more amazing views of the surrounding limestone formations along the coast.
After a visit to Fanore Beach - the only beach in the Burren - you will pass through the charming Caher Valley and its ring forts, before being collected and taken back to your accommodation for the night.
- Overnight Location:
- B&B in Ballyvaughan
- Distance:
- 4-5 hours, 17km, 495m of ascent, 494m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast
After breakfast, check out from your accommodations and depart from Leenane via your own arrangements.
If you are departing via Galway, a taxi transfer to nearby Maam Cross is included in your booking.
- Overnight Location:
- None
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Tour Map
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Inclusions
Included
- 6 breakfasts are included.
- Accommodations for 6 nights are included.
- Transport to the start of the hikes on Days 2, 5, and 6 are included. Luggage transfers between the properties are also included.
- Detailed route book with full area maps or GPS-enabled app for navigation & points of interest
- 24-hour Emergency/Information support
- Full pre-departure information to maximize your experience
- In-house Holiday Specialist to assist with any additional services
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Flights
- Transport into Lahinch or out from Maam Cross
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Visas is required
- Entrance fees to any sites or parks
- Ferry tickets to/from the Aran Islands
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single room upgrades
- Extra services:
-
- Welcome briefing: $50 per person
- Welcome briefing and follow up calls during the tour: $125 per person
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These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
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FAQ
We rate this tour as a 3/5. A moderate level of fitness is required for the distance and elevation changes on this route, and previous hiking experience is recommended. However, no technical expertise or gear is necessary. The route involves various surfaces: road walking, gravel paths, muddy and grassy tracks, and sections along open cliff tops, all possibly wet underfoot. Good boots are essential.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel as you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided all the information on which direction you need to go daily. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
6 breakfasts are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your Travel Insurance.
From either Shannon or Galway, the starting point of this tour in Doolin can be accessed by taxi or bus connection. Your holiday specialist can assist with arrival and departure plans if needed.
No. You will be provided with all necessary information to complete your self-guided tour.
The tour ends in Ballyvaughan. Private transfers to the airport in Shannon can be arranged at an extra cost.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Why book Burren and Aran Islands Hiking Tour with 10 Adventures?
Self-guided Specialists
Combine the freedom of travelling on your own with the confidence that all of the logistics are taken care of.
Packed with Inclusions
Accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - all taken care of so you can focus on making memories.
World Class Support
Have peace of mind for when travel plans change with our hassle-free booking process and unbeatable support.
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