West Ireland Travel Story – 2026

In May 2026, Auckland Global Trekkers took on the wild western coast of Ireland — a rugged landscape of limestone mountains, cliffside coastal trails, remote offshore islands, traditional Connemara villages, and historic pilgrim paths. Over nearly two weeks, we explored the Wild Atlantic Way from County Clare up through Connemara, Mayo, and Sligo, combining epic mountain hikes with local Irish culture and island living.

Arrival & Settling into Galway

Our journey kicked off on 3 May as we landed at Dublin Airport, caught the direct coach west to Galway, and picked up our rental SUVs. Galway served as our vibrant, culture-filled base for the first part of the trip.

The Burren & Black Head Loop

On 4 May, we made our way into County Clare to explore the unique, moon-like limestone terrain of the Burren. Starting at Fanore Beach, we tackled the Black Head Loop (and Cather Valley variation) — a coastal trek that brought us along rugged limestone pavements, elevated terraces, and sweeping views out over Galway Bay.

Burren National Park & Mullaghmore

The following day, 5 May, saw us deep inside Burren National Park. We spent the day exploring the Mullaghmore Trailhead, weaving past dramatic rocky outcrops, unique karst flora, and quiet valleys that make this national park so distinctive.

Connemara Coastal Drive & Dogs Bay

On 6 May, we embarked on a coastal road trip into Connemara. Our journey brought us past lakeside spots like Oughterard Pier, the historic Aughnanure Castle, and the famous Quiet Man’s Bridge. After coffee and visiting Pearse Cottage, we stopped in the seaside village of Roundstone for lunch before enjoying a scenic coastal walk around Gurteen Bay and the white sands of Dogs Bay.

Galway City & The Maumean Pilgrim Path

After taking 7 May to rest and explore Galway’s vibrant streets, music, and cafes, we set out on 8 May towards Recess to walk the Maumean Pass. This peaceful, historic trail climbs through a dramatic mountain gap to an ancient chapel and holy well set high in the Twelve Bens.

After lunch and coffee in Clifden and a drive around the stunning Sky Road, we continued to Cleggan Port and caught the afternoon ferry to Inishbofin Island for a two-night stay.

Inishbofin Island Exploration

On 9 May, we spent a full day immersed in island life on Inishbofin. With its traffic-free roads, blowholes, sea stacks, and ruin-dotted headlands, we spent the day completing the island's scenic loop walks while soaking in the quiet pace of the Wild Atlantic Way.

Diamond Hill, Kylemore Abbey & Newport

We caught the morning ferry back to Cleggan on 10 May and immediately headed for Connemara National Park to climb Diamond Hill. The reward at the summit was a spectacular 360-degree view over the ocean and the surrounding Twelve Bens range.

After a post-hike stop at the iconic Kylemore Abbey and a wander through the artisan shops of Westport, we arrived in the town of Newport, County Mayo, to set up camp for the next two nights.

Achill Island & The Cliffs of Croaghaun

On 11 May, we tackled one of the toughest and most rewarding hikes of the trip on Achill Island. Starting at Keem Beach, we took on an unmarked, off-trail mountain ascent up to the Cliffs of Croaghaun — home to some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe. Standing atop the precipice watching the Atlantic crash 600 meters below was an unforgettable experience.

Pilgrim Paths & Sligo

On 12 May, we explored County Mayo's rich heritage with a trek along the historic Croagh Patrick Pilgrim Trail(and the forest paths of Brackloon), climbing steep rocky ridges alongside centuries of history. Afterward, we drove north to Sligo for our final leg of the journey.

Sliabh Liag & The Donegal Coast

On 13 May, we made a day trip into County Donegal to climb Sliabh Liag (Slieve League). Walking along the cliff edges high above the roaring ocean offered some of the most dramatic coastal mountain panoramas in all of Ireland.

Cultural Heritage & Farewell to the West

We wrapped up our active trekking on 14 May with a coastal walk at Rosses Point before visiting the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life at Turlough Park. The museum gave us a fascinating look into rural Irish traditions, crafts, and history from 1850 to 1950. We returned to Galway for one final celebratory evening together before heading back to Dublin on 15 May for our flights home.

A Journey of Coastlines, Mountains & History

From the rocky pavements of the Burren to the high sea cliffs of Achill and Donegal, West Ireland delivered an unforgettable mix of wild hiking, island tranquility, and warm Irish hospitality. It was another extraordinary AGT adventure filled with great trails and unforgettable memories!

For more upcoming adventures, check out Auckland Global Trekkers