Walking Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way

Walking Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way

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8 Days From

$4125

Walking Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way

8 Days Starting in Dublin and ending in Doolin

Visiting: Ireland

Tour operator:

Exodus

Tour code:

TEE

Group size:

6 - 16

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

16-99

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

From:
$4125 (USD)

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way runs the length of the west coast, with traditional villages, ancient monuments and never-forgotten scenery making it the ideal destination for a walking adventure. With our expert local guides bringing the history of this stunning location to life, we explore windswept cliffs, which are interspersed with captivating bays and beaches, plus Killarney National Park and the rugged beauty of Inishmore island.

Highlights

  • Walk the Cliffs of Moher and take a boat ride along the coast

  • Hike to the top of Torc Mountain in Killarney National Park

  • Experience the ancient oak forest and pristine beaches of the Ring of Kerry

  • Meet a seaweed forager and discover the secrets of the Derrynane Beach region

  • Hike Inishmore island and discover a seal sanctuary and the prehistoric fortress of Dun Aonghasa

  • Enjoy a brewery-distillery tour and tasting in Killarney

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Start Dublin; Afternoon Walking Tour

Accommodation Name: Ashling Hotel or The Hendrick Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: dinner

We meet at the group hotel in Dublin at 3pm and then enjoy a guided walking tour of the city highlights plus many areas that are often missed.



In the evening, the guide briefs the group on the week’s activities, before we enjoy a delicious evening meal in a local restaurant.



Our hotel is not far from the city centre, so those who wish can explore the capital after dinner. Dublin is famous for its nightlife and many of the bars have live traditional Irish music.



Accommodation: Ashling Hotel or The Hendrick Hotel (or similar)

Day 2 : Transfer To County Kerry, Hike Torc Mountain In Killarney National Park

Accommodation Name: Abbey Lodge (or similar)

Meals Included: breakfast, lunch

We drive south (3hr 30min) to the hiker-loved town of Killarney in County Kerry. It sits on the edge of Killarney National Park, which has three beautiful lakes and the highest mountain range in Ireland. A treat for those who love the outdoors.



Upon arrival in Killarney, we have time for lunch before a fabulous hike in the national park. Torc Mountain (1,755ft/535m) is steeped in history and mythology. As we hike to the summit, our guide brings those stories to life as we enjoy majestic views of the national park and the three lakes. Descending from the mountain, we pass the rushing Torc Waterfall before heading to the 19th-century estate house whose owners donated the land to enable the national park to be created in 1932. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the gardens before transferring to our Killarney accommodation.



Accommodation: Abbey Lodge (or similar)

Day 3 : Walk The Ring Of Kerry And Learn The Secrets Of The Coast With A Specialist Guide

Accommodation Name: Abbey Lodge (or similar)

Meals Included: breakfast, lunch

Enjoy a scenic drive (1hr 30min) to the western tip of the Ring of Kerry and immerse in the idyllic landscapes around Derrynane National Park. Discover pristine beaches, lush woodlands, ancient abbey ruins and Daniel O’Connell, one of Ireland’s most prominent historic figures, who lived here.



During our hike, we meet a local seaweed forager who takes the group for a seashore walk and introduces us to the secrets of the Derrynane Beach region. Following our hike, we continue our scenic drive around the Ring of Kerry with a few stops along the way before returning to Killarney in the late afternoon.



Accommodation: Abbey Lodge (or similar)

Day 4 : Take A Boat Ride Through The Three Lakes Of Killarney National Park And Then Hike The Ancient Woodlands

Accommodation Name: Abbey Lodge (or similar)

Meals Included: breakfast, lunch

We take a magical boat ride (one hour) from the 15th-century Ross Castle, which sits on the shores of Lough Leane, through the three lakes of Killarney, providing a unique perspective of Killarney National Park. We depart the boat and hike through ancient woodlands to Galway’s Bridge, which spans the Galway River. From here, our hike takes us south, following an old route through the hills, which has been used for hundreds of years by people travelling on foot or driving animals to market. Enjoy views across the Beara Peninsula as we descend to the colourful heritage town of Kenmare.



We then transfer back to Killarney, stopping along the way at the Killarney Brewing & Distillery company for a tour and tasting. It is the largest independently owned brewery, distillery and visitor centre in Ireland and is enveloped by the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks mountains and the Killarney lakes.



Accommodation: Abbey Lodge (or similar)

Day 5 : Transfer To County Clare; Walk The Cliffs Of Moher And Take A Boat Ride Along The Coast

Accommodation Name: The Lodge Doolin (or similar)

Meals Included: breakfast, lunch

Our destination today is the majestic Cliffs of Moher. En route, we cross the Shannon, the longest river in Ireland, by ferry. Keep your eyes peeled for the dolphins that often play in the bow waves as the ferry makes the 15-minute journey from south to north.



After the ferry, we continue to the Cliffs of Moher (3hr 15min) for a relaxed hike on the path that winds from the highest point of the cliffs to the quaint village of Doolin.



Most people stand on the clifftops to look down but later this afternoon we see the Cliffs of Moher from a more impressive angle. Our boat trip provides a unique perspective on the most-visited natural site in Ireland, with towering cliffs and an array of seabirds to admire.



Upon finishing our cruise, we have a 15-minute walk to our accommodation in Doolin.



Accommodation: The Lodge Doolin (or similar)

Day 6 : Hike The Largest Of The Aran Islands: Inishmore

Accommodation Name: The Lodge Doolin (or similar)

Meals Included: breakfast, lunch

We walk to Doolin pier, where a one-hour ferry ride takes us to the largest of the Aran Islands, Inishmore. On reaching the island, a guide who grew up here joins us for a wonderful hike, on which we discover the glories of Inishmore. Following a lovely old trail, we are brought across limestone pavements to reach the fascinating coastal blowhole called Poll na bPeist (Serpents Lair). This natural tidal rock pool is a wonderful location to learn more about this ancient landscape.



We continue our hike to reach the stone fortress of Dun Aonghasa, which is magnificently located at the top of a sheer stone cliff. We then hike the northern shores of the island to reach a seal sanctuary. With time to enjoy this coastline and visit some of the older churches, we complete our hike back at the harbour.



We return to the mainland on the ferry in the late afternoon and walk to our accommodation in Doolin.



Accommodation: The Lodge Doolin (or similar)

Day 7 : Black Head Trail Hike

Accommodation Name: The Lodge Doolin (or similar)

Meals Included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

This morning, before our hike, we visit the ancient burial site of Poulnabrone Dolmen (transfer time: 30 minutes). Our guide explains how these pagan sites are intertwined with the Irish Christian history. We transfer (20 minutes) to the start of our walk, just south of Ballyvaughan village. From here, we follow a rural route – known locally as a green road – into the heart of the Black Head hills, with wonderful limestone pavements and stone walls all around. There are fantastic views over Galway Bay and the Aran Islands as we continue around Gleninagh Mountain. Finishing our walk in Fanore village, we are transported (20 minutes) back to our accommodation for our overnight and farewell dinner.



Accommodation: The Lodge Doolin (or similar)

Day 8 : End Doolin

Meals Included: breakfast

Enjoy another delicious breakfast before starting your journey home. There is a group transfer back to Dublin, so if you wish to extend your stay in the capital please speak to your sales representative about booking extra nights.

What's Included

  • All breakfasts, six lunches and two dinners

  • All accommodation

  • All transport and listed activities

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

  • Single supplement (available on request)

  • Visas and vaccinations

Food

All breakfasts, six picnic lunches and two dinners are included. Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten free and Dairy free diets can all be catered for on this trip but please advise of any dietary requirements at the time of booking.

Accommodation

We stay for seven nights in three- and four-star hotels, selected for their character, location and unique charm. The accommodations we usually use are listed below.



Dublin: Ashling Hotel or The Hendrick Hotel (night 1)







Both are close to the River Liffey in the heart of the capital and within walking distance of the finest restaurants, cafes and bars in the city.



Killarney: Abbey Lodge (nights 2-4)







This quaint 15-room B&B provides a traditional warm welcome, while décor includes interesting antiques and art. It’s also ideally located for our adventures and just over a five-minute walk to the historic town centre of Killarney.



Doolin: The Lodge Doolin (nights 5-7)







This family-run property is the result of 20 years’ hard work from owners Niall and Deirdre, who transformed rustic limestone buildings into a welcoming retreat. The property is in a scenic spot, wrapped by the beautiful Irish countryside, and yet it’s only a five-minute walk into the village of Doolin.

Check out our Q&As

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews of this Operator

Gergana Racheva  

Very helpful and prompt service

06-Jan-2023

Very helpful and prompt service. I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team

Trustpilot
Tim Hardy  

Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast

04-Nov-2021

This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.!

Paul Green  

It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.

08-Oct-2021

This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained!

Mrs Y Morrison  

Fabulous company and trip

06-Jan-2023

We went overland from Cape Town to Zimbabwe through Botswana and Namibia. What a fantastic trip. Our first time with Exodus although we have travelled extensively around the world. We would highly recommend this company for such a brilliant trip - we got everything and more all at a good price. Thanks to everyone involved. We are looking at our next trip!

Trustpilot
John Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I went cycling in Albania...

19-Aug-2023

I went cycling in Albania with exodus as my first holiday with them. Such a well organised and wonderful experience where I met multiple fellow travellers who have been advocates of them for many years. You can't argue with happy repeat customers and I'm planning my next adventure with them soon

Rob Burridge (Google Reviewer)  

I'v just come back from...

17-Jul-2022

I'v just come back from an amazing Wildlife & Wilderness trip in Botswana and I highly recommend Exodus Travels. Our guide Brian, was extremely knowledgeable on both the wildlife and history of Botswana and neighbouring countries. The other three staff, Abbis, Chief & Mr T, who accompanied us through out our 2 week trip, put in the hard work and made sure our camp was always prepared and that we we're well fed and looked after. The tour took us to some beautiful places and we saw some amazing wildlife, and on several occasions this was due to Brian's knowledge of the area and wildlife behaviour. Exodus have been very quick to respond to any queries I had, and the whole experience ran smoothly. I was also pleased to hear that during lockdown they provided staff with food packages 👍. I'd normally go on self organised trips, however, with this trip, the tour and guide Brian took us to places not possible otherwise and showed us things that we would'v missed out on. All of which were the highlights of the tour.

Daphne Partridge (Google Reviewer)  

After 14 roup adventure holidays...

26-Nov-2023

After 14 roup adventure holidays with Exofus we would not hesitate to recommend them as an excitingholiday company. They take you off the beaten track but offer great support and expertise :)

Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)  

I've done 8 trips in...

17-May-2023

I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday. The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that. I remain a loyal customer.

Jacquelyn Moore (Google Reviewer)  

Food came quickly. Staff very...

07-Mar-2024

Food came quickly. Staff very friendly and polite . However the chef or person preparing the food did not seem to read the menu! If it says a meal should come with vegetables, you should not have to ask for them. They served shepherds pie with garlic bread! The munchies ice cream sundae said it should come in a glass with a flake but came in a little bowl with just a few munchies! When asking the staff were happy to replace and correct but customer should get what they order and what menu says first time round!!

johanna leonor (Google Reviewer)  

If you like to be...

07-Sep-2023

If you like to be mistreated Exodus is perfect for you. If you enjoy terrible choices for hotels and pseudo restaurants Exodus is perfect for you. Careless about their clients and loveless about their propositions. Exodus has been a dissatisfaction and disappointment about every dealing i and my group have had with him. Especially a man called Simone who just cares about the money he can get from you couldn’t care less about service.

Dates & Availability

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 17, 2024 - Aug 24, 2024
$4500 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 14, 2024 - Sep 21, 2024
$4125 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 26, 2025 - May 03, 2025
$4500 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Jun 14, 2025 - Jun 21, 2025
$5100 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 19, 2025
$5100 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 16, 2025 - Aug 23, 2025
$5100 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025
$4950 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

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