From the music-soaked lanes of Galway, where fiddles echo against the sea, the road drifts north toward Westport. Croagh Patrick rises like a quiet guardian, its stony trail leading you upward into sky and wind. Below, Clew Bay glimmers—scattered islands floating like forgotten prayers.
Southward, the land grows wilder. Doolin appears at the edge of the world, a village where cliffs meet cloud and every night hums with ancient tunes. The Cliffs of Moher stretch out in a long breath of stone, the Atlantic roaring at their feet.
Finally comes Dublin, lively and bright, a city of stories stacked like old books. Yet traces of the west travel with you—the salt air, the music, the gentle pull of open landscape.
It’s a journey stitched together by hikes, hearth-warm meals, and the steady heartbeat of Irish tradition. A road that feels less traveled through Ireland than into it.
Day 1 : Arrival and train to Galway
Day 2 : Lough Mask hike
Day 3 : Croag Patrick trail and Pilgrims hike
Day 4 : Hike around Lough Inagh
Day 5 : Boat to Aran Islands and hike Atlantic Trail
Day 6 : Moher Trail
Day 7 : Guinness Fcatory tour
Day 8 : Departure
Taking the train from Dublin to Galway is an easy and comfortable trip that lasts a little over two hours, and much of the route offers a good look at Ireland’s central countryside. After leaving Heuston Station, the train moves quickly through Dublin’s suburbs and into open land. Before long, the view from the window becomes wide stretches of farmland—flat green fields separated by hedgerows and stone walls, with cattle and sheep grazing in the distance.
As the train continues through counties like Kildare, Offaly, and Westmeath, the scenery includes bogland, clusters of small wooded areas, quiet rivers, and occasional villages. You’ll see church spires, old farmhouses, and local stations where the train briefly stops. The midlands are spacious and calm, giving a sense of Ireland’s more rural pace of life.
Galway’s atmosphere is a mix of history, culture, and easy-going charm. Once a medieval trading hub ruled by influential merchant families, the city still shows its past in landmarks like the Spanish Arch and its narrow, cobbled streets. Today, Galway is known for its lively cultural scene—street musicians on Shop Street, traditional music sessions in the pubs, and a strong focus on arts, festivals, and community traditions.
Food plays a big role here, from fresh seafood and local oysters to modern Irish cooking found across the city. The warmth of Galway’s people and the constant buzz of music and conversation give the place a friendly, energetic feel.
Staying at Glenlo Abbey Hotel adds a different, more peaceful side to the experience. Located just outside the city, the estate offers quiet grounds, lake views, and a restored 18th-century abbey that contrasts beautifully with Galway’s busy center. After a day in the city’s lively streets, spending the night at Glenlo brings a sense of calm—fine dining in the Pullman Restaurant, a cozy room overlooking the estate, and a restful end to a day in Ireland’s cultural capital.
The drive from Galway to Westport takes about an hour and a half, but it’s a journey through some of Ireland’s most striking western landscapes. Leaving Galway, the route passes through rolling green fields, dotted with farmhouses and grazing cattle. As you head north, the land gradually becomes wilder, with boglands, streams, and scattered woodlands adding texture to the countryside.
A stop at Lough Mask offers a chance to fully immerse yourself in the scenery. The lake is expansive and serene, surrounded by gentle hills that reflect in the glassy water. Walking along its shores, you’ll see clusters of wildflowers, quiet inlets, and the occasional heron or swan gliding across the surface. The distant mountains frame the horizon, and the peaceful atmosphere provides a striking contrast to the busier roads.
Continuing toward Westport, Croagh Patrick emerges on the skyline, a dramatic and iconic peak rising from the countryside. The roads wind through valleys and small villages, offering glimpses of stone walls, thatched cottages, and open pastures, making the drive as scenic as the destination itself.
Westport is a charming, picturesque town on the west coast of Ireland, known for its colorful streets, historic architecture, and friendly atmosphere. The town is framed by Croagh Patrick, offering stunning views and excellent hiking opportunities, and is close to the scenic Clew Bay with its many small islands. Westport has a lively town center filled with cafés, traditional pubs, and restaurants serving local seafood and Irish cuisine.
Knockranny House Hotel is a historic, comfortable hotel just outside Westport. It offers amenities such as a spa and pool, a fine‑dining restaurant, cozy rooms, and welcoming common areas.
Croagh Patrick, towering over Westport, is one of Ireland’s most famous mountains and a historic pilgrimage site. The summit hike is challenging but rewarding, taking about 3–4 hours round trip along steep, rocky paths. From the top, panoramic views of Clew Bay and the surrounding countryside unfold, with its many drumlin islands stretching into the Atlantic.
The Pilgrim’s Walk, traditionally undertaken on Reek Sunday, follows the same route to honor St. Patrick. Along the way, pilgrims carry out a spiritual journey, often praying and pausing at small crosses or shrines. Even outside pilgrimage season, the route allows hikers to experience the mountain’s natural beauty, history, and sense of reverence, making it both a physical and cultural adventure.
Knockranny House Hotel is a historic, comfortable hotel just outside Westport. It offers amenities such as a spa and pool, a fine‑dining restaurant, cozy rooms, and welcoming common areas.
The drive from Westport to Lough Inagh takes you deeper into the heart of Connemara, about 1.5 to 2 hours through some of Ireland’s most dramatic landscapes. Rolling green hills give way to rugged mountains, winding roads, and scattered lakes. As you approach Lough Inagh, the scenery becomes even more striking: still waters mirror the surrounding peaks, and boglands and wildflowers line the roadside.
Hiking around Lough Inagh offers a peaceful way to take in this beauty. Trails along the lake’s edges reveal panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, quiet inlets, and reflections in the clear water. It’s an area known for its natural serenity, with opportunities to spot birds or simply enjoy the calm of the Connemara wilderness.
The lodge by Lough Inagh offers comfortable, well‑appointed rooms and a relaxed, peaceful atmosphere. After a day of hiking and exploring, you can enjoy hearty, locally inspired meals, unwind by the lake, and watch the mountains reflect on the water at sunset. It’s a cozy, scenic retreat in the heart of Connemara.
From the Galway coast, a boat journey to the Aran Islands takes roughly 45–60 minutes. As you cross Galway Bay, the Atlantic stretches wide and blue, often dotted with seabirds and fishing boats. The ride itself offers views of rugged coastline and distant mountains, building anticipation for the islands’ stark beauty.
The islands are home to small, tight-knit communities, many of whom still speak Irish (Gaelic) daily and maintain traditional ways of life, including fishing, farming, and artisanal crafts. Life on the islands is quiet and self-sufficient, with locals deeply connected to the land and sea.
Once on the islands, the Atlantic Trail hike showcases dramatic cliffs, sea stacks, and expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean. Paths wind along coastal edges and across rocky terrain, passing stone walls, traditional cottages, and quiet coves. It’s a moderately challenging hike, but the reward is breathtaking—open skies, endless ocean vistas, and a true sense of the islands’ wild, timeless character.
Doolin is a small, picturesque village on Ireland’s west coast, famous for its traditional Irish music, welcoming pubs, and proximity to natural attractions like the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren. The village has a relaxed, authentic charm, with narrow streets lined with cafés, artisan shops, and lively music venues.
A night at Hotel Doolin makes for a comfortable and convenient stay. The boutique, eco-conscious hotel offers modern rooms and suites, on-site dining at the Glas Restaurant, a wood-fired pizzeria, and live music at Fitz’s Pub. It’s within easy walking distance of the village center, combining cozy comfort with access to Doolin’s vibrant culture and scenic surroundings.
The Moher Trail is a stunning coastal walk along the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most dramatic natural landmarks. The trail stretches for several kilometers, offering breathtaking views of sheer cliffs dropping over 200 meters into the Atlantic Ocean. Along the path, the rugged coastline, crashing waves, and seabird colonies create an unforgettable, windswept landscape.
Hiking the trail allows you to experience the cliffs from multiple vantage points, including quiet spots for photography or simply soaking in the expansive ocean views. The combination of wild scenery, dramatic rock formations, and the power of the Atlantic makes the Moher Trail one of the most spectacular hikes in western Ireland.
night at Hotel Doolin makes for a comfortable and convenient stay. The boutique, eco-conscious hotel offers modern rooms and suites, on-site dining at the Glas Restaurant, a wood-fired pizzeria, and live music at Fitz’s Pub. It’s within easy walking distance of the village center, combining cozy comfort with access to Doolin’s vibrant culture and scenic surroundings.
We will then take the train from Galway to Dublin, traveling through the heart of Ireland. The journey offers views of rolling green fields, grazing livestock, quiet villages, and the gentle rise and fall of the Irish midlands, providing a relaxed and scenic introduction to the eastern part of the country.
Upon arrival in Dublin, we will then visit the Guinness Storehouse, one of the city’s most famous attractions. The tour takes us through seven floors of interactive exhibits that explain the history of Ireland’s iconic stout, the brewing process, and the company’s cultural significance. At the end of the visit, we will enjoy a tasting at the Gravity Bar, which provides sweeping panoramic views of Dublin’s skyline—a perfect opportunity to take in the city from above.
After the Guinness experience, we will stay at St. Helen’s Hotel, a historic and elegant hotel set in a 19th-century building surrounded by mature gardens. The hotel offers spacious, traditionally furnished rooms, fine dining in its restaurant, and a welcoming, timeless atmosphere. Its location provides a peaceful retreat from the city center while remaining conveniently close to Dublin’s cultural sites, shops, and theaters, making it an ideal base to have our farewell meal with our group.
Wherever you are continuing your travels in Europe or flying back home, a part of you will stay in Ireland.
Q. Is the accommodation listed in the itinerary guaranteed?
A. While we endeavour to ensure that the accommodation listed on the itinerary will be where you stay, open occasion it may be necessary to switch to an alternative.
When this happens we work hard to ensure that the alternative accommodation is of the same or a better standard, that it's location is close to the original destination, and that the overall impact is minimised in every way.
Accommodation details will be finalised and shared close to the trip departure (4-6 weeks in advance), however remains subject to change up to and following departure.
Q. How challenging are the treks / hikes?
A. We have graded this trip as a Level 3.
(please see the grading section on the Live Breathe Hike website).
This trip is considered suitable for individuals with good fitness and trail trekking experience. With key points including:
The terrain involves steep hills, uneven paths, and more sustained walking
Duration of Trek: 4-6 hours of walking per day on multi days treks of at least 3 days
Physical Requirements: Moderate fitness; ability to walk continuously for extended periods
You / your party members should be comfortable carrying your personal possessions required for the day in a rucksack, which might include items such as:
A water bottle 500ml / 1l
Camera / phone / electronics
Warm top / sun hat / sun cream
Any other items you would want to access while out for the day.
If you would like further advice on the suitability of this trip for you or your party, please contact us.
Q. Do I have to do the planned activities, every day?
A. Not necessarily. Clients can request a 'rest day' or perhaps the opportunity to break from the scheduled itinerary, although when that day can land will entirely depend on the itinerary and other considerations from the trip leaders.
In all cases we will work with guests to best accommodate their request.