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Walking the West of Ireland

The West of Ireland is known for it's rugged landscape and tranquility. Explore some of the most remote lands in Ireland on foot, and bring a donkey or pony with you to carry your things or a small child!

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Type of Holiday: Self-guided Walking Holidays, Summer Walking Holidays, Family Walking, Family Holidays, Walking Holidays

Price:

From €500-€750 per week per person full board

Duration: From one day to several weeks

Departures: Saturdays year round, although other start days are possible

Start point: Slieve Aughty Centre, Kylebrack West, Loughrea

End point: Slieve Aughty Centre, Kylebrack West, Loughrea

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To visit Ireland without flying, there are several ferry routes for foot passengers, thereby enabling the Emerald Isle to be reached the greener way. Catherine Mack provides in depth travel advice and route options for visitors wishing to reach Ireland by ferry from the UK and Northern France. Upon arrival, there are several train and bus options to explore and discover all that Ireland has to offer.

Read More: How to travel to and from Ireland without flying

Belfast-born Catherine Mack shares her top travel tips for Ireland to help visitors get the most out of an exciting trip to the Emerald Isle. She offers great suggestions for holidaymakers seeking green travel options and unique experiences including food, accommodation, transport and activities throughout the Isle.

Details of Walking Holiday in West Ireland

Experience true Irish hospitality with a walking holiday. Choose from post to post or residential walking holidays, and bring a donkey or pony with you! All walking holidays are certified GOLD by Ecotourism Ireland.

Slieve Aughty's walking holidays are self guided adventures perfect for families and couples wishing to slow down and see some of the most scenic land Ireland has to offer. A residential walking holiday allows you to explore the area from the comfort of The Three Towers Eco House and takes away the hassle of having to pack daily and change accommodation. Ideal for families with young children, each day you can set out with a map, lunch and a pony to carry your child. Donkeys are also great to carry a child or your gear. We give you a bit of training on handling and caring for the animal before you go, and they are great companions. Walk for an hour or all day, the choice is yours, and relax in the evenings with a home cooked organic meal from The Three Towers Organic Kitchen. With lots of forest and country roads around the centre, you can walk somewhere new every day, take a day off for sightseeing, or even try horse riding one day for a change. Your accommodation offers the best in comfort and beauty and you are sure to sleep well in the peaceful, remote countryside.

A post to post walking holiday takes you further afield as you travel to different accommodation every day or every 2 days. Each B&B has space for your donkey or pony, and all are full of Irish country charm. Nia's Rest, beside one of Ireland's best kept secrets, Lough Attorick, also offers organic food, most of which comes from Nia's own garden. She knows the area better than anyone as she grew up there, so she'll be happy to tell you stories of the local history after dinner. The end of the week takes you to Margaret's eco-friendly B&B overlooking breathtaking Lough Graney. Her food is organic, the scenery stunning and all is powered by the wind. Rest after a long day of walking with your donkey companion or go for a lakeside picnic, climb the Slieve Aughty Mountains, and visit charming country pubs along the way.