Day 1 – Arrival to Oughterard

Arrival in Galway. Local bus transfer to Oughterard on the Owenariff River, the gateway to the hills. It was the country of the O’Flaherty clan, feared throughout the land and eventually reduced to obedience in the reign of Elizabeth 1. The ruins of their castle at Aughanure are just outside the village. Lough Corrib is the second largest lake in Ireland after Lough Neagh, near Belfast. The dawn chorus is particularly spectacular for Springtime early risers!

Overnight Oughterard townland by Lough Corrib

Day 2 – Oughterard to Maam

From the shores of Lough Corrib, follow the Way through pine forest, climbing gently through the valleys of the Owenroe and Folore Rivers into a magnificent wilderness of mountain and bog to reach civilisation again at the village of Maam Bridge.

Distance 14km, Ascents 90m, approx. walking time 5 hours.
Accommodation tonight is in a farm guesthouse at Maam. Your evening meal will be in your guesthouse.

Day 3 – Walk Maam to Lough Inagh Valley

The farming countryside of Maam climbs steadily through rugged hill country along the old mountain road, to the low pass of Mam Ean and a lovely hillside chapel of St. Patrick. An alternative route takes you high into the Maamturks on a demanding climb to 700m rewarded with fantastic views to the Atlantic and Galway Bay.

Distance 15km. Ascents 220m. Approximate walking time 5 hours.
Alternative Route via Binn Chaorigh 15km Ascents 770m, approx. walking time 7 hours

Accommodation is in Lough Inagh Valley. Your evening meal will be in your guesthouse.

Day 4 – Free Day in Connemara

Free day with optional walks from Lough Inagh. If you missed the Maumturks yesterday it is possible to do a route today behind your guesthouse on Letterbreckaun at 667m. The Twelve Bens are across Lough Inagh with many wonderful routes available. The Connemara National Park and Visitor Centre is also within striking distance as are Kylemore Abbey and the Victorian Walled Gardens. Your hosts will assist you with transfers to your chosen route.
Distance 21km. Ascents 667m. Approximate walking time 6 hours.

Overnight accommodation in Lough Inagh Valley.

Day 5 – Lough Inagh to Leenane

A mild day today; firstly pine forest and bogland of Luggagtarriff and Lettershanbally. The Way climbs briefly to Glencraff before skirting the northern flanks of the Maumturks to view Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord. The day finishes in the village of Leenane, An Lionan, “the tide filling place”- a lovely hamlet nestling under the impressive Mweelrea Mountains of Co. Mayo.
Distance 14km. Ascents 70m. Approximate walking time 5 hours.

Overnight accommodation in Leenane village.

Day 6 – Leenane to Drummin

Taxi transfer to Aasleagh Waterfall. Entering Co. Mayo today, The Way rises through forest over Tawnyard Lough descending to Sheefry Bridge over the Owenmore River in the Sheefry Hills. Or the alternative route is via Lough Lugacolliwee which climbs a deep stream ravine crossing at 480m to see the first glimpse of the quartzite cone of Croagh Patrick. The glaciated coum Lough Lugacolliwee is a peaceful place in the midst of such mountain splendour.
Distance 12km. Ascents 80m. Approximate walking time 4 hours.
Distance 23km. Ascents 430m. Approximate walking time 7 hours.

Overnight accommodation at Liscarney. Evening meal available at your guesthouse tonight.

Day 7 – Drummin to Westport

The route takes you to the south of Croagh Patrick, sheep grazing country, rising to open moorland, before crossing a pass at 250m to see island studded Clew Bay. The Way descends through the remains of a Famine village, then wanders through drumlins, glacial mounds deposited in the flatland surrounding Westport town. The town was the creation of James Wyatt and although classically planned, remains picturesque. Explore at will!
Distance 24km. Ascents 230m. Approximate walking time 6 hours.

Overnight accommodation in Westport town.

Day 8 – Departure from Westport

Depart Westport by train for Dublin or by bus to Galway and Shannon.