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Connemara and Mayo Guided Walking in Ireland

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■ Duration: 7 nights accommodation

■ Itineraries available: 1

■ Board Type: Full Board

■ Walking grades: 5 details

■ Carbon Footprint: 437kg CO2 details

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With the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the watery border of Lough Corrib cutting it off from the rest of Ireland to the east, Connemara feels wonderfully wild and remote. The rugged peaks of the Maumturks and Twelve Bens rise above a landscape of sparkling lakes, bogland and purple-hued moors, while the coastline forms a jigsaw-like puzzle of peninsulas, estuaries and tiny islands. It’s an outstanding region for variety and on this guided walking holiday through the counties of Galway and Mayo, you’ll have the choice to take on everything from rewarding mountain climbs and gentle coastal strolls to a pilgrimage along part of the Croagh Patrick Heritage trail.

Accommodation

A range of handpicked hotels...

The 4-star Delphi Resort is perfectly located for our walking holidays. Surrounded by rugged mountains in 300 acres of magnificent scenery, it sits in the heart of the Delphi Valley, near Leenane, Connemara. Comfortable rooms each feature tea & coffee making facilities, iron & ironing board, flat screen tv, telephone, hairdryer and toiletries. Elsewhere, the hotel has a Spa & Wellness resort complete with hot tub, steam room, sauna and treatments available, perfect for unwinding after a good day’s walk (all payable locally).  

Delphi Resort location landscapes.jpg

What You’ll Love

  • A choice of two walks each walking day 

  • Exploring sections of the Wild Atlantic Way 

  • Admiring the wild beauty of Connemara & County Mayo 

  • Winding your way through landscapes that have inspired writers such as Oscar Wilde & W.B.Yeats 

  • Joining the pilgrimage route passing Ireland’s holy mountain, Croagh Patrick 

What's Included

  • Comfortable en-suite rooms in our partner accommodation 

  • Entrance to Kylemore Abbey 

  • Cooked or continental breakfast every morning  

  • Daily packed lunches 

  • Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee   

  • Guided walks with experienced HF Holidays Leaders 

  • All transport to and from walks where necessary  

  • Return flights from London Heathrow, including baggage and transfers 

Reviews

Itinerary

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.

Itinerary

Welcome to Delphi Resort. Unpack, settle in and meet your fellow group members and leader before dinner. 

Forming a spectacular natural boundary between counties Galway and Mayo, Killary Fjord – An Caoláire Rua – stretches beneath the towering slopes of Mweelrea. Today’s walks follow its southern shoreline along a rocky trail originally built as a famine relief road during the 19th century. 

Created to provide employment for local communities during the Great Famine, this historic route offers a moving connection to Ireland’s past. It also rewards walkers with magnificent views across the fjord and surrounding mountains. 

Please note that some sections are rough and uneven underfoot. 

Option 1 - Rosroe to Killary Harbour

Distance:  7 miles (11km) 

Ascent:  850 feet (260m) 

Follow the shores of Killary Fjord from Rosroe Pier to Killary Harbour along the historic Famine Road.

Option 2 - Rosroe to Leenane

Distance:  10 miles (16km) 

Ascent:  1,000 feet (300m) 

Follow the Option 1 route as far as Tullyconor Bridge, where we join the Western Way. This long-distance trail stretches from Oughterard to Westport, and we follow part of it to finish in the waterside village of Leenane. 

Today’s walks begin at the Connemara National Park Visitor Centre and explores Diamond Hill, named for the quartzite that sparkles in the sunlight, particularly after rain. 

Both options are relatively short, although the upper route provides a much tougher challenge. This leaves plenty of time in the afternoon to visit Kylemore Abbey, with entrance included. 

Originally built as a romantic gift, Kylemore later became a Benedictine monastery. Explore its Victorian Walled Garden and beautiful Gothic church, or simply relax and admire the abbey’s reflections in Pollacapall Lough.

Option 1 - Diamond Hill Lower Route

Distance: 2 miles (3km) 

Ascent: 350 feet (100m) 

This shorter walk follows Diamond Hill’s waymarked Lower Route. Using old bog roads, boardwalks, tracks and steps, it is the gentler of today’s choices. Although it doesn’t reach the summit, it still offers superb views across the coastline and surrounding islands. 

Option 2 - Diamond Hill Upper and Lower Routes

Distance:  4.5 miles (7km) 

Ascent:  1,650 feet (500m) 

Branching away from the Lower Route, we follow the Upper Route towards the summit of Diamond Hill. The path becomes steep, rocky and exposed as it approaches the summit ridge, but the reward is an outstanding panorama across the Twelve Bens, Kylemore Abbey and the Atlantic coast. 

Enjoy a free day to relax at Delphi Resort or explore more of the surrounding area at your own pace. 

Lying around 6km off the Mayo coast, Clare Island is known for its towering cliffs, rugged hills, sweeping sea views and unspoilt landscapes. We take the ferry from Roonagh and spend the day exploring on foot. 

Situated at the entrance to Clew Bay, the island has a rich natural and cultural heritage. Discover stories of the legendary Pirate Queen, Grace O’Malley, look out for abundant birdlife and pass some of Clare Island’s many archaeological sites.

Option 1 - Knocknaveena Loop

Distance:  4.5 miles (7km) 

Ascent:  450 feet (140m) 

Circle Knocknaveena Hill using a mix of quiet roads, bohereens – narrow country lanes – and grassy tracks. The route passes the Creggan and Leinnapollbruty loughs, with far-reaching views towards Achill Island, the Corraun Peninsula and the Mayo mainland.

Option 2 - Lighthouse and Knocknaveena Loop

Distance:  7.5 miles (12km) 

Ascent:  550 feet (180m) 

Enjoy the full Knocknaveena Loop, with an additional extension to Clare Island lighthouse.

Experience a memorable section of the Western Way as it crosses Connemara’s open bogland. With the Maumturks on one side and the Twelve Bens on the other, both routes lead towards the village of Leenane.

Option 1 - Tawnyard Lough to Leenane

Distance:  6.5 miles (10km) 

Ascent:  150 feet (40m) 

Begin beside island-dotted Tawnyard Lough, where the remains of an ancient fortified island dwelling, known as a crannog, can be found. Continue through woodland, beside the River Erriff and across sheep-grazed pastures before reaching Leenane. 

There should be time to browse the village shops, stop for refreshments or visit the Sheep and Wool Centre. 

Option 2 - Drummin to Leenane

Distance: 13 miles (21km) 

Ascent: 900 feet (280m) 

Starting in the village of Drummin, beneath the Sheeffry Hills, follow quiet country roads through landscapes shaped by generations of sheep farming. Join the Western Way at Tawnyard Lough, then follow the Option 1 route towards Leenane.

The Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail stretches from Balla in central Mayo to Murrisk, a small coastal village at the foot of Croagh Patrick. 

Ireland’s patron saint, St Patrick, is believed to have fasted on the mountain’s summit for 40 days. It has since become an important pilgrimage site, with some pilgrims traditionally making the challenging ascent barefoot. 

We won’t be heading to the summit – or walking barefoot – but instead explore the mountain’s scenic foothills before finishing in Murrisk, where there will be time to relax and take in the coastal surroundings.

Option 1 - Cloonagh to Murrisk

Distance: 6miles (10km) 

Ascent: 800 feet (240m) 

Begin with a short section of the Western Way, following quiet country roads and tracks into the foothills of Croagh Patrick. Join the final section of the Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail as it skirts the mountain before descending towards Murrisk.

Option 2 - Boheh to Murrisk

Distance: 9 miles (14km) 

Ascent: 1,000 feet (300m) 

Join the Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail at Boheh for the final stages of this historic pilgrimage route. Walk through the rare native oak woodland at Brackloon before the trail becomes rougher, climbing into the foothills of Croagh Patrick. Traverse the lower slopes before descending towards the coast and Murrisk. 

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home. 

View all

Daily Walk Options

Grade 5

Harder Walks

Good fitness and stamina required. Expect rocky terrain with sustained ascents and descents. Walks may include high summits and ridges.

Accommodation

Delphi Resort

The 4-star Delphi Resort is perfectly located for our walking holidays. Surrounded by rugged mountains in 300 acres of magnificent scenery, it sits in the heart of the Delphi Valley, near Leenane, Connemara. Comfortable rooms each feature tea & coffee making facilities, iron & ironing board, flat screen tv, telephone, hairdryer and toiletries. Elsewhere, the hotel has a Spa & Wellness resort complete with hot tub, steam room, sauna and treatments available, perfect for unwinding after a good day’s walk (all payable locally).  

More Information

If you choose to book your flights with us, we automatically include return transfers between the destination airport and hotel. 

If you are travelling independently to join us at Delphi Resort, please see their website for details of how to get here: https://delphiadventureresort.com/plan-your-visit/ 

It's best to be prepared for all weather conditions. To make it easier, here is a list of items you should consider packing.   

Essentials  

  • Walking boots 

  • Waterproof jacket 

  • Waterproof trousers 

  • Insulated jacket/top 

  • Walking clothing  

  • Walking socks (plus spares)  

  • Sunhat 

  • Gloves/mitts and warm hat

  • Water bottle (minimum 2 litre capacity)  

  • Headtorch

  • High-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF 30)  

  • Swimcap (compulsory in Itialian resorts)

  • Sunglasses with a dark lens 

  • Rucksack (15-30 litres)  

  • Mobile phone 

  • Personal first aid kit (containing your medication, blister plasters, etc.) 

  • Passport 

  • Visa (if applicable) 

  • Copy of your travel insurance policy 

  • UK Global Health Insurance Card (formerly known as EHIC) 

Recommended

  • Collapsible walking poles 

  • Swimwear and travel towel

  • Snacks

  • Dry bags

  • Rubbish bags

  • Insect repellent

Optional extras

  • Camera 

  • Sit mat

  • Flask for hot drinks 

  • Durable lunch box

  • Gaiters 

  • GPS device (excluding Bhutan, Georgia and India)

Before booking, you should check with your doctor to see whether any health precautions are needed for your trip. Health advice and requirements can change, so we recommend doing this in good time before travel.

As a general rule, travellers should ensure they are up to date with routine UK vaccinations and boosters, including, for example, MMR and diphtheria, tetanus and polio. Some countries may require you to have specific vaccinations such as Malaria, Rabies and Yellow Fever. Please check with your GP if you are unsure.

Please note that the use or possession of some common prescription or over-the-counter medicines is restricted or banned in certain countries. If you will be carrying medication, you should check with the relevant embassy or consulate before travelling. As an extra precaution, we recommend keeping medication in its original packaging, carrying a copy of your prescription, and, where possible, asking your pharmacist to provide the medication name in the language of the country you are visiting.

For further country-specific health advice, visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.traveldoctor.co.uk. If you are travelling from outside the UK, please consult your own doctor and check local entry requirements.

 

This information is for those travelling with a full ‘British Citizen’ passport; for all other nationalities or passport holders, please check with your local consulate for advice.

Passport Requirements

This information applies to travellers holding a full British Citizen passport. Entry requirements vary by destination and can change at short notice. For most EU and worldwide destinations, passports must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. Some countries also require a minimum period of validity remaining on your passport (often up to 6 months beyond your return date), even if you are not staying that long.
We strongly recommend ensuring your passport has at least six months’ validity remaining at the time of travel to avoid any issues.

If you hold a different type of British passport or a passport issued by another country, you must check the requirements with the relevant embassy, consulate, or official government website.

Visa Requirements

Visa rules depend on your nationality, destination, length of stay, and purpose of travel, and they can change frequently. It is your responsibility to check whether you require a visa before travelling.
British passport holders should check the latest entry, passport validity and visa requirements for their destination on the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) website:
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

 

 

Our experienced and knowledgeable volunteer leaders undergo a thorough assessment to lead you on your holiday and are delighted to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with you. Please ensure you complete and hand in your registration form on arrival and let the leader know about any medical problems you may have. This may be useful in the event of a problem on the walk and will be treated confidentially by the leader.  

In The Event Of A Problem  

If you become separated from your group, please stay where you are. Your leader will retrace their steps to find you. 

All our leaders carry a mobile phone, group shelter, spare maps and a compass. In the unlikely event your leader is incapacitated, please use any emergency kit in their rucksack and call the emergency services (call 999 in the UK, or 112 overseas).  

Please then try to call the hotel where you are staying to let them know there is a problem.  

If you have any cause for complaints regarding accommodation, you should notify your leader who can then attempt to rectify the problem.  

Ticks  

Ticks are tiny creatures that live in vegetation and can attach themselves to passing animals or walkers and may carry a risk of Lyme Disease. Please refer to NHS advice and guidelines for information prior to your holiday.  

Travel insurance is a condition of booking. Therefore, if you have not already arranged insurance, it is imperative that you do so before you travel.

For more information about healthcare and its costs, please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/

Drinking Water

Standards for drinking water vary widely around the world. In many destinations, tap water may not be safe to drink, brush your teeth with, or use for making ice. Where advised, you should drink only bottled or treated water and ensure that bottle seals are intact before use. If bottled water is unavailable, water should be boiled or filtered.

Staying well hydrated is particularly important in hot climates and during active holidays. Carry water with you and drink regularly. 

If you are unsure about local water safety, check official country-specific health advice before travel, or ask your accommodation or local guides for guidance once you arrive.

Ticks are tiny creatures that live in vegetation and can attach themselves to passing animals or walkers and
may carry a risk of Lyme Disease. Please refer to NHS advice and guidelines for information prior to your
holiday.

Carbon Footprint - 437kg CO2

We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.

Learn more

Code: CNM07-LCL09

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Connemara and Mayo Guided Walking in Ireland

Members save an additional £30 on this booking and get a range of other exclusive benefits. You can join during booking process. Read more about membership
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Trusted British co-operative

We are proud to be Britain’s only walking holiday co-operative. Led by almost 40,000 members, offering hundreds of holidays across the UK and overseas, with all surplus being reinvested back into our Society.

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Flexible choice of guided walks

Experienced volunteer HF Leaders guide every walk at our UK country houses, offering up to three daily options. Making it easy to find a holiday to suit your ability, and with the flexibility to switch grades each walking day.

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Book early with confidence

Become an HF Member to benefit from our Price Pledge. Secure your first choice of holiday early, and if the cost drops after you book, we will automatically refund the difference (exc. travel agent & group bookings).

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Book with confidence

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests 

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Travel with confidence

We know that peace of mind is priceless, so we’ll always go above and beyond to meet – and exceed – expectations

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

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