Wilderness-Travel-2017-Catalog

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QUESTIONS? 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL 43
Contouring 1,500 miles along Ireland’s western
shores, the Wild Atlantic Way brims with
all that makes Ireland so
enchanting. We’ve chosen
a stunning section—
County Clare, the Burren,
County Mayo, Joyce
Country, Connemara, and
the Aran Islands—for our
unique cultural and hiking
journey. Our Trip Leaders
Con Moriarty and Ann Curran know this region
by heart and have a passion for sharing their
favorite secret trails, sacred peaks, and lively
villages. Their enduring friendships with
local historians, shepherds, island folk, and
musicians enliven our adventure and offer
an insider’s perspective as we explore.
Days 1-2 Galway / The Burren In the spectacular
karst landscape of the Burren, we hike into
hidden glens that hold a treasure trove—Bronze
Age burial sites, standing stones, Iron Age forts,
and Celtic high crosses—and we savor a sunset
view from the towering Cliffs of Moher.
Days 3-4 County Mayo / Westport / Clare
Island Ancient trails lead us up Ireland’s holiest
mountain, Croagh Patrick. Ferrying to Clare
Island, once the domain of a powerful Gaelic clan
and their fierce pirate-queen, Grace O’Malley,
we hike dramatic cliff ramparts and visit a sheep
farmer to see his border collies in action.
Days 5-6 Connemara / Joyce Country / Omey
Island / Clifden In Connemara’s Joyce Country, a
local archaeologist joins us for a hike to evocative
Omey Island, accessible over the sands at low tide.
Omey holds many of Ireland’s stories, with its
shell middens and tiny medieval church. On one
evening, we explore lively Clifden, the “capital” of
Connemara, where a pub can surely be found!
Days 7-9 Aran Island / Galway In the
otherworldly Aran Islands, where Gaelic is
heard as often as English, our hikes are amid
a labyrinth of stone-walled fields. Back on the
mainland, our trails lead along Killary Harbour
to the Twelve Bens and we enjoy an evening in
the company of musicians. Depart on Day 9.
Hike some of the finest Irish trails imaginable, meet friendly locals, and enjoy
welcoming pubs along the way. PHOTO: BRIAN MCGILLOWAY
BRIAN MCGILLOWAY
“I would do this
trip again in a
flash—spectacular
itinerary,
well-organized,
great hikes.”
Andy W., Oakland CA
HIGHLIGHTS
• Hike on gorgeous Clare Island, with its
iconic lighthouse and dramatic cliffs
• Explore Connemara on a hike with a local
scholar, meet a sheep farmer and his
border collies
• Hear the lilting sounds of the Gaelic
language in the Aran Islands
• Savor the Irish food scene, with local
specialties from oysters and seared
scallops to grass-fed Irish beef
• Enjoy lodgings of character: an 18th
century manor house, a Victorian-era
fishing lodge, and a guesthouse on the
Aran Islands
DETAILS
• 9-day trip begins and ends in Galway
• 8 nights charming inns and hotels
• All meals included except 1 dinner
DATES
May 20-28, 2017
Jun 24-Jul 2
Jul 22-30
Sep 2-10
TRIP COST
$4695 (11-15 members)
$5195 (7-10 members)
Single supplement: $510
TRIP LEVEL
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
A mix of moderate walks and hikes,
3-6 hours a day, van support