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Highlights
Explore Ireland’s rugged charms hiking the Burren Way
Drink in the breathtaking views from the famed Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s must-see sights.
Hike through the incredible rock formations of the Burren, a region of exceptional natural beauty.
Visit the ancient circular towers of Newtown Castle, a 16th-century relic.
Sunbathe on the shores of Fanore, the Burren’s only beach.
A visit to the Burren is one marked by unforgettable scenery and remarkable history. On this 5-day self-guided hiking tour, you’ll experience one of the best walks in Ireland through a region simply unlike any other.
The tour begins in the colourful village of Doolin with a warm welcome to County Clare. Your first day of hiking brings you to the world-famous Cliffs of Moher, immortalized in Irish folklore. After another night in Doolin, work your way north as you enter the Burren. Ancient rock formations stretch as far as the eye can see, home to a stunning amount of plants and flowers, many of which are usually found in very different climates. Continue exploring the Burren with a visit to Fanore Beach, stopping at historical attractions such as Fermoyle Chapel and Newton Castle along the way. Your tour ends in the coastal village of Ballyvaughan, the perfect place to experience traditional Irish culture.
If you’re keen to make the most of the Burren, this 5-day hiking tour is the one for you.
A visit to the Burren is one marked by unforgettable scenery and remarkable history. On this 5-day self-guided hiking tour, you’ll experience one of the best walks in Ireland through a region simply unlike any other.
The tour begins in the colourful village of Doolin with a warm welcome to County Clare. Your first day of hiking brings you to the world-famous Cliffs of Moher, immortalized in Irish folklore. After another night in Doolin, work your way north as you enter the Burren. Ancient rock formations stretch as far as the eye can see, home to a stunning amount of plants and flowers, many of which are usually found in very different climates. Continue exploring the Burren with a visit to Fanore Beach, stopping at historical attractions such as Fermoyle Chapel and Newton Castle along the way. Your tour ends in the coastal village of Ballyvaughan, the perfect place to experience traditional Irish culture.
If you’re keen to make the most of the Burren, this 5-day hiking tour is the one for you.
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5-Day Burren Way Hiking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Doolin
Arrive in the tiny village of Doolin, your home for the first night. Check into your accommodations and pick up your detailed information pack, which includes route guides and contact information.
Enjoy an evening at leisure – don’t miss the live Irish music!
Overnight Location: B&B in Doolin
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 The Cliffs of Moher
Your first day of hiking starts with one of Ireland’s most famous sights! After breakfast, head straight to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre. The Burren Way will lead you all the way Hag’s Head, the southernmost point of the world-famous cliffs.
Take your time to relish in the panoramic views, stretching out past the Aran Islands and across the North Atlantic Ocean. When you’re ready to depart, head back to the Visitor Centre. Once there, call your taxi for the return transfer to Doolin.
Overnight Location: B&B in Doolin
Distance: 3-4 hours, 12.5km, 951m of ascent, 902m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 The Heart of the Burren
The day starts with a quick transfer north to Ballinalacken Castle, the starting point for today’s hike. Winding country roads lead you into the fascinating Burren. Dominated by rock and karst formations, this landscape has been described as “lunar” and provides much to explore!
As you progress north, keep your eye out for a host of historical sites. Fermoyle Chapel and Newton Castle are two highlights, with plenty of old ring forts scattered around the Burren. Views across Galway Bay to the Aran Islands accompany your path into the harbour village of Ballyvaughan.
Overnight Location: B&B in Ballyvaughan
Distance: 4-5 hours, 19km, 378m of ascent, 476m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Limestone Loop
Take a quick transfer to begin the day, which starts at the Black Head Loop. The old “Green Road” guides you over Gleninagh Mountain and through the Burren until you reach Fanore, boasting the only beach in the region.
After catching some rays, turn and head back through the lovely Caher Valley to complete the loop, discovering more ring forts and other hidden surprises along your way. Ring your taxi to transfer back to Ballyvaughan.
Overnight Location: B&B in Ballyvaughan
Distance: 4 hours, 17km, 495m of ascent, 494m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Departure
After breakfast, check out from your accommodations and depart from Ballyvaughan via your own arrangements.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
5-Day Burren Way Hiking Tour Price and Dates
This self-guided hiking tour of the Burren Way is run as a custom tour for your group and the price per person is fixed. There are upgrade options available that add welcome briefings and follow-up phone calls during your hike. Please let us know if you are interested in these upgrades. Prices below are per person:- Self-guided groups of 2+ in shared double rooms: EUR610
Accommodation on 5-Day Burren Way Hiking Tour
This tour is based in small B&Bs and/or guesthouses. Properties offer warm rooms with an ensuite washroom and daily hot Irish breakfast.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. If you prefer a single room or you are a solo traveller, the required supplements are included in the listed prices.
What’s Included in the 5-Day Burren Way Hiking Tour?
Meals
4 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 4 nights are included. Additional nights can be booked as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Transport to the start of the hikes on Days 3 and 4 along with a transfer from the end of the Day 4 hike back to Ballyvaughan are included. Luggage transfers between the properties are also included. Airport transfers are not included.
Also Included
- Detailed route book with full area maps
- GPS-enabled app for navigation & points of interest
- 24-hour emergency/information support
- Full pre-departure information to maximize your experience
- In-house holiday specialist to assist with any additional services
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Flights
- Transport into Doolin or out from Ballyvaughan
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Visas is required
- Entrance fees to any sites or parks
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Extra services:
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- Welcome briefing: EUR25 per person
- Welcome briefing and follow up calls during the tour: EUR50 per person
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Extend tour to 8 days
- How hard is the 5-Day Burren Way Hiking Tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Ireland?
- I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
- Are meals included on the 5-Day Burren Way Hiking Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Doolin to start this tour?
- Is the 5-Day Burren Way Hiking Tour guided?
- Where does the 5-Day Burren Hiking Tour end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Ireland?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Ireland?
We rate this tour as a 3/5. A moderate level of fitness is required for the distance and elevation changes on this route, and previous hiking experience is recommended. However, no technical expertise or gear is necessary. The route involves various surfaces: road walking, muddy and grassy tracks, and sections along open cliff tops, all possibly wet underfoot. Good boots are essential.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel as you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided all the information on which direction you need to go daily. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
4 breakfasts are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your Travel Insurance.
Fly into Shannon International Airport (SNN). From Shannon Airport, the town of Doolin is about 1 hour by car. Public transit by bus will take roughly 2-2 ½ hours, with a transfer in Ennis. Your holiday specialist can assist with arrival and departure plans if needed.
No. You will be provided with all necessary information to complete your self-guided tour.
The tour ends in the town of Ballyvaughan. From here, the Shannon Airport (SNN) is roughly 1 hour by car. Public transit by bus will take about 2 ½ hours.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Customer Ratings
Ireland Walk Hike Bike was set up with one purpose in mind – to show you the real Ireland that we know and love. Having watched many visitors “flash” through Ireland – founder Linda Woods decided back in 1994 to find a better way to see the country. “My aim was to slow people down, so they really get their feet into the soul of the country, meet the locals & discover what makes Ireland & the Irish tick………” and 25 years later – this is exactly what Ireland Walk Hike Bike is still doing today…
Whatever holiday you want – walk, hike, bike, more active than that or less active than that – we will be delighted to chat with you, help plan your holiday with you to ensure you have a really memorable trip to Ireland.
