This tour provides you with an experienced and knowledgeable guide who will help you succeed in summiting 3 spectacular peaks in Counties Mayo and Galway. You concentrate on the walks and enjoying the incredible vistas while we will transfer you and your luggage and organise your accommodation in welcoming, cosy hotels or B&Bs at the end of each day.
Moderate fitness is required as is appropriate walking apparel. The 3 peaks you will climb have been specially chosen and offer truly rewarding views from their summits. Alternative routes will be arranged by your guide should adverse weather conditions occur. This is a wonderful short walking break in a walker’s paradise!
Prices
Hotel Option:From €955.00 per person sharing.From €1,545.00 for a single traveller (travelling alone)
B&B Option: From €795.00 per person sharing. From €1,375.00 for a single traveller (travelling alone)
Duration: 5 days ( 4 nights)
Dates 2018: This tour starts every Tuesday (between April and October). Alternative scheduling also available for €70 extra per booking.
Level: Guided walks on 3 significant peaks
Equipment: You are provided with route notes and maps, but it is essential to bring correct rain proof gear and walking boots with you.
Accommodation: 3 star hotels or approved B&B’s
Meals: All Irish breakfasts
Transfers: All luggage transfers from accommodation to accommodation. Transfers to and from the start and finish of each walk, transfer from your last night’s accommodation to Recess bus stop where you can catch a bus back to Galway.
Meeting Point: Westport, Co. Mayo
Departure Point: Recess, Co. Galway
DAY 1 – Arrival Westport
Arrive today in the historic, colourful town of Westport and settle into your accommodation. We will meet you either on the evening of arrival or the following morning (depending on your arrival time) to go through your itinerary and answer any questions you have about your tour.
DAY 2 – Croagh Patrick
Today you will be taking on Ireland’s ‘Holy Mountain’ and following in the footsteps of thousands of pilgrims who climb what is known locally as ‘The Reek’ to reach some breathtaking views at the summit, over the bays and islands along the Atlantic Coast. Your guide will tell you about the history of the mountain and the surrounding areas and maybe even reward you with a snack at the summit for achieving your first peak! Following your first day’s excursion you will be transferred to your accommodation in the village of Leenane in Co Galway. Overlooking Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord, the village enjoys what is perhaps one of the most scenic locations in Ireland. The Leenane Hotel has played host to Kings and Mortals for the last three centuries and like all good things, has improved with age! Originally established as a Coaching Inn, the earliest records show that there has been an establishment in existence here since the 1790’s. The hotel also offers the only saltwater seaweed baths in Connemara, very popular with walkers after long hikes and climbs!
DAY 3 – Mweelrea/Leenane Horsheshoe
Today you will be picked up by your guide and brought to the start of your biggest challenge of the tour – Mweelrea mountain, the highest mountain in the West of Ireland. At 814m, it is the highest mountain in Connaught and is guarded on all sides by craggy slopes giving the impression that it is unconquerable. It is flanked on one side by Killary Harbour and on the other side by Doolough Pass, a glaciated valley. There are no easy ascents of this mighty mountain and your guide will show you how to approach with caution and enjoy the panorama of the mountains, coast and surrounding islands. Please note that this climb is weather dependent and can become treacherous in bad conditions. Should these conditions occur your guide will choose an alternative route in the valley for you to explore today. Once again you will stay in Leenane where you can relax and ease tired muscles after conquering your second peak!
DAY 4 – Ben Baun “The White Peak”
Today you set out with your guide to ascend your third and final peak. Ben Baun, meaning ‘the White Peak’ is known as the Mont Blanc of Connemara, and is the highest mountain in Co. Galway and the highest peak in the Twelve Bens mountain range. A small range, in the classic West of Ireland style, the Twelve Bens offers excellent hiking over rocky scree and boulders, with fabulous views in all directions. With five valleys cut deep into its sides, there simply is not a large enough mountain footprint to get in the way of your views. You can truly appreciate the indented, irregularly shaped Connemara coastline. Not to mention the innumerable lakes and bog pools that encircle the mountains. Today’s walk will see you reach your goal and you can celebrate reaching all three peaks at the summit!! Afterwards you will be brought to your accommodation at Lough Inagh Valley, where you can rest and relax. Later that evening if you are feeling up to it you might like to visit the nearby Lough Inagh Fishing Lodge where you can enjoy a well deserved pint of Guinness to celebrate your achievement!
DAY 5 – Breakfast and Departure
You will be transferred to Recess bus stop to catch a bus back to Galway.
