Welcome to Bantry – the idyllic starting point of our journey along the Wild Atlantic Way. This small fishing village on Ireland's south coast in County Cork captivates with its historic charm and provides the perfect setting to arrive in peace and prepare for the upcoming days of hiking. In the evening, a group dinner awaits us – a wonderful opportunity to get to know our fellow travelers and share our initial impressions before we set off on our first leg the following day. Our accommodation is located on the quiet outskirts of town and offers stunning views of Bantry Bay. The hotel is surrounded by 12 hectares of gardens with a pond and walking paths and boasts a variety of leisure facilities, including a golf course, tennis courts, and a football pitch. For relaxation and rejuvenation, there is a heated indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and whirlpool. Those seeking more active pursuits can make use of the fitness center, sports hall, or the snooker and bowling alleys. Please note: The transfer from Dublin to Bantry is not included in the tour price and can be booked optionally via the additional services.

Our first hike together takes us to one of Ireland's most pristine and impressive headlands: Sheep's Head – a narrow, windswept peninsula in southwest County Cork. The tour begins in a small settlement on the eastern edge of the peninsula. From there, we follow narrow paths that wind through a diverse landscape of lush pastures, wild heathland, and bizarre rock formations. After a short time, impressive views open up across to the Beara Peninsula, its silhouette standing out sharply against the horizon. Our destination is the lighthouse at the western end of Sheep's Head, perched picturesquely and solitarily on a rocky promontory overlooking the Atlantic. The final stretch of the trail leads us through a dramatic landscape of rugged cliffs and sheer drops – a scenery that vividly demonstrates just how wild and captivating Ireland's coastline can be.

Today another highlight of our hiking trip along the Wild Atlantic Way awaits us: the legendary Ring of Kerry. This spectacular coastal road is considered one of the most beautiful panoramic routes in Europe. The Kerry Way, one of Ireland's longest long-distance hiking trails, follows the route around the Iveragh Peninsula – sometimes parallel to the road, sometimes through remote, wildly romantic landscapes far from traffic. Our hike today begins in the historic town of Derrynane, renowned for its historical significance and surrounded by lush green scenery. We'll follow narrow paths through verdant hills, past ancient stone walls and across open moorland. With views of the coastline always in sight, we'll eventually reach Waterville, picturesquely situated between the Atlantic Ocean and Lough Currane. In the evening, we return to our hotel in Tralee. The stylish Ashe Hotel is centrally located in this charming and historic town – just a one-minute walk from the center with its pubs, shops, and restaurants. The hotel's own gastropub serves the finest Irish cuisine, while the entire interior impresses with its modern design and attention to detail. The rooms are high-quality and tastefully furnished, offering excellent comfort for a restful night.

The Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry is a place brimming with magic – steeped in ancient history, rugged beauty, and dramatic coastal scenery. Stretching out into the Atlantic like a slender finger, it offers one of Ireland's most impressive hiking trails. Today we'll embark on a section of the famous Dingle Way, which circumnavigates the entire peninsula, providing insights into a fascinating cultural landscape. Our hike begins in the small coastal town of Ventry. From here, gentle paths lead us through rolling meadows with sweeping views of the open sea. We soon encounter the first stone witnesses of the past: the so-called Clocháns – ancient dry-stone beehive huts. These striking corbelled structures date back in part to early Christian times and were used for centuries as storage rooms or stables. The further west we hike, the more intense and wild the landscape becomes. Rugged cliffs, lush green slopes, and the ever-present ocean dominate the scenery until we finally reach the small town of Dunquin (Dún Chaoin). It is famous for its spectacular wharf, from which the ferry to the Blasket Islands once departed, and for the wide, golden beach where we can peacefully end our hike.

After a scenic drive, we reach the mighty Shannon – Ireland's longest river – which we cross via a short ferry crossing. Our route then takes us to one of the absolute highlights of any trip to Ireland: the Cliffs of Moher. During a brief photo stop, we experience the immense power of nature as the dramatic cliffs, reaching up to 214 meters high, rise from the Atlantic Ocean. On a clear day, the view extends to the Aran Islands and the distant mountains of Connemara – an unforgettable panorama. We then continue to the small town of Doolin, known for its vibrant traditional music scene. From there, we take a small ferry to Inishmore (Irish: Inis Mór), the largest of the three Aran Islands, which lie like rugged, green jewels in Galway Bay. After arriving, there will be some time to explore the small harbor of Kilronan before we end the day with a relaxing dinner together. Our accommodation is located directly on Inishmore. The family-run hotel offers spacious rooms with private bathrooms – some with balconies and stunning views of Kileaney Bay or the lively Kilronan Harbour.

We follow a varied landscape through this primeval scenery, passing rocky paths, open fields, and spectacular clifftop sections. The destination of today's hike is a place deeply rooted in Irish history: the legendary Dún Aengus Fort (Irish: Dún Aonghasa). This prehistoric fortress sits atop a nearly 90-meter-high cliff and offers one of the most impressive views of the entire trip. The semicircular stone structure, whose origins date back over 3,000 years, encompasses an area of 4.5 hectares with its outer walls. Those who wish can explore the site (optional) and experience the massive walls and the breathtaking panorama across the Atlantic up close. After the hike and a short break, we take the ferry back to the mainland. In the evening, we finally arrive in the charming town of Westport in County Mayo – a lively town with Georgian flair, traditional pubs, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the Westport Woods Hotel & Spa welcomes us. This four-star hotel is idyllically nestled in a 300-year-old forest on the outskirts of the small town of Westport in County Mayo. The comfortable rooms offer views of the forest, and in addition to the Lakeview Restaurant with its lake views, the hotel boasts a spa area including an indoor pool.

Our hike today begins in the small, secluded mountain village of Rosroe, picturesquely nestled between the sea and the mountains. From here, we follow an old "Greenroad"—a historic supply route that winds gently along the coast. Step by step, the majestic Killary Harbour unfolds before us, a sea inlet up to 45 meters deep, stretching for about 15 kilometers inland and considered Ireland's only fjord. Killary Fjord marks the border between Galway and Mayo counties and is surrounded by some of the wildest and most pristine landscapes in the country. Our hike takes us along easy yet impressive trails through this unspoiled region. The paths follow the natural topography harmoniously, and breathtaking vistas constantly unfold – of the fjord's tranquil waters, the steep mountain slopes all around, and the vast expanse of sky above.

Today we leave civilization behind for a day and immerse ourselves in a landscape perfectly suited for slow travel and intense nature experiences. Our route takes us through a breathtakingly pristine landscape: past rugged cliffs, jagged headlands, vast peat bogs, and silent, solitary mountains. The Atlantic Coast Drive – a lesser-known but all the more impressive section of the Wild Atlantic Way – reveals Ireland at its most raw and, at the same time, most moving. Spectacular views repeatedly open up to the Atlantic Ocean far below, its waves relentlessly crashing against the dark rocks. It's easy to understand why Heinrich Böll found inspiration right here – his words about landscape, simplicity, and human warmth still resonate in this environment today. And so it's hardly surprising that our hearts, too, are slowly being won over by this island with its wild, honest charm. In the evening, our accommodation awaits us with modern comforts and a stylish ambiance. The spacious rooms offer magnificent views of the surrounding gardens and the Sligo Mountains. At the Hazelwood Restaurant, we enjoy creative cuisine prepared with fresh, local ingredients. We end the day relaxing in the lively atmosphere of the hotel bar.

In the morning, we'll climb the legendary Knocknarea, a striking, isolated hill not far from the Atlantic coast. The path leads across open slopes to the summit plateau – a short but extremely rewarding hike that offers breathtaking views. Afterwards, a short transfer will take us to the imposing Ben Bulben, one of Ireland's most distinctive mountains. With its steep north face and flat, table-like summit, it rises dramatically from the vast, green plains of Sligo, resembling a majestic table mountain. At the foot of Ben Bulben, we'll take a leisurely stroll, which offers the best view of this impressive natural formation. In the afternoon, we continue our journey towards Ardara, a charming village in County Donegal. The landscape becomes increasingly dramatic, hinting at the rugged character of Northern Ireland. Our accommodation is centrally located right on the market square of the coastal town of Donegal. Most rooms offer stunning views of Donegal Bay and the River Eske. The hotel is part of the "Donegal Food Coast" initiative and treats us to regional specialties in its Market House restaurant. We end the evening in the two-story Abbey Bar, where live music is regularly played and there's a lively atmosphere.

As the grand finale of our journey, another true scenic masterpiece awaits us: the impressive Slieve League Cliffs in the far southwest of Donegal. At 601 meters high, they are among the tallest sea cliffs in Europe and far surpass the famous Cliffs of Moher. Even from afar, the mighty rock massif is awe-inspiring, rising steeply and relentlessly from the deep blue Atlantic. During our hike along the ridge, breathtaking views repeatedly open up to the roaring waves crashing against the rocks hundreds of meters below. The path leads partly along narrow, airy ridges, but also repeatedly opens up to sweeping panoramic views of the open sea, the picturesque Teelin Bay, and the surrounding, rugged mountain landscape of Donegal. This natural experience provides an unforgettable finale to our exploration of the Wild Atlantic Way.

Nestled amidst a breathtaking landscape of mountains and lakes lies Glenveagh, Ireland's largest national park. On a leisurely hike through the heart of the park, we'll traverse clear lakes, mystical bogs, open valleys, and the rugged foothills of the Derryveagh Mountains. With a bit of luck, we might encounter red deer roaming the heath or even spot one of the majestic golden eagles that have been reintroduced here, soaring high above the valley. On the shores of the deep blue Lough Veagh, the fairytale Glenveagh Castle stands majestically, nestled within a magnificent Victorian garden – a captivating contrast to the wild, unspoiled surroundings. Visitors can optionally tour the castle, stroll through the artfully designed terraced gardens, or simply relax by the lake and soak in the tranquility of nature. Our accommodation is located at the entrance to the charming village of Dunfanaghy. This family-run hotel boasts excellent cuisine in its on-site restaurant and a cozy bar. From here, we enjoy wonderful views across the bay to the striking Horn Head peninsula.

Our hike today takes us once again directly to the sea, to the wild and rugged coast of County Donegal. The striking headland near Dunfanaghy is not only an impressive geological natural monument but also an important breeding ground for numerous seabird species. We follow a gently curving coastal path that winds along the rock formations, constantly accompanied by the sound of the waves and the fresh breeze blowing in from the Atlantic. The path ends in a vast, picturesque dune landscape that impresses with its quiet beauty. After this impressive coastal walk, we return to the charming village of Dunfanaghy, where our hiking journey gradually comes full circle.

Even the most wonderful trip eventually comes to an end. After your time together, you have the option of making your own way home or booking an optional extension program. Please note that the transfer from Dunfanaghy to Dublin is not included in the tour price and can be booked separately if required (see additional services).