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Backroads to the Aran Islands, 3-Day Short Tour from €270
Tour Style: Budget Adventure Tours
Comfort Level: Budget
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Backroads to the Aran Islands | Sligo/Westport to Galway
Step back in time on this action-packed adventure tour, which will take you through the rugged backroads of Connemara and onto the magical Aran Islands.
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Backroads to the Aran Islands is an action-packed 3-day tour through Connemara and the Aran Islands to the lively bohemian city of Galway.
Taking to the backroads of Ireland, we depart Yeats's Sligo and head in search of adventure, which takes us through an ever-changing sea of landscapes, from the heritage town of Westport, overlooked by St. Patrick’s holy peak, to the bohemian city of Galway. We’ll explore Connemara with a bike ride through the desolate Doolough valley, with its dark, silent lakes, to Ireland's only fjord in Killary, where you can choose to walk along its Famine Track or take an optional kayaking tour in its pristine waters. We'll hear tales of the Gothic fairy-tale castle of Kylemore Abbey, as it shimmers in its lakeside setting, before heading out to the mystical Aran Islands, a bastion of traditional Ireland. Spending a night out on Inis Mor, we'll explore the web of stone walls on bike and foot, and experience the timelessness of island life and its rich and endearing culture, before our tour comes to an end in the vibrant medieval city of Galway, with its historic buildings, lively street entertainers and many colourful pubs.
Point 1: Sligo to Connemara
We begin our day with an exploration of The National Museum of Country Life, followed by a visit to the beautiful heritage town of Westport. After lunch, walk or cycle the stunningly desolate Doolough Valley, into Connemara, where we will end our day with a visit to the Gothic fantasy of Kylemore Abbey and Gardens. Tonight, we sleep in atmospheric Connemara.
Point 2: Connemara to The Aran Islands
Morning brings a leisurely walk alongside Killary Fjord, or you can opt to kayak in its pristine waters. The afternoon takes us through the middle of Connemara, with an option to cycle the stunning Inagh Valley, before we take to the waves and sail across Galway Bay, where Inis Mór, the largest of the Aran Islands, awaits us. This night sees us heading out to mingle with the locals, enjoying some hearty fare, creamy pints and traditional tunes!
Point 3: Aran Islands to Galway
The best way to experience the arid stone landscape of Inis Mór is by foot or bike, along the island's stone-clad trails. We visit Europe’s most impressive promontory fort, Dun Angus, an ancient structure perched perilously on an awe-inspiring, 100-foot cliff edge. In the afternoon, we sail back across Galway Bay, where you’ll have the evening to explore the vibrant medieval city of Galway, with its historic buildings, lively street entertainers and colourful pubs.
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We Include ~ No Hidden Extras!
- 3-day budget adventure tour, with an experienced tour leader
- 2 nights' hostel accommodation in shared room
- All entrance fees for guided visits, as outlined in the itinerary
- Bike hire, with fully equipped bicycle, helmet and accessories
- Stunning walks each day, with route notes & maps
- Exhilarating bike-rides each day, with route notes & maps
- Breakfast each day
- All our buses are fitted with drinking water tanks to refill your water bottles, as well as a fruit basket and cookie jar to refuel along the way!
- All ferries, tolls and taxes
- Heaps of fun along the way!
Included Activities & Excursions ~
- Visit the National Museum of Country Life
- Visit Kylemore Abbey
- Walk or cycle Doo Lough Valley
- Walk Killary Fjord
- Cycle Lough Inagh Valley
- Return boat to Aran Islands
- Visit Dun Aengus Fort
- Walk or cycle Inis Mor, Aran Island
- Walk or cycle Salthill Promenade, Galway
We Don't Include ~ Giving You The Choice!
- Optional* activities, as outlined below
- Lunch & dinner, as outlined in the itinerary
- Transport to tour meeting point
- Any additionally requested pre- or post-tour services
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
Optional Activities & Excursions ~
- 3-hour kayak in Killary Fjord, with a kayaking supplier = €50
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Frequently Asked Questions
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This tour is available on the following dates:
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