Day 1) Transfer from Dublin, Westport and Croagh Patrick (The hill of St Patrick)
Make our way to Westport with a stop along the way.
On arrival into Westport and after settling into our accommodation we will drive out to the start of our walk on Croagh Patrick.
The Walk on Croagh Patrick although this is a pilgrimage walk do not be fooled to thinking that it is easy but the views across Clew Bay are worth the effort.
The walk begins at the car park at the base of Croagh Patrick and we will take the pilgrimage trail up towards the summit starting from the statue of St Patrick.Keem Bay, Achill Island
The walk is quite steep in parts and will be walked at a pace to suit the group. Part of the trail is along scree and loose slate definitely not suitable for walking in bare feet actually I would highly recommend walking boots as the walk can be very hard on the ankles.
Stop for a bite to eat on the summit or on the way down and enjoy the views to the west of Ireland which can be stunning in the late evening with sun setting over the Atlantic Ocean.
As we will be going up and down the same trail it is possible to just walk part way up and leave out the scree ascent if finding it difficult.
Grade: moderate /strenuous Length 7 km, Duration: 3.5 – 4 hrs Terain: stoney track
Afterwards we will return to Westport to refresh and relax before dinner.
There are many bars with live music in this small town.
Day 2) Walk on Achill Island or Cycle the Greenway
Today we make our way towards Achill Island for our walk with a stop along the way for those wishing to cycle the Greenway.Irish traditional musicians
Cycle the Westport Greenway Option:
The distances for cyclists are: Achill/Westport 42 km, Mulranny/Westport 29 km., Newport/Westport 11km. You chose which length you wish to cycle and get off the bus at the appropriate place. If you have a gel saddle/padded cycling shorts, bring them. There are coffee shops/toilets on the route and most cycling companies say to cycle back to Westport as the gradients and wind favour that direction.
Walk on Achill Island Option:
The walk on Achill Island will be at the very west of the Island at Keem Bay. This walk starts from the bay itself and brings us up towards an old lookout shelter. We will travel along the ridge of this hill with great views across the Cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean below us. It is a loop walk and we will be coming back through the valley.
Grade: Moderate, Length 11 km, Duration: 3 -4 hrs, Ascent: Approx 350m, Terrain: Grassy track and open mountain
After returning to Westport we can relax and freshen up at our accommodation before dinner.
Day 3) Options before our return to Dublin
Today you can explore the town, do some shopping, visit Westport House or just have a lie in – we will leave for Dublin at 13:00
We plan on being back in Dublin for approx 4pm
