Adventure itinerary: Bay Coast

Adventure on the Bay Coast and Northern Headlands

  

Views from skies or seas

Your starting point on this itinerary is the visitor centre at the Connemara National Park, where you can trek along the Sruffaunboy Nature Trail before branching off towards the cone of Diamond Hill. Or, if taking to the sea is more your thing, you can sea kayak along Ireland’s most spectacular fjord — and maybe even meet some seals and dolphins along the way.

Discover the Connemara Cycle Tour

This cycle journey begins at Delphi Valley and then continues on to the spectacular Ashleigh Falls. Your guide will then take you into Leenane Village where you will witness Killary Harbour, Ireland’s spectacular fjord landscape. 
 

Day Two: National Parks and Irish history

Trek Wild Nephin Ballycroy National Park

Get up early to explore Wild Nephin Ballycroy National Park, comprising 11,000 hectares of Atlantic blanket bog and mountainous terrain. This vast uninhabited and unspoilt wilderness is dominated by the majestic Nephin Beg mountain range. 

Improve your sailing skills

Then, from turf to surf, learn how to ride the waves with UISCE, a unique activity centre that teaches water sports through the Irish language. 

Discover Ireland’s emigration story

Living beside the Atlantic Ocean in Ireland wasn’t easy in the past. You’ll see exactly why when you spend time at the Ionad Deirbhile Heritage Centre at An Eachléim, in County Mayo’s Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) area. Learn some of the heartbreaking stories of the 19th century families that were forced either by famine or poverty to leave Irish shores and journey across the Atlantic for a new life.
 

Day Three: Paddle, walk and sip the coast

Ride the tide on the River Moy

Your guides, Paddle and Peddle, will show you the beauty of Ballina from the water. Starting at the quay, you will journey upriver along Belleek Forest and through Nimmo's Canal where you can find amazing flora and fauna.

Walk your way

On a walking tour with Trek West, you’ll get to hike along spectacular cliffs on the very western edge of Europe, taking in superb coastal views of the Wild Atlantic Way as you go. Or travel the Monasteries of the Moy Greenway, a scenic route that takes its name from proliferation of Catholic ruins which pepper the route to Killala. 

Irish heritage with a twist

The Jackie Clarke Collection houses many rare and important books, along with manuscripts, photographs, legal papers and proclamations — an authentic insight into 400 years of Irish history. Finish off your day by gathering at a traditional bar for a different type of history and enter the fascinating world of whiskey appreciation. Learn about the painstakingly fine art of distilling that results in the smooth, golden liquid you will get to sample.

 

Day 4: Discover Sligo 

Seashores and seaweed 

Discover Sligo’s seashore with a fun and informative seaweed identification tour, where you will also learn how to cook this mighty sea vegetable. Next, experience a true seaweed bath — considered by many to be the ultimate bathing experience. The seawater combines with natural silky oils extracted from seaweed to leave you feeling rejuvenated.

Explore Sligo’s foodie side

With the Sligo Food Trail you can map your own route to choose the cuisine that you love best, on a tour that puts culture hand in hand with a fantastic food experience. There's always the chance to finish off the experience with a pint of Guiness, live music and some craic at the historic Thomas Connolly’s Bar.