IRELAND
Wild Atlantic Way
Highlights
Hike, Cycle & Kayak Fun
Stunning Coastal Scenery
Rock-studded Islands
Friendly Locals
Colorful Pubs
Summary
Welcome to Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way where windswept shores, soaring cliffs, Megalithic remains, quaint harbors, and colorful pubs await. The Wild Atlantic Way stretches 1600 miles from Donegal all the way to Cork.
On our journey, we explore the best sections covering Sligo, Leitrim, Mayo, and Galway, and we will do so in an active fashion. Hike Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s Holy Mountain; Bicycle the Great Western Greenway; Kayak and beachcomb on Achill Island.
At each day’s end, we’ll tap our feet to traditional Irish music, raise a well-deserved pint and say ‘Slainte’! (cheers).
At-a-Glance
Vaccinated travelers welcomed
Days: 8
Date: Email about 2023
Approx Land Cost: $3,495 (airfare extra)
Single Supplement: $400
Group Size: 4 – 8
Minimum Age: 15
Level: Moderate
Overview
Day 1: Dublin to Sligo
Day 2: Cycle Yeats-country, Sligo
Day 3: Ceide Fields, Achill Island
Day 4: Kayak & explore Achill Is
Day 5: Cycle, Westport
Day 6: Hike Croagh Patrick, Westport
Day 7: Connemara & Galway
Day 8: Galway sights. Tour end.
Day 1 – Dublin to Sligo
Group transfer from Dublin airport to Sligo (3 hours). (2 nights here). After lunch, we’ll shake off any jet lag with an easy, iconic hike to Knocknarea (Queen Meabh’s Tomb).
(Lunch & Dinner)
Day 2 – Cycling Yeats Country
Enjoy your first full Irish breakfast. Hop on bicycles and cycle around Lough Gill passing through some of the most scenic areas in Counties Sligo and Leitrim. Easy to see where the famous poet, Yeats drew his inspiration. We will also enjoy Glencar Waterfall and our first visit to a megalithic site.
(Breakfast & Lunch)
Day 3 – Ceide Fields and Achill Island
Destination today is Achill Island (2 nights). On the way, visit Downpatrick Head (Dun Briste) sea stacks and take a leisurely cliff walk. Time permitting, we will also visit Ceide Fields, a unique Neolithic landscape dating back to the Stone Age.
(B, L, D)
Day 4 – Sea Kayaking & Exploring Achill Island
Head out on a morning sea kayak paddle. Beginners welcome! Then continue exploring this amazing island with a visit to a Blue-flag Beach, the Deserted Village, and the 15 th c Kildavnet Tower. Dinner on your own this evening. Perhaps pop into a pub for tasty local fare.
(B, L)
Day 5 – Cycle Great Western Greenway Westport
Cycle from Achill to Newport (19 miles) through the most scenic section of the Great Western Greenway. Cross Mulranny’s Causeway, built across Trawoughter Bay in 1889. Take a brief break. For those who wish to be done with cycling, they can stop here. Continuing, stop at Rockfleet Castle, the 16th c tower house of Grainne O’Malley, the infamous ‘Pirate Queen’. All the while, enjoy views of Nephin Beg mountain range, Clew Bay, Clare Island, and Craogh Patrick. Stop at Burrishoole Abbey, a stunning 15th c Friary and cemetery. End in Newport and snap a pic of the 7-Arch Railway Bridge. Transfer to Westport, our home for the next two nights.
(full day of exploring including 3-4 hours/19 miles of cycling),
(B, L, D)
Day 6 – Hike Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s Holy Mountain
Hike through history! This mountain, locally referred to as ‘The Reek’, rises 2,500’ above the surrounding Mayo countryside. It has been a pilgrimage site for over 5,000 years since the Stone Age and time of the pagans, and its thought they gathered here to celebrate the beginning of harvest season. It's known for the Patrician Pilgrimage in honor of Saint Patrick. Each year Croagh Patrick sees 170,000 pilgrims.
(hiking 8 miles roundtrip, 2,500’ elevation gain, approx. 4 hours)
(B, L)
Day 7 – Highlights of Connemara and Galway
Explore the parks and coastline of the Connemara region. Stop for lunch in Roundstone Village. We overnight in Galway, often referred to as the ‘Cultural Heart of Ireland’ as it is most associated with the Irish language, music, song and dance traditions. After our farewell dinner, we’ll perhaps find a pub and celebrate our journey while listening to some live music.
Day 8 - Galway morning city tour. Tour ends
Galway was a medieval walled city – portions of those walls still remain. Visit the Latin Quarter with its traditional pubs, stone-clad cafes, boutiques, and art galleries. From Galway, persons can choose to extend on their own or be transferred back to Dublin.
(B)
Note on Itinerary:
Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.
Additional Information:
Please be sure to scroll through website tabs for information on:
- Pricing
- What’s Included
- General Information
- FAQ
- How to Reserve
Your Meaningful Trip awaits. Space is limited. Click to reserve today.
$3,395 land price
International airfare is NOT included. (Rates quoted are per person, based on sharing double accommodations).
Single Supplement: $400
Single Supplement is for those specifically requesting their own room throughout, based on availability. Meaningful Trips will pair same-gender participants as roommates. If a roommate can not be found, you will be requested to pay a discounted Single Supplement Fee or $250.
Save BIG!
Bring your friends! Join any set tour with 4 or more people (friends, couples, or a family) and each person saves $200.
Or, organize a group of 6-8 friends or family bubble group, choose your own private dates (based on availability), and each person saves $200.
Compare & Save: (Save $1,000 when compared to 8-day Wild Atlantic Way by REI Adventures)
Payment Schedule and Cancellation Policy:
Payment
Deposit of $500 due at time of reservation. Final balance due 90 days prior to trip departure.
Cancellation
Any deposits made for 2021 tours can be cancelled any time, up until Feb 28, 2021, for any reason and given a full refund. After Mar 01, 2021, if you cancel prior to departure (with written notice), cancellation fees are:
91 or more days… $0
61 to 90 days… $500
31 to 60 days… 50% of Trip Cost
0 to 30 days… 100% of Trip Cost
Included:
- 7 nights hotel accommodations
- Airport transfer from Dublin
- Entrance to sites
- Meals as per itinerary
- Kayak and bicycle gear
- English-speaking guides
NOT included:
- International Airfare
- Travel Insurance
- Drinks
- Meals not noted on the itinerary
- Guide gratuity
Trip Insurance
Meaningful Trips highly recommends the purchase of comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, delays, medical matters, and emergency evacuation. See our Link for Travel Insurance
Safety
Ireland is one of the safest countries in all of Europe.
Visa and passport
Must have a US Passport valid for 6 months beyond the tour end date. Visa is not required for US citizens.
Flights to Ireland
Our trip starts in Dublin and ends in Galway. From Galway, guests can choose to extend their stay in Ireland, otherwise, there are easy train and bus connections back to Dublin. Please do not purchase any airfare until you have received word form Meaningful Trips that your trip is confirmed with the necessary minimum number of passengers. Sligo is a 3-hour drive Dublin.
Weather
Spring, Summer, and Fall are ideal times to visit Ireland. Spring daytime temps are around 60 degrees. Summer is approximately 70 degrees, and Autumn is about 60 degrees. Expect wind on the coast and light rain mixed with sunshine.
Lodging
This trip includes 7 nights in comfortable hotels and small lodges.
Activity Level: Moderate
This is an active trip offering a mix of activities from hiking to kayaking to bicycling. The duration of activities ranges from 3 – 4 hours. Kayaking is OK for beginners. Bicycling is 19 miles over 4 hours. Hiking Crough Patrick is an 8 miles roundtrip with a 2,500’ elevation gain.
Save Big!
Join any set tour with 4 or more people (friends, couples, or a family) and each person saves $200. Or, organize a group of 6-10 friends and choose your own private dates (based on availability), and each person saves $200.
Additional Trip Information
Prior to reserving your tour, please carefully review our ‘Pricing’, ‘How to Reserve’ and ‘FAQ’ sections for helpful information on topics such as cancellation penalties, inclusions, food, water, and more.
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the Meaningful Trips Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully. Additional pre-departure information including a Packing List, Medical Form, and Liability Release Form is emailed upon sign-up.
Your Meaningful Trip awaits. Space is limited. Click to reserve today.
Some answers to common questions. Upon Sign-up, travelers receive a Packing List, Pre-Departure Info and Important Forms
Do I Need a Passport for Ireland?
Yes, a passport is needed and must be valid for 6 months after your trip date.
Do I Need a Visa for Ireland?
No. As a tourist with a US Passport, no visa is required.
Are any vaccinations required for Ireland?
No.
We highly recommend that all persons who travel internationally should be current on these three routine immunizations: Annual Influenza (flu) shot; Tetanus Booster (Tdap) (good for 10 years); and Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR). Additionally, Hepatitis A is highly recommended for all international travelers. Meaningful Trips are not medical experts. Always consult your own doctor and always refer to the CDC website for updated vaccination and country-specific information.
Is Ireland Safe?
Ireland is one of the safest countries in Europe. Always follow these necessary safety precautions:
- make copies of relevant documents
- be wary of public Wi-Fi
- use caution when using ATM
- use hotel safes when available
- be aware of your surroundings
Do I need Travel Insurance?
Meaningful Trips always highly recommends the purchase of comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, delays, medical matters, and emergency evacuation.
When is the best time to go to Ireland?
Spring, Summer, and Fall are ideal times to visit Ireland. Spring daytime temps are around 60 degrees. Summer is approximately 70 degrees, and Autumn is about 60 degrees. Expect wind on the coast and light rain mixed with sunshine.
How active is this Ireland trip?
This is an active trip offering a mix of activities. Hiking Crough Patrick is 8 miles roundtrip with a 2,500’ elevation gain. Kayaking is OK for beginners. Bicycling is 19 miles over 4 hours. The duration of activities ranges from 3 to 4 hours.
What are hotels like in Ireland?
This trip includes 7 nights in comfortable hotels and small lodges.
What is the food like in Ireland?
There’s something along the Wild Atlantic Way to satisfy every appetite. Fresh seafood, smoked salmon, lamb stew, Blackpudding, local cheeses, fresh dairy ice cream, and artisan chocolates. Also, not to mention crafted whiskeys and beers. Vegetarians and vegans will find many options as well.
STEP 1 – Click ‘Reserve’ and Complete Reservation Form to Hold Your Space(s)
STEP 2 – Mail $500 Deposit via Check.
Reservation is guaranteed upon receipt of a $500 deposit per person. Deposits are held in Trust Account. Deposits are fully refundable for any reason if you cancel before Dec 31, 2020. After Jan 01, 2021, regular cancellation policy applies. Final Payment is due 90-days prior to departure and payable by Check, Zelle, Stripe, ApplePay, Visa, Mastercard.
Mail Check Deposit to:
Meaningful Trips
1416 NW 46th St
Suite 105-343
Seattle, WA 98107
Upon reserving a trip and submitting a deposit, each traveler will receive:
- A Confirmation email
- Invoice
- Pre-departure Information
- Trip Application with Liability Release and Assumption of Risk
- Travel Insurance Information
- Packing List
- Medical Form
Terms & Conditions and Liability Release
At the time of Deposit, participants must read and agree to Meaningful Trips Terms and Conditions and Liability Release Form. Please read this information carefully.
Your Meaningful Trip awaits. Space is limited. Click to reserve today.