Connemara Way Route

The full Western Way runs from Oughterard in Co. Galway to Ballina in north Co. Mayo. Our itinerary covers the south and central section, known as the Connemara Way – though often distinguished in literature as Western Way (Connemara) with the Western Way (Mayo) continuiing from Westport to Ballina.

From Oughterard the way starts alongside the shores of Lough Corrib, one of Ireland's finest lakes much visitied by local and oveseas fishermen. Then it turns west across bogland to the Pass of Mam Ean in the Maumturk Mountains, hauntingly beautiful and superbly uninhabited.

The Connemara Way then descends to the beautiful Lough Inagh Valley and from there follows the shore of Killary Harbour, Ireland's only fjord and a memorable sight to see.

The Way then enters Co. Mayo and the lower Sheefry Hills, crossing forest and bogland. It is wild and desolate on this section before passing under the towering bulk of Croagh Patrick, Ireland's holy mountain. Finally the Way meanders to the island studded Clew Bay and the historic town of Westport.

The total walk is 77km. Approximately 30% of the route is on tarred roads. We offer the following tours on the Connemara Way