Leaving the busy city of Galway behind, we head west into rural Connemara. Climbing to the summit of Diamond Hill, arguably the finest of all hilltops in the Connemara area, is a great way to start your weeks explorations of this wild coastline. From the summit, there are views out into the Atlantic and in to the brooding hills and mountains beyond. Below the inland skyline, you may be able to pick out the gothic style turrets and towers of Kylemore Abbey, or look out to sea for huge views of the wild Atlantic Ocean. This evening we'll share dinner together in a local pub, rounding the day off perhaps with a perfect pint and if we're lucky, the traditional music of an irish folk band.

Today, we’ll take the path less travelled through Connemara National Park and hike amongst the Twelve Bens mountain range - sharp, quartzite peaks that are an ever present feature of hiking in Connemara. These beautiful mountains offer some of Western Ireland’s wildest (and boggiest!) landscapes, with sweeping views over Kylemore Abbey, Connemara and the shimmering Atlantic.

Today, we’re in for a treat! Following a small trail up Leenane Hill, we explore a little-known part of Mayo that few other hikers get to experience. On the way up, beautiful views of Killary Fjord spill out on one side, while the wild bogs of Mayo extend out on the other. A fast-disappearing terrain, learn a little about the importance of Irish bogs from an ecological as well as historical perspective. From the top of Leenane Hill, enjoy 360 degree views over the beautiful and rugged MaamTurks Mountains, Mweelrea Mountain, and out across the fjord to the Atlantic Ocean.

Certainly one of Ireland’s most spectacular coastal hikes, this gentle walk along Killary Fjord takes us past rocky outcroppings of sheep-shorn grass with the distant Atlantic spreading out before us. Overlooking a necklace of powdery white beaches along the Atlantic shoreline, sharp eyes can spot pods of dolphins on the surface of a seascape dotted with islands. Delve into Irish history as we pass a famine-era abandoned village while your guide explains the rich ancient histories of this little-changing landscape.

Mweelrea, the highest mountain in the west of Ireland, is a great place to hike with breathtaking panoramic views. The south falls steeply to the waters of Killary Harbour, Ireland’s largest fjord. To the east stretches the sprawling Sheffry Hills and Ben Gorm mountain, and to the west lies sandy, white Atlantic shores. In the evening, enjoy some Irish traditional music in the pubs of the colourful coastal village of Westport.

The pilgrimage up the rocky sides of Croagh Patrick is a 5,000-year-old tradition where barefoot pilgrims gather to summit Croagh Patrick at the end of each July. Our hike takes us on a less-travelled route, following the ridge to the tiny church clinging to the summit. From here, we’ll drink in the spectacular vista of Clew Bay and its 365 drumlin islands one for each day of the year! Ask your guide about the 16th century pirate queen, Grace O’Malley, who once reigned these waters. After the hike, head into Westport town to enjoy Westport’s lovely cafes, pubs and shops.

This morning, it’s time to say goodbye to the Wild Atlantic Way, but before you do so, you’ll have the chance to tuck into a final hearty breakfast and enjoy the bustling market town of Westport. Crowned by the iconic peak of Croagh Patrick that we conquered earlier this week, you’ll have time for a bit of last-minute souvenir shopping, a walk around the colourful streets or have a peek at Westport’s many historical sites before we part ways at Westport Train Station.