Seven Days from Dublin along the Wild Atlantic Way: Cliffs, Mountains and Island Forts

DUBLIN BUS TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Seven Days from Dublin along the Wild Atlantic Way: Cliffs, Mountains and Island Forts

A 7-day HilltopTreks bus-and-walking tour from Dublin that links the Wicklow and Kerry mountains, the Cliffs of Moher, the Aran Islands and the Burren—useful as a route and packing guide for travelers on mixed-difficulty daily walks.

Seven Days from Dublin along the Wild Atlantic Way: Cliffs, Mountains and Island Forts.

Duration
7 Days
Location
Dublin
Operator
Hilltoptreks
Category
Bus Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

This week-long circuit departs Dublin and threads together Ireland’s most elemental coastlines and interior highlands—Dingle and Mount Brandon, Killarney and the Gap of Dunloe, the Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands—offering a balance of guided walking, island ferries and comfortable guesthouse and hotel stays.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

Wild Atlantic Way & the Cliffs of Moher
THE COAST

Wild Atlantic Way & the Cliffs of Moher

Drive and walk stretches of the Wild Atlantic Way and stand atop the famous stone edge of the Cliffs of Moher—one of the tour’s most dramatic coastal experiences.

Mount Brandon and the Gap of Dunloe
THE PEAKS

Mount Brandon and the Gap of Dunloe

Ascend sacred Mount Brandon and cross the legendary Gap of Dunloe—two of the tour’s signature walks that pair steep ridgelines with glacial valleys.

Aran Islands and the Burren
THE ISLANDS & KARST

Aran Islands and the Burren

Take the ferry to Inis Mór and visit Dún Aonghasa before returning to the Burren’s lunar limestone pavement—distinctive landscapes that close the itinerary.

What the day feels like

What the seven days feel like

Each day mixes coach travel with guided walks of varying difficulty: coastal drives and cliff-top outlooks give way to mountain ascents, boat crossings on Killarney’s lakes, a ferry to the Aran Islands and limestone walks in the Burren—interspersed with comfortable evenings in approved guesthouses and hotels.

Wild Atlantic Way & the Cliffs of Moher

THE COAST

Wild Atlantic Way & the Cliffs of Moher

Drive and walk stretches of the Wild Atlantic Way and stand atop the famous stone edge of the Cliffs of Moher—one of the tour’s most dramatic coastal experiences.

Mount Brandon and the Gap of Dunloe

THE PEAKS

Mount Brandon and the Gap of Dunloe

Ascend sacred Mount Brandon and cross the legendary Gap of Dunloe—two of the tour’s signature walks that pair steep ridgelines with glacial valleys.

Aran Islands and the Burren

THE ISLANDS & KARST

Aran Islands and the Burren

Take the ferry to Inis Mór and visit Dún Aonghasa before returning to the Burren’s lunar limestone pavement—distinctive landscapes that close the itinerary.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this tour suits and who should reconsider.

1
Active walkers and hill hikersWell suited to travelers who can handle daily walks of mixed difficulty, including mountain ascents and coastal cliff walks.
2
Culture and music seekersGood match for those who want evenings in guesthouses and towns like Dingle and Doolin where local music, history and folklore are part of the experience.
3
Families with younger children or limited mobilityMay be less suitable for those who cannot manage uneven terrain or multiple days of walking; check accessibility and fitness considerations with the operator.
4
Photographers and landscape loversIdeal for travelers seeking dramatic coastal cliffs, mountain ridgelines and the Burren’s limestone vistas—numerous stops provide varied photographic subjects.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Meeting point

This is a 7-day tour; the scheduled meeting point is the Molly Malone Statue in Dublin City for departure.

What to bring

Walking boots, walking trousers and trail clothing, a rucksack of roughly 25L, rain gear and sunscreen are advised; poles if you use them.

Accommodations

Evenings are spent in approved guesthouses and hotels along the route.

Activity mix

The itinerary combines coach transfers, boat trips (including Killarney lakes and the Aran Islands ferry) and guided walks of mixed difficulty across coastal and upland terrain.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the tour?

The South West Ireland Tour runs for 7 days.

Where do we meet to start the tour?

The meeting location is the Molly Malone Statue in Dublin City.

What sort of accommodation is provided?

Accommodations are comfortable stays in approved guesthouses and hotels along the route.

What should I pack for the walks?

Bring walking boots, walking trousers and layered trail clothing, a ~25L rucksack, rain gear and sunscreen; poles if you use them.

Are there boat or ferry crossings included?

Yes—this tour includes a boat trip across Killarney’s lakes and a ferry to the Aran Islands (Inis Mór).

What kinds of walks are included?

Daily guided walks of mixed difficulty, from coastal cliff walks to mountain ascents and limestone pavement walks in the Burren.