Burren Way Walking Holiday — 5 Days (Moderate)

Arrive in Liscannor and settle into your first accommodation — a quiet coastal village where your walking holiday begins. Liscannor has good local pubs, a small harbour, a sandy beach to walk along, and the Cliffs of Moher quite literally on your doorstep tomorrow. The traditional music capital of Doolin is a short drive down the coast.

We will provide you with information on how to get here using public transport in your pre-departure pack — or talk to us about private transfer options from Shannon Airport or Ennis train station, the two closest entry points.

Spend the evening exploring the village, enjoying a pint in a local pub, and getting ready for tomorrow.

After breakfast we transfer you up the coast to the Cliffs of Moher visitor centre. From there you walk the official cliff path north to Doolin — 8 km of as much drama as Ireland can offer in a single morning. The path runs along the very edge: 200-metre vertical drops, sea-bird colonies on every ledge, the Aran Islands rising white out of the Atlantic to the north-west.

You finish in Doolin, Ireland''s traditional-music capital. Spend the afternoon exploring the village or walking down to the harbour — and tonight, find a seat at Gus O''Connor''s, McGann''s or McDermott''s for live music with your dinner.

Note: there is currently a partial closure on one short section of the official clifftop path. Your route notes route around the closed section. If the closure lifts before your trip, the full path is open.

Today the Burren begins. Out of Doolin you climb gently inland onto the limestone plateau — bare grey pavement scored by glacial fissures, rare wildflowers in every crack, stone walls older than most European cities. It looks unlike anywhere else in Europe.

The route descends through traditional farmland to the long sandy strand at Fanore — one of the few proper beaches on the Wild Atlantic Way. Settle into your accommodation, walk down to the beach for a paddle if the weather plays along, and enjoy a quiet dinner.

Your final walking day is the showpiece. Out of Fanore the path climbs onto high coastal ground above Galway Bay, with views across the water to Connemara that genuinely stop you in your tracks. The dramatic Black Head Lighthouse sits at the northwestern tip of the Burren — you pass within sight of it on the descent.

From Black Head the path drops gradually through traditional Irish farmland into Ballyvaughan — a small harbour village that has quietly become known as the food capital of County Clare. Monk''s Bar, the Tea Junction Café and L''Arco Italian are all within five minutes'' walk; tonight will be a good one.

A leisurely morning. A last full Irish breakfast. A last look at Galway Bay.

Make your way onward — Galway city is around 50 minutes by road, Shannon Airport around 1 hour 30 minutes. Many guests add a night in Galway before heading home; it''s well worth it.