Ireland Adventure for Women: The Wild Atlantic Way!
| ADVENTURE DETAILS |
|---|
| TRIP DATES: May 1 – 7, 2027 |
| LOCATION: West of Ireland: Sligo, Inishbofin, Galway & County Clare |
| PRICE: $5,495 |
Travel Tours to Ireland
Discover the wild beauty, rich history and warm spirit of Ireland on an adventure that takes you beyond the traditional tourist trail. Journey from the mountains and rugged coastline of Sligo to the remote island of Inishbofin, colorful Galway, the ancient landscapes of the Burren and the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher.
Along the way, hike through spectacular landscapes, forage for seaweed with local women, brave a wild Atlantic swim followed by a seaside sauna, cruise to an island, experience Irish dance, and settle into cozy pubs filled with traditional music. You’ll also discover the stories of legendary Irish women—from Queen Maeve to Grace O’Malley—and meet women keeping Ireland’s island traditions and crafts alive today. It’s an unforgettable week of adventure, culture, connection and a little Irish magic.
Ireland: trip facts
A 7-day women-only adventure along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, with daily coastal and mountain walks, an island stay on Inishbofin, a wild swim and sauna, Galway, the Cliffs of Moher, and plenty of traditional music.
| Group size | Small group, 6 to 12 women |
|---|---|
| Length | 7 days / 6 nights |
| Price | $5,495 per person, double occupancy. |
| Activity level | 3 of 5: a walk or hike most days, about 3 to 6 miles on trails, beaches and uneven ground, with climbs of up to about 820 feet. Elevations are low (the Knocknarea summit is about 1,000 feet), but Irish weather changes fast, so good rain gear and waterproof boots are a must. The wild Atlantic swim is optional. |
| Upcoming dates | May 1–7, 2027 |
| Starts / ends | Starts around 12:30 pm on May 1 in Dublin; ends back in Dublin by mid-afternoon on May 7. Book an evening flight or an extra night in Dublin. |
| Included | Lodging, 6 breakfasts plus meals listed in the itinerary, all ground transportation, local Irish guide and Canyon Calling trip leader, the listed activities and entrance fees |
| Room Options | Limited private rooms available, $850 (note in sign up), listed price is for a double, roommates will be rotated throughout the trip unless specified |
| Payments | $1,000 deposit to reserve your spot. Final payment invoices are emailed February 1, 2027, and final payment is due February 26, 2027. |
Ireland Activities at a Glance
Ireland Itinerary
We meet in Dublin around 12:30 pm on Day 1, so we highly recommend flying in a day early (most flights from the US arrive in the morning). A night in Dublin before the trip helps with jet lag and gives you time to explore the city. On Day 7 we’re back in Dublin by mid-afternoon, so book an evening flight home or stay an extra night.
Day 1: Journey to the Wild Atlantic Way
Meet your guide and fellow travelers in Dublin and head west across Ireland to County Sligo. Our first adventure is a short hike up to the 5,000-year-old Carrowkeel Passage Tombs, where ancient history meets sweeping mountain views. Then it’s on to our hotel in the heart of Sligo Town to settle in before a Sligo oyster tasting and our welcome dinner together.
Overnight: The Glasshouse Hotel, Sligo
Meals: Dinner
Walk: 3 miles, about 820 ft of elevation gain
Day 2: Seaweed, Sea Swims & Sauna
We drive the dramatic Gleniff Horseshoe, one of Ireland’s most spectacular mountain roads, and walk among soaring limestone cliffs with Atlantic views. On the Sligo coast, a local woman expert leads us on a seaweed foraging walk, sharing her knowledge of edible sea plants and coastal traditions. Then it’s time for a bracing wild Atlantic swim (optional, of course!) and a warming seaside sauna, followed by lunch made with the seaweed we gathered.
Overnight: The Glasshouse Hotel, Sligo
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 3: From Queen Maeve to Grace O’Malley
This morning we hike up Knocknarea to the legendary cairn of Queen Maeve, then continue south to beautiful Kylemore Abbey. In the afternoon, a private boat takes us across Cleggan Bay to Inishbofin Island, following the story of Grace O’Malley, the Pirate Queen of Connacht. Keep an eye out for dolphins! Dinner tonight comes with live traditional music.
Overnight: Doonmore Hotel, Inishbofin Island
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Walk: 4 miles
Day 4: The Women & Crafts of Inishbofin
A relaxed day on the island. We hike around Inishbofin and meet local women who are keeping the island’s heritage alive through their crafts. After lunch on your own and some free time, we explore the wild western side of the island on foot, with its secluded beaches and big Atlantic views. Watch the sunset, then enjoy traditional music at a local pub.
Overnight: Doonmore Hotel, Inishbofin Island
Meals: Breakfast
Walk: 6 miles, about 650 ft of elevation gain
Day 5: Galway City
We take the ferry back to the mainland and head to Galway, Ireland’s Capital of Culture. Kick up your heels at an Irish dance experience, then enjoy free time for lunch and shopping on Galway’s colorful streets. This afternoon we continue south to the coastal village of Doolin.
Overnight: Doolin Inn, Doolin
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6: The Burren & the Cliffs of Moher
A morning hike through the Burren, an otherworldly landscape of bare limestone in County Clare, where prehistoric tombs and early settlements reveal thousands of years of history. This afternoon we visit the iconic Cliffs of Moher. We toast our week with celebration cocktails and a farewell dinner, then head out to Doolin’s pubs for more traditional music.
Overnight: Doolin Inn, Doolin
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Walk: 4 miles
Day 7: Back to Dublin
After breakfast we drive back to Dublin and say goodbye. Catch an evening flight home or stay on for a night in Dublin.
Overnight: —
Meals: Breakfast
What’s Included:
- 7 days / 6 nights, fully guided by an experienced local Irish guide, plus your Canyon Calling trip leader
- 6 nights in hand-picked hotels (double occupancy)
- All ground transportation from Day 1 to Day 7 in a guide-driven minivan
- Meals as listed in the itinerary, plus welcome and farewell cocktails
- Sligo oyster tasting, seaweed foraging, wild swim and sauna
- Kylemore Abbey entrance, Inishbofin boat cruise and return ferry
- Island craft demonstration and Irish dance experience
- Cliffs of Moher entrance
- Gratuities for included meals, hotels and local services
What’s Not Included:
- Airfare to and from Dublin
- Airport transfers and any extra nights in Dublin
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Gratuity for your Irish guide
- Personal expenses
