Western Way (Connemara)
A National Waymarked Way through the wild bogs, mountains and loughs of Connemara in the west of Ireland.
Route overview
The Western Way crosses Connemara in County Galway, one of Ireland's most rugged and least populated regions, characterised by extensive blanket bog, quartzite mountain ranges including the Twelve Bens, and a chain of loughs. The trail generally runs from Oughterard on Lough Corrib through Connemara National Park toward Leenaun on the Killary Fjord, Ireland's only true fjord. The route passes remote bogland, traditional sheep-farming country and dramatic mountain scenery, with the Twelve Bens and Maumturk mountains visible for much of the walk. Connemara National Park near Letterfrack provides a well-serviced midpoint with visitor facilities. Most hikers complete the route over eight to nine days, and the sparsely populated nature of Connemara means services along some stages are limited compared with more populated parts of Ireland.
Trail facts
- Country
- Ireland
- Region
- Connemara, County Galway
- Distance
- c. 178 km
- Typical duration
- 8–9 days
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation gain
- c. 3,500 m cumulative
- Best season
- April–October
- Trail type
- Point-to-point
Safety context
Bog sections can be wet underfoot year-round; weather in Connemara's mountains changes quickly. Standard Irish upland precautions apply.
Services are sparse in parts of rural Connemara; food and accommodation should be planned in advance for remoter stages.
Highlights
Twelve Bens mountain range views Connemara National Park Killary Fjord, Ireland's only true fjord Extensive Connemara blanket bog
Why find a buddy
Remote bog and mountain terrain with limited services is safer and more enjoyable to cross with a hiking partner.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.