Four Seasons Walking Festival

This special package consists of 3 nights Bed & Breakfast, 2 Evening Meals, 2 Packed Lunches, 2 Guided Walks with Michael Gibbons, local Archaeologist and pre-walk archaeological/historic lectures in the Station House Theatre.

At the Clifden Station House, we are also offering a 2 night package: 2 nights Bed & Breakfast plus 1 Evening Meal and 2 Packed Lunches for €199 euro per person sharing.

  Important Notes:

1.  All participants need to have hiking boots, and appropriate clothing
2. All walks will be between 4 and 6 hours in duration with opt out options on the day
3. While walkers of all levels are welcome, the mountain walk is not suitable for any person with a serious medical condition
4. Participants will be required to transport themselves to and from start/finish points
5. Ferry charge of €20 per person  is payable directly to ferry company on the day. (concessions may apply)
6. All dining and packed lunches will be taken at the hotel you have booked.

   Spring: 16th-18th March 2012

In the footsteps of Patrick, Pilgrimage Hike in the Maamturk Mountains & Trek to the magnificent Martin Estate and Twelve Bens Mountain Range

 The event kicks off with on Friday evening an introductory talk hosted by Michael Gibbons where the rich history and secrets of the Connemara Islands and Highlands will be shared with you.

Saturday 18th March

Walking the Diamond Hill in the Connemara National Park is one of the finest hikes in the country, with a multitude of route options.  It commands huge ocean, island and mountain views.   The Connemara National Park is a dedicated area of bog and mountain wilderness located close to the famous Kylemore Abbey, former home of Mictchelln Henry MP now owned by the benedictine Nuns and formely run as a secondary school.   This mountain trek crosses broad valleys and mountain gorges and you will visit and archaeological complex which includes a 5000 year old tomb and a  Childrens Burial Ground.

 Duration 3 1/2 hours Moderate Hike.

Requirements Boots Wetgear/Water/Energy Snacks

 Sunday 18th March

 Inishbofin Island of the White Cow

 Inishbofin is famed for its magnificent scenery, relaxed lifestyle and traditional music.  With a population of 200, its a beautiful island five miles long by two miles wide with a superb natural harbou and is only 30 minutes sea voyage. Inishbofin has a turbulent history and strong association with Saxon England, 17th Century France, 18th Century America.  Its fragmented coastline boasts dramatic sea cliffs,sea caves and is home to a rich marine life.

 Its cliff coastline is home to the spectacular sited iron-age forts and overlooking chuch lough one encounters the islands ruined church encircled by its 1,500  year old burial ground.

Easy to moderate walking along small roads open bog and mountain

Duration 5hrs