Welcome to Walk the West of Ireland
Welcome to Walk the West of Ireland - the Irish connection of Walk Nelson NZ.
My name is Rachel Ryan, originally from County Limerick, Ireland. I run ten-day walking-focussed tours in Ireland (the West and South West regions), and now also in my home area of Nelson in New Zealand.
Walk the West of Ireland walking tours offer unhurried exploration of relic and myth, folklore and the arts, countryside and village life, and the evolving delicious Irish cuisine with its emphasis on fresh and local produce.
We offer two in depth discovery tours: Walk the West and Connemara’s Calling. A minimum of six days out of ten on each tour are spent walking in spectacular and diverse landscapes. Our groups are kept to a maximum of ten and I have carefully selected local walking guides who are passionate about their area and are knowledgeable and well versed in archaeology and history, flora and fauna, and stories of local interest.
Unique parts of Ireland have been especially chosen. They are all steeped in ancient history from the most extensive Stone Age Monument in the world: the Céide Fields in North Mayo to Lough Gur in County Limerick with its megalithic tombs, largest stone circle in Ireland, standing stones, and castles. In fact, it is not uncommon to stumble across a variety of ancient sites on any of our walks!
If you love to meet local people when on your travels, you will enjoy the rich village culture of each region we walk in - they are off the mainstream Irish tourist trail. Non-walking days are spent exploring all the countryside has to offer. We meet locals, visit artists/craftspeople, food producers and owners of homes of special historic interest.
Irish culture: music, art, theatre, storytelling and dance is alive and vibrant and we maximise any opportunities to take part. Our tours value the unique Irish warmth and generosity, and its rich storytelling tradition.
Ireland is evolving as a ‘must-visit’ food destination. A feature of Walk the West of Ireland itineraries is our emphasis on excellent cuisine. Elin, our travelling chef, will prepare hearty breakfasts, sumptuous picnic lunches and gourmet dinners to come home to in the evenings, using the very finest of fresh local produce.
We look forward with pleasure to our contact with you.