''Tripadvisor Voted #1 of 289 Sights and Landmarks in Western Ireland'
Awarded 2020 - 2024 'Travellers' Choice'
We're in the top 10% of attractions worldwide!
Beyond the end of the road:
'' NATIONAL HERITAGE and SPECIAL AREA OF CONSERVATION.''
A Superior, Highest Quality Experience.
With its pristine, unspoiled and widely diverse high nature value landscape and seascape, untouched by the modern world, The Lost Valley offers a unique window into the cultural heritage of The West of Ireland. Indeed this is Ireland of yesteryear and probably the finest authentic memorial of The Great Hunger that remains today. Visit the ruined famine village and see the multitude of potato ridges that have lain undisturbed and unattended for nearly two centuries.
For over three centuries the Bourke family traversed over one mile across the mountainside to reach their home in the valley. It was only after 1989 when a roadway was put in place that machinery could access the valley and consequently it remains uniquely unspoiled.
As The Lost Valley is now an active working farm, visitors can experience life on the farm with a working sheepdog demonstration.
PRE-BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL
Notice Board.
Now closed for the Season. Reopening on May 15th 2025.
"The history of a nation is not in parliaments and battlefields but in what the people say to each other on fair days and high days, and in how they farm and quarrel."
-W.B Yeats
The german team of "Grenzenlos - Die Welt entdecken" visited us on our farm in summer 2019 to follow our daily lives as sheep farmers. Skip to 30:25 to find a nice story about The Lost Valley.
The Lost Valley was also highlighted on the popular
R.T.E. program "Ear To The Ground" where Gerard talks through the history of the valley.
"There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the
ways in which you yourself have altered."
- Nelson Mandela
Pricing
Adults €25
Children* €10
Family Ticket** €60
IMPORTANT: No dogs allowed***
* under 15 and must be accompanied by an adult
** 2 adults and up to 3 children under 15 years old
*** as this is a working farm pets are not allowed
To pre-book please contact us:
Tel: + 353 (0) 85 1139977 Email: info@thelostvalley.ie
A truly incredible and unforgettable experience Tripadvisor Review
The Lost Valley walking tour was the highlight of our 2 week trip to Ireland. We were awe struck by the beauty. The entire experience engaged all of one's senses and, in the word of Yeats, it touched "the deep heart's core". The walking trails sights were spectacular and included scenic vistas from the hillside, untouched famine potato beds, wild Atlantic, Killary fjord. We made frequent stops along the trail to view a waterfall, remnants of stone houses from the Great Famine, and beautiful flora. Gerard's weaving of famine history with it's local impact and poetry, was informative, skillful and heartfelt. The rest stop at Gerard's ancestral family cottage, with a cozy peat fire, and tea and cookies, was such a special touch and reinforced the feeling of a step back in time. All of the above was sandwiched between a warm welcome by Maureen, an opportunity to feed small lambs, and a herding demonstration by a sheep dog - good job, "Gyp" your performance deserved an extra dog biscuit! A heart-felt thank you to Gerard, Maureen and daughter for sharing your spectacular sheep farm and historical knowledge. You provided a truly incredible and unforgettable experience...
Date of Experience: June 2023
Beyond Belief Google Review by Elizabeth Yorke
My husband and I have travelled the world doing tours of every description along the way. This walking tour is beyond belief. The story of the famine in Ireland told by a farmer and his wife where everything has been researched and put together to the highest standards I have ever witnessed. It is a credit to them both and I am proud to say I have completed this tour. It's exceptional and my advice is to get in there and do it NOW as when word gets out it's going to be booked out. The extras they have introduced are phenomenal. Well done Gerard, Maureen and family.
Date of experience: August 2021
Contact Us
Bourke Family
Phone: + 353 (0) 85 1139977
Email: info@thelostvalley.ie
Location
The Tour
