Connemara Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Kylemore Abbey which includes a park
Sitting on the west coast of Ireland, and therefore the very edge of Europe itself, is the unspoiled area sometimes referred to as ‘the real emerald of Ireland’, Connemara. Boasting landscapes that range from the tranquil to the dramatic, and encompassing mountains, bogs, beaches and villages, it is a genuinely magnificent setting within which to explore and enjoy the kind of warm welcome the people of Ireland have always been proud of offering to visitors.

Whether you wish to sample the culture and ambience of the villages and towns which nestle within the lush green countryside, get away from it all by exploring the mountains and remote valleys themselves or even take to the water and enjoy the tranquillity of the many islands which sit in the wild and exhilarating Atlantic Ocean, Connemara offers a wealth of experiences and attractions.

Nature in Connemara

The area around Connemara offers stunning examples of rural Ireland at its very best, featuring no fewer than fifty mountains as well as rivers, lochs and bogs. There is so much to discover here amidst the variety of flora and fauna. You can experience the peace and quiet of a stroll through a deserted bog or be exhilarated by the Atlantic waves lashing the long golden beaches of the coastline.

Breathtaking views reward those with the stamina to tackle the peak of Diamond Hill. Sitting in the Connemara National Park, Diamond Hill rises 500 metres above the village of Letterfrack and offers a hill walking experience designed to appeal to hikers with every level of experience. Elsewhere in the National Park, visitors can enjoy a tea room, children’s playground and the chance to interact with the famous Connemara ponies.

Sport in Connemara

You might choose to spend your stay in Connemara relaxing, chatting to the locals and sipping pints of Guinness in the warmth of a genuine Irish pub, but for those of a more energetic and sporting frame of mind, the area offers the chance to sample a wide range of activities.

Golfers can tackle gorgeously landscaped inland courses or the more rugged challenge of links golf.

For those keen on fishing you will be spoilt for choice: you can cast your line in rivers, lochs or the ocean, netting yourself salmon, cod and trout.

The ocean itself is a natural playground in its own right, offering you the chance to explore it by sailing, swimming or scuba diving.

In addition there are miles of roads along which you can cycle through stunning countryside, and fields and hills over which you can walk, run, hike or ride a horse or pony.

Attractions in Connemara

Although the wonder of nature lies at the heart of Connemara’s appeal, it is by no means the end of the story. Stay here and you can sample history in the form of Kylemore Abbey or Clifden Castle, shopping which ranges from traditional Irish knitwear to cutting edge boutique fashion and a cultural scene which encompasses traditional singing and dancing as well as festivals of art, poetry and drama throughout the year.

Staying at Connemara will mean never being stuck for something to do.

Menlo Park Hotel
Menlo Park Hotel
4 out of 5
Terryland, Headford Road, Galway, Galway
The price is ₹10,978 per night from 6 Jun to 7 Jun
₹10,978
per night
6 Jun - 7 Jun
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Galway. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"Fantastic hotel in a quieter part of the city. Staff were friendly and helpful. My stay included free breakfast and it was delicious with plenty of options. Room was quite large with all the necessities including a mini fridge. Highly recommend this hotel."

Reviewed on 14 May 2024

Menlo Park Hotel
Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
4 out of 5
Recess, Ballynahinch, Galway
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Ballynahinch. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Dan O'Hara's Connemara Heritage and History ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (172 reviews)
"Absolutely stunning!"

Reviewed on 28 Apr 2024

Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Leonardo Hotel Galway
Leonardo Hotel Galway
4 out of 5
Quay Street, Galway, Galway
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹15,643 per night from 9 Jun to 10 Jun
₹15,643
per night
9 Jun - 10 Jun
Stay at this eco-certified hotel in Galway. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
"Great location and staff."

Reviewed on 16 May 2024

Leonardo Hotel Galway
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Citypoint Apartments
Citypoint Apartments
4 out of 5
Eyre Square, Galway, Galway
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Galway. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Eyre Square and Quay Street are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (363 reviews)
"We had a lovely stay at Citypoint. While the room was smaller it was well laid out and eaisly accommodated us and our 2 north american sized suitcases. It was central without being too noisy. Easy to walk where we wanted to go."

Reviewed on 10 May 2024

Citypoint Apartments
Galway Bay Sea View Apartments
Galway Bay Sea View Apartments
3 out of 5
The Promenade, Salthill, Galway, Galway
Stay at this 3-star beach apartment in Galway. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and balconies. Popular attractions Quay Street and Eyre Square are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (223 reviews)
"Lovely comfortable apartment. Bus outside if you wanted to travel in to Galway city but we really enjoyed the walking back and forward in to town along the promenade"

Reviewed on 15 May 2024

Galway Bay Sea View Apartments
Shoreline Apartments
Shoreline Apartments
4 out of 5
Quincentennial Dr, Galway, Galway
Stay at this 4-star golf aparthotel in Galway. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and satellite TV channels. Popular attractions Quay Street and Eyre Square are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
"The place was spotless. The linens and toiletries are good quality. Nice to have laundry facilities, although challenging to navigate!"

Reviewed on 9 May 2024

Shoreline Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Connemara