Connemara Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Kylemore Abbey featuring a castle, heritage elements and heritage architecture
Kylemore Abbey which includes a park
Kylemore Abbey showing a castle, a park and heritage elements
Kylemore Abbey featuring a river or creek, heritage architecture and heritage elements
Kylemore Abbey which includes heritage elements, a garden and flowers

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.

Abbeyglen Castle Hotel

Abbeyglen Castle Hotel

4 out of 5
Sky Road, Clifden, Galway
The price is ₹18,994 per night from 29 Jul to 30 Jul
₹18,994
₹21,558 total
29 Jul - 30 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Clifden. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Clifden Castle and Station House Museum are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (536 reviews)
"Staff were very friendly. History talk on area with champagne reception was excellent. Dinner was great. Music in restaurant and bar was brilliant."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Abbeyglen Castle Hotel
The Ardagh Hotel & Restaurant

The Ardagh Hotel & Restaurant

4 out of 5
Ballyconneely Road, Clifden, Galway
The price is ₹23,186 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
₹23,186
₹26,316 total
21 Jul - 22 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Clifden. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and room service. Popular attractions Alcock and Brown Memorial and Clifden Castle ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (91 reviews)
"Can i give it 6 stars? Great location, friendly warm welcome and exceptional food."

Reviewed on 21 Jun 2025

The Ardagh Hotel & Restaurant
Clifden Station House

Clifden Station House

3 out of 5
Connemara, Clifden, Galway
The price is ₹14,804 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹14,804
₹16,803 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Clifden. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (259 reviews)
A great hotel. Would recommend and would return.
"We got a really warm welcome on arrival which was lovely. They accommodated us having dinner even though we arrived only just before 9pm. Food was really tasty and service was great - plenty of well trained staff. The hotel all looks newly decorated and is finished to a very high standard - felt ..."

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Clifden Station House
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.
Clós Na Feirme

Clós Na Feirme

3 out of 5
coalpark, an fhairche, Clós na feirme, Cornamona, Co Galway
Stay at this 3-star holiday home in Cornamona. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Ashford Castle and Cong Mini Golf Club are located ...
Beautiful, spacious, quiet
"Beautiful, spacious property. Practical Details for Americans: they have a water kettle not a coffee pot, so purchase instant or bag coffee before you come, not beans or ground. They have a washer and dryer. You need to bring pods and be aware, it's a condenser dryer that takes about 2 hours to dry ..."

Reviewed on 16 Sep 2024

Clós Na Feirme
Clifftop Haven

Clifftop Haven

3.5 out of 5
Renvyle, Galway (county)
Stay at this 3.5-star golf cottage in Renvyle. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Renvyle Beach and Renvyle House Golf Course are ...
Clifftop Haven
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.

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Cities near Connemara