Ireland is known for its wild but exquisite coastline, and many people say that the Connemara region is the true epitome of this singular Gaelic beauty. Lying within County Galway in the west of the island, Connemara paints a picturesque landscape, combining untamed coastal nature and rolling hills with tranquil lakes and vast moors.
Galway Bay is located in southern Connemara, while the north is bordered by Killary Harbor. The western border of Connemara is a rugged coastline. Thanks to its diverse combination of mountains, lakes, and coasts, Connemara offers an impressive variety of outdoor activities. Connemara National Park, the Twelve Bens mountain range, as well as sights like the Kylemore Abbey make this region a popular holiday spot.
The region is also a proud centre of traditional Irish culture, and is as such home to the largest population of speakers of the Irish language. To help you set your bucket list destinations and experiences, we’ve rounded up the most interesting places in Connemara in this article.
Connemara National Park
With a landscape shaped by the Ice Age, the 30 square kilometre Connemara National Park is a small but mighty nature sanctuary. The mountains Benbaun, Benbrack, Bencullagh, and Muckanaght, that you will see in the park, belong to the Twelve Bens range. Despite classing as one of Ireland’s smaller national parks, Connemara is home to a host of moors, forests, and grasslands. The last Ice Age left sand and gravel deposits, as well as blocks all around the park. The national park is known for its heathlands and fens. While the moors in the higher regions are slowly drying out, in lower regions you can still see wet moors and bogs. You can find heather on the slopes of the mountains, while there’s mostly grass and moss in the rest of the park. You’ll also get the chance to see some carnivorous plants like the sundew.
Connemara National Park is also famous for the variety of bird species which reside there. The rich diversity includes songbirds like robins, chaffinches, and wrens, as well as birds of prey such as the peregrine falcon. You can also spot many species from abroad during their winter migration. Among the absolute highlights of the national park are the Connemara ponies. The stars of the region are only 150 centimetres tall, but are still the largest mammal in the National Park. Connemara ponies are often domesticated as pets in western Ireland, yet wild ponies roam free in the National Park.
You will need to get a ticket to enter the park, but don’t worry – it’s completely free. The ticket procedure is simply to count the number of visitors to the park. Connemara National Park is closed over the winter, so plan your trip for the months between March and November.
Clifden
While the region does not technically have a capital, the city of Clifden has earned the unofficial title of capital of Connemara. More than a quarter of the region’s inhabitants live here, making it one of the urban centres of the area.
Clifden is known for celebrating traditional Irish culture. You can always hear Irish music in the streets, and in September Clifden hosts the oldest art festival of Ireland. Despite being the biggest city in the region, Clifden is also rural and traditional at heart. Here, the trade of sheep, cows and the famous Connemara ponies has flourished over the years. Every August, the Pony shows attract horse lovers from all over the world.
The two landmarks of the city are the St. Joseph Church and the Christ Church of Ireland. Their towers are prominent features in the Clifden skyline and can be spotted from every corner of the city. The city skyline is best viewed from a beach north of the so-called Sky Road. This 11-kilometre-long path encompasses the city and is perfect for a leisurely stroll. The views of the city and the Bay are spectacular from here! Along the trail, you’ll also see the mighty Clifden Castle – or what’s left of it. The castle was built in 1810 by John D’Arcy, who helped found the city of Clifden. This fort was his residence as well. The building is now too risky for interior tours, so you can only admire it from the outside.
Clifden is a great starting point for all kinds of trips, such as a journey to the Twelve Bens. The surrounding area also features epic nature like rivers, lakes, and beaches.
Kylemore Abbey
Undoubtedly one of Ireland’s most prominent landmarks, Kylemore Abbey has stunned locals and tourists since the late 19th century.
This arresting structure stands proud on the northern bank of Lough Pollcappul, right at the foot of the Druchruach Mountain. The stunning backdrop grants the amazing building an unparalleled charm. Originally, this granite and limestone neo-Gothic masterpiece and surrounding Victorian garden was built as a castle by Mitchell Henry. Following his death, the castle fell into dilapidation and neglect until its restoration by nuns of the Benedictine Order. Today, it serves as an abbey. It has been open to the public since 1999 and earned the Europa Nostra award a few years later. Today, the abbey is open to visitors while retaining its function as an abbey. You can visit the gothic church and the monastery, as well as the breathtaking gardens. There are also craft shops and a pottery studio where you can buy souvenirs, as well as a luxurious restaurant.
Leenane
Right on Killary Harbour lies Ireland’s only fjord – Leenane. This magical area boasts a dazzling atmosphere. Leenane is nestled between the mountain ranges Twelve Bens, Maumturk, and Sheefry. The fjord itself is famous for breeding mussels. As you may guess, seafood is not a staple in Irish cuisine. For this reason, the mussels harvested here are mostly exported to France. However, food trucks around the harbour offer a mouthwatering array of freshly cooked mussels, clams, oysters, and locally smoked salmon. Once you’re all fuelled up, you can start exploring the fjord. Tickets for the ferry tour are sold at the post office in Leenane. With some luck, you’ll be able to spot otters and maybe even a dolphin or two!
This area is not short of awesome day trips in the slightest. From here, you can go on other excursions to Maam Valley or Delphi Valley. There’s also a long-distance hiking route, Western Way, that stretches over 250 kilometres, winding through Galway and ending in County Mayo.
Conclusion
With staggeringly beautiful scenery and captivating cultural pride, the Connemara region of County Galway is an ideal addition to any Irish road trip. Showcasing Irish tradition in all its glory, you will hear a lot of the native language here. Plus, the landscape shows off the best of the Emerald Isle’s moors, lakes, mountains, and coastlines.
Connemara National Park is a fantastic highlight. The impressive biodiversity and various bird species make Connemara National Park a true paradise for animal lovers. Clifden, Connemara’s unofficial capital, is also fascinating. You can walk along the Sky Road to Clifden Castle. Don’t miss out on Ireland’s only fjord, Leenane, or the stunning Kylemore Abbey while you’re in Connemara! If you want to relish in everything Ireland has to offer, then this western region is your ideal destination.
