Located predominantly in County Galway, and with the Irish language, culture and traditional ways of life well preserved here, few places on the island capture the essence of Ireland like this iconic region. Here are 10 great things to do in captivating Connemara.
1. Connemara National Park
This vast and unspoilt national park is home to Connemara ponies, red deer, bird-life, grasslands, mountains, bogs, heaths and forests. Drivers can devote a full day to exploring, but walkers often choose to stay longer to hike the numerous trails – a highlight being the conical shaped Diamond Hill.
2. Take the Sky Road
This 16-kilometre scenic loop is considered one of Ireland’s best drives. The views of the dramatic cliffs, mountains and seaside scenery are simply stunning, and there are multiple look-out points where you can pull over and gaze at them. No car? No problem. It’s definitely worth walking the Sky Road.
3. Clifden
Set against a backdrop of mountains and ocean, Clifden is the largest town in Connemara and its unofficial capital. This charming and lively town is brimming with stylish restaurants, coffee and gift shops, art galleries and lots of quaint Irish pubs where traditional music and culture thrives.
4. Kylemore Abbey
A must-see in Connemara, Kylemore Abbey is regarded as one of Ireland’s most romantic buildings. Originally built as castle and given as a romantic gift in 1867, it boasts impressive architecture, a Victorian walled garden, a beautiful gothic church, breathtaking views and more.
5. Cong village
This enchanting village was the filming location for the 1952 Irish-Holywood classic The Quiet Man, starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. Among the many places to see are Cong Abbey, Ashford Castle, and of course the Quiet Man Museum, and there are tours and walks related to the film.