Connemara

Travel Guide

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

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.

The Arch Guesthouse

The Arch Guesthouse

3 out of 5
Market St, h71p789, Clifden, Galway
The price is P7,005 per night from Aug 14 to Aug 15
P7,005
P7,950 total
Aug 14 - Aug 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star B&B in Clifden. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Clifden Castle and Station House Museum ...
7.8/10 Good! (12 reviews)
"Quiet and off the main room. Clean rooms and very comfortable beds. Welcoming service with fantastic wine shop connected at the front."

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

The Arch Guesthouse
Abbeyglen Castle Hotel

Abbeyglen Castle Hotel

4 out of 5
Sky Road, Clifden, Galway
The price is P14,710 per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
P14,710
P16,695 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Clifden. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Clifden Castle and Station House Museum are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (543 reviews)
"Wonderful"

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

Abbeyglen Castle Hotel
Clifden Station House

Clifden Station House

3 out of 5
Connemara, Clifden, Galway
The price is P9,807 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P9,807
P11,130 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Clifden. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (265 reviews)
"The hotel was very busy so we expected a nosy night but even with the window open it was a good nights sleep. Nice location with shops within walking distance."

Reviewed on Jul 29, 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 vacation home in Cornamona. Enjoy free WiFi, 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 Sep 16, 2024

Clós Na Feirme
Clifftop Haven

Clifftop Haven

3.5 out of 5
Renvyle
Stay at this 3.5-star golf cottage in Renvyle. Enjoy free WiFi, 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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