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 ivy rooms
the ivy rooms
3 out of 5
Market St, Clifden, Galway
The price is P6,210 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
P6,210
P7,048 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 28 - Apr 29
Stay at this 3-star B&B in Clifden. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Connemara National Park and Clifden Castle ...
9/10 Wonderful! (11 reviews)
"Great place to stay with friendly owners!!!"

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2025

the ivy rooms
Abbeyglen Castle Hotel
Abbeyglen Castle Hotel
4 out of 5
Sky Road, Clifden, Galway
The price is P9,751 per night from 24 Apr to 25 Apr
P9,751
P11,068 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 24 - Apr 25
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Clifden. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Connemara National Park and Clifden Castle are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (523 reviews)
Magical
"Every part of our stay was magical. We arrived late but a beautiful note with the key was left at the front desk!! Had a wonderful time at the pub and Brian greeted us the next morning at breakfast with 'where were you guys we missed you'!! Would recommend everyone to stay here when visiting the ..."

Reviewed on Mar 5, 2025

Abbeyglen Castle Hotel
Clifden Station House
Clifden Station House
3 out of 5
Connemara, Clifden, Galway
The price is P9,580 per night from 1 May to 2 May
P9,580
P10,873 total
includes taxes & fees
May 1 - May 2
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! (249 reviews)
Will return after renovations finished
"Lovely stay but construction work ongoing so we couldn’t really experience the hotel at its best. We will return once completed."

Reviewed on Mar 26, 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 ...
7.2/10 Good! (7 reviews)
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
Citypoint Apartments
Citypoint Apartments
4 out of 5
Eyre Square, Galway, Galway
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Galway. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Eyre Square and Quay Street are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (409 reviews)
"Great value and location"

Reviewed on Feb 28, 2025

Citypoint Apartments
Madison House
Madison House
3.5 out of 5
Forster St, 21, Galway, Galway
Stay at this 3.5-star vacation home in Galway. Enjoy free WiFi, hydromassage showerheads, and housekeeping. Popular attractions Eyre Square and Quay Street are ...
7.4/10 Good! (7 reviews)
"Room was tiny. No reception. We never saw anyone that worked for the hotel. This was especially a problem when some people staying at the hotel got locked out at 3am and spent half an hour banging on the door trying to get someone to let them in."

Reviewed on Jan 1, 2024

Madison 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.

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