The literary and poetic community has long held the distant Irish region of Connemara in high esteem due to its beauty and photographic scenery. This is Ireland in its former glory, complete with rusty peat bogs, miles of shoreline, shimmering black lakes, and towering mountains. Tourists visit this border area of Ireland on the edge of Europe to discover the charming towns dotting the countryside, marvel at the wild beauty of the quaint byways, and be amazed by the jaw-dropping scenery.
Travelling to Connemara? Here are some of the best things to do.
Take a Scenic Drive Along the Sky Road
The Sky Road offers stunning views of the Atlantic coast and the offshore islands of Inishturk and Turbot, making it one of the most scenic spots in the Connemara region.
Although the roads in rural Ireland are infamously narrow and demanding of a steady hand, you just have to give it a shot since the journey is just 16 km long and is widely regarded as one of the most picturesque in Ireland.
Along the way, you’ll discover two viewing spots and the biggest town in Connemara, Clifden. It’s the perfect place to stop, stretch your legs, and even book your accommodation in Connemara before continuing your journey. At the peak, there is a large car park and a viewing area where guests can take in the wonderful scenery and capture the ideal picture ops.
Discover the Charm of Clifden Town and Castle
Not far from Galway, within an hour’s drive, lies the idyllic town of Clifden. Positioned between the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged mountains, it is an ideal starting point for exploring Connemara.
While exploring Clifden, you’ll come across authentic Irish pubs, charming cafés and various souvenir stores. This town is perfect for finding a traditional Aran Sweater. Additionally, you should definitely check out the Whitethorn Gallery, the Lavelle Art Gallery, and the Clifden Bookshop.
One highlight not to be missed is Clifden Castle, a romantic, ivy-covered ruin located just a five-minute drive from the town and best of all, it’s free to visit.
Scale the Inviting Mountain Peaks
Located in Letterfrack, Connemara National Park, Diamond Hill is a 442-metre peak. One of the most unforgettable things to do in Ireland is to walk up Diamond Hill, which begins at the Visitor’s Centre.
Here, you’ll find a variety of alternatives to suit your time and energy levels if you like touring national parks and going on walks while admiring the incredible surroundings. As a hiker, you can take it easy on the Lover Diamond Loop or push yourself to your limits on the Upper Loop. Despite being challenging, the Upper Loop provides you with magnificent views of the Twelve Bens Mountain range and Mweelrea to the north, Kylemore Abbey, and Tully Mountain to the west.
Enjoy Water Sports on the Wild Coast
Thanks to its extensive coastline, Connemara is a haven for those who like water sports. Guided excursions are provided for sea kayakers of all skill levels, making it an accessible and popular activity. The lone surf beach in Galway County, Ballyconneely, is also a fantastic spot for surfing, due to the regular summer waves.
If you are in the mood for an exhilarating and one-of-a-kind sport that combines swimming, rock climbing, and cliff leaping, you should also try out coasteering. It is ideal for those who aren’t good swimmers, but want water access.
Conclusion
The beautiful landscapes and limitless opportunities for adventure await you in Connemara. No matter how much or how little experience you have with adventuring, this enchanted area has plenty to offer. Discover the hidden treasures of Connemara on foot, bike, kayak, or surfboard. What are you waiting for? Go out on an adventure and see what all the fuss is about in Connemara.
