Connemara West of Ireland

Connemara to see and do.

Connemara is undoubtedly one of the most scenic regions in the world in which to hike and walk. It's craggy mountain peaks, expansive sandy beaches and laced network of lakes exemplify the peaceful solitude and rugged beauty of The West of Ireland. Connemara is the name given to the western portion of County Galway, which lies between Lough Corrib and the Atlantic. The name Connemara name was originally Conmaicnemara, or "the tribe of Cormac by the sea", given by the ancient Gaelic tribes. It was shortened in the 18th century, to Connemara.

The Connemara Loop is the perfect year round holiday destination

The Connemara Loop is situated in breathtaking North West Connemara, County Galway, Ireland. Follow the Loop and be taken on a journey through an ever changing landscape of majestic mountains, spectacular beaches, the wild Atlantic, mist covered lakes, pre-historic bogs and shady glens. A landscape peppered with quaint but lively villages where all the convenience of the modern day is available alongside an opportunity to step back in time to a more relaxed and friendly era. Dominated by the majestic Twelve Bens mountain range, dotted with lakes, and fringed by the deeply indented Atlantic coastline. It is broken into innumerable creeks, bays and little harbours, it is one of Ireland’s most popular and memorable touring areas.

Hiking in Connemara

Located North East of Roundstone village, The Twelve Bens are a group of small mountains that are the dominant feature of the Connemara country side. They are easily accessible from the villages Letterfrack or Recess. They are about 730 metres at the highest peak, and provide excellent walking and climbing opportunities for the outdoor enthuasiast. The Connemara National Park covers 2957 hectares in the scenic countryside in the foothills of the Twelve Bens. At the information centre there are Exebitions and audio visual shows on fauna and flora as well as the history of Connamara.

Angling in Connemara

The Ballynahinch Catchment drains an area is a diverse system of interconnected loughs and rivers, drained by the Ballynahinch River and offering the very best of fly fishing in Ireland. The season officially opens on 1st February and extends to the 30th September. The effective season, however, begins with a small run of large spring salmon, averaging 10lbs, in early to mid March extending into May. Ballynahinch is, however, traditionally a summer fishery. The Ballynahinch grilse(salmon that have been at sea for one winter) are traditionally very large, by Irish standards, averaging 6-7lbs with grilse up to 9lbs being caught late in the season.

Accomodation in Connemara.

There are many forms of accomodation in Connemara such as Heritage houses that are private country houses of historic interest and offer High Class accomodation. Self –catering accomodation where you do all the cooking yourself, and can cater for a small group of people and enjoy Connemara on a budget. Guest houses are another option varying from five bed room family houses, Georgian and Victorian. Some guesthouses provide meals to non residents and evening meals are provided. Hostels provide budget accomodation with self catering facilities, many hostels supply meals on request.