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Wild at heart
At times austere, at times sublime, Connemara is a place of legend, folklore and profound beauty. The late writer and cartographer Tim Robinson spoke of the landscape’s “huge, luminous spaces”, and it’s no surprise that artists and photographers, poets and playwrights have all found inspiration here.
Bounded by the Atlantic and set within a particularly scenic corner of County Galway, the region is famous for its wild terrain and soft colours. Rust-coloured bogs are dotted with polished grey-blue lakes; old dry-stone walls are threaded over hills; and coral beaches, sandy bays and little harbours are edged by an ever-changing ocean.
Connemara is not just about the landscape, though – it’s about the Irish language, cherished by the locals. It’s about the charm of towns and villages such as Leenane, Roundstone, Clifden and Letterfrack. It’s about the ponies, the music, the pure flavours of local food. It’s about as good as it gets.
Kylemore Abbey, County Galway
Kylemore Abbey
A legendary love story, beautiful gardens and a setting that will make your heart soar. Experience the romance of Kylemore Abbey.
Pine Island, Connemara, County Galway
The Connemara Film Trail
The landscapes around Connemara have a cinematic quality – no wonder it’s been a location for so many films…
A land of tradition
In Connemara, traditions continue strongly. Everything from the food on your plate to the music in pubs is infused with a unique cultural heritage. These traditions are also reflected in the language – Connemara is a Gaeltacht region, which means it’s Irish-speaking. You can have a go yourself by practicing a few words (“cupla focal”), or even doing a course, but if you don’t fancy it, don’t worry – everyone speaks English, too.
Killary Fjord, County Galway
The Misunderstood Heron food truck
When it comes to food, Galway has a strong sea-faring tradition and smoked fish is a local favourite. You’ll notice smoked salmon and smoked mackerel on menus all over Connemara, but to see the craft of smoking up close, arrange a tour of the Connemara Smokehouse and Visitor Centre. Looking for a bite to eat with a spectacular view? Try the Misunderstood Heron, a simple food truck that serves up excellent Killary Fjord mussels overlooking the waters they come from.
Want to check out an authentic “trad session”? You’re in the right place. Musicians frequently gather in cosy corners in lively pubs all over Connemara, such as Molly’s in Letterfrack, Lowry’s in Clifden and The Shamrock Bar in Roundstone.
Trad session along the Wild Atlantic Way
Traditional tunes
Drop into a Connemara pub and you’re guaranteed to hear some rousing traditional music. Don’t know what to expect? We’ve got the lowdown on what it’s all about.
Connemara highlights
Don't miss these things to see and do
Connemara National Park
Visit County Galway and explore the spectacular Connemara National Park. It covers some 3,000 hectares of scenic mountains, expansive bogs, glorious grasslands and enchanting woodlands.
Galway
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Connemara Smokehouse
Connemara Smokehouse is a small family run business specialising in high quality smoked and marinated seafood in the small village of Ballyconneely, County Galway. Enjoy the café and gift shop or arrange a tour of the smokehouse.
Galway
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Mannion Bike Hire
Mannion Bike Hire is located in Clifden, County Galway. It has a range of adult and children's bicycles available to rent and sell so that both visitors and locals can explore the town and the surrounding Connemara area.
Galway
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Walsh's Bakery & Coffee Shop
Walsh's Bakery & Coffee Shop, located on Market Street in Clifden, Connemara, is a second-generation family operated craft bakery established in 1953.
Galway
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E J Kings
For over 100 years, E J King's pub has dominated the corner of Clifden's Main Street and market square.
Galway
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Kylemore Abbey & Neo-Gothic Church
For more than a century, Kylemore has been the quintessential romantic nineteenth-century Irish cas...
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Roundstone Music and Crafts
Roundstone Music and Crafts lies within the walls of an old Franciscan monastery in Roundstone in the heart of Connemara, County Galway. Master craftsman, Malachy Kearns, creates his famous bodhráns in store.
Galway
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Island Discovery - Inishbofin Ferry
Discover the delights of Inishbofin Island on the Inishbofin ferry, "Island Discovery". Ferry service - Cleggan-Inishbofin.
Galway
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Killary Fjord Boat Tours
Killary Fjord Boat Tours offer a 90 minute trip from Leenane, County Galway, aboard a luxury boat with uninterrupted views of the spectacular scenery on Killary Fjord.
Galway
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Killary Sheep Farm
Killary Sheep Farm is a traditional working farm near Leenane, County Galway. Visitors can view skilled sheepdog demonstrations, sheep shearing, and traditional turf cutting, walking trails and bottle feeding orphan lambs.
Galway
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Connemara Seaweed Baths
Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in a hot bath of Atlantic seawater, infused with hand harvested seaweed and enjoy Ireland’s oldest spa treatment at Connemara Seaweed Baths, Clifden, Connemara, County Galway.
Galway
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