Connemara Magic!

One of many different tours of Connemara you can enjoy is to drive along by the world-renowned Galway Bay towards the Irish-speaking town of Spiddal. In the distance out in the Bay the Aran Islands are visible especially on a clear day. It was from those islands, where St. Enda lived in the fifth century, the tradition of Irish Monasticism originated. Through his lifestyle and numerous others who followed him Ireland became known as The Island of Saints and Scholars throughout Europe for centuries. After travelling for many miles of beautiful unspoilt rugged terrain, you might like to visit the holiday home of Padraic Pearse in Rosmuc and then on to the charming town of Clifden or perhaps through the picturesque village of Roundstone. A few miles outside Clifden there is a Memorial to mark the first non-stop transatlantic crossing of an aeroplane. This epic feat was achieved by John Alcock & Arthur Browne in June 1919. Guiglielmo Marconi (1874-1937), Italian Nobel prize-winner in Physics (1909) was the first man to transmit commercial radio signals from Nova Scotia in Canada to this same place a few hundred yards away from the Alcock & Brown Memorial site in 1907. After enjoying a visit to this delightful town of Clifden a scenic drive along the Sky Road should not be missed and be sure to bring your camera with you! because you won’t see sights like this everyday! To your right hand side as you travel along these towns and village The Twelve Bens stand tall and proud. Leaving Clifden you arrive soon afterwards at the attractive village of Letterfrack, noted for its lively pubs and dining cuisine. It is also the location of Connemara National Park which includes the majestic Diamond Hill mountain. The scenic peninsula of Renvyle is renowned for its numerous sandy beaches, medieval history and ancient Granuaile castle and of course the landmark Renvyle House Hotel, the one-time residence of writer and poet Oliver St. John Gogarty. Croagh Patrick in the distance across Killary Harbour is clearly visible from Renvyle, where one of St. Patrick’s nephews - St. Rioch - lived in the fifth century. After Renvyle you might like to visit Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Gardens the foundation stones of which were laid on romantic love and the loyal marital relationship of Mitchell Henry and his wife Margaret Vaughan who happened to visit Connemara on their honeymoon in 1849. Soon after Kylemore you arrive in Leenane and Killary Harbour, the scenic location for Jim Sheridan’s entertaining film The Field made in 1989, among many other items of interest including King Edward VIII and his wife Queen Alexandra visit here in July 1903. After driving through the wide and peaceful valley of Maam you will arrive at Maam Cross. Next town on the tour is Oughterard, close to Lough Corrib, famous for its salmon and trout fishing and also Aughanure Castle. A half an hour takes you back into the vibrant city of Galway, just waiting to be explored.

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Galway