The Best Things To Do In Connemara, Ireland
Ireland has a reputation for offering wild, rugged beauty – and the western district of Connemara is the perfect place to explore the country’s most inspired landscapes. From mountains and shimmering lakes to beaches and bogs, it’s desolate beauty conjures images of fairytales and fantasy.
If you’re planning a road trip in Ireland, Connemara is a must-visit destination. Need some inspiration? Check out some of the area’s highlights.
Hike the Twelve Bens
The ‘Twelve Bens’ is a range of sharp peaked summits in Connemara, centred around the highest peak, Benbaun. Hillwalkers will find an abundance of magnificent trails across the Twelve Bens, including the Glencoaghan Horseshoe trail, considered one of the best ridge-walks in Ireland.
Enjoy Connemara National Park
One of six national parks in Ireland, Connemara National Park offers 2000 hectares of scenic mountain peaks, grasslands and woodlands to explore. With walking and hiking routes for all abilities, it’s the perfect place to get out in nature and view some of Ireland’s local wildlife.
Drive the Sky Road
The Sky Road’s 20km scenic loop is considered one of Ireland’s best drives, taking in dramatic cliffs, rugged beaches and majestic mountain views. With multiple lookout points, plan for extra time in your drive, as you’ll definitely want to pull over and take it all in.
Explore Clifden
Connemara’s largest town, Clifden, is a picturesque coastal spot with plenty of water activities, including stand up paddleboarding, kayaking, surfing and raft building. Those who prefer to stay on land can explore the pretty streets, indulge in a spot of shopping or enjoy some delicious local food and drink. Just outside of town, you can also visit the ruins of Clifden Castle, a 19th century manor now uninhabited since 1935.
Visit Kylemore Abbey
On the subject of castles, one not to be missed in Connemara is Kylemore Abbey, a serene haven of beauty with stunning Gothic Benedictine architecture. Originally built in 1868, it was converted into an abbey in th 1920s and is still a working home to a Benedictine order of Nuns today.
Take the ferry to Inishboffin Island
To truly take a trip away from the tourist trail, a 30min ferry from Cleggan takes you to Inishboffin – known as “the island of the white cow”. Home to just 200 people, this beautiful island isn’t frequented by all too many visitors, meaning you’ll have the numerous routes and trails almost all to yourself.
Visit Dog’s Bay Beach
Ireland doesn’t fall short on beautiful seaside spots, but Dog’s Bay is considered one of the best around. With it’s white sand that stretches for more than a mile in a horseshoe bay, on a sunny day you can almost imagine you’re in a tropical country. Until you dip your toe in the water, at least…
Where to Stay in Connemara
For budget travellers, the Ben Lettery hostel in Connemara offers up a friendly home away from home, nestled in the Connemara countryside. With a mix of private doubles, 4-bed, 6-bed and 8-bed dorm rooms, it’s ideal for solos, couples, groups and families, with comfortable facilities and welcoming staff.
