Beautiful Connemara

Connemara is a beautiful place to visit and this area more than any other area in Ireland is all about the open air and outdoors including our wildlife flora and fauna. All manner of activities are catered for from hiking to fishing, scuba diving to visiting castles. Connemara is the ultimate antidote to life in the fast lane. Two days is good, a week is fabulous.

January – The Connemara National Park 

Connemara National Park – Walk the Diamond hill or one of the woodland trails. The park has 3,000 hectares of scenic features such as bogs, grasslands and heaths. Stunning vistas from the 400 metre high Diamond hill and experience wildlife like deer, goats and ponies.

February – Inagh Valley

Inagh valley – Drive on a cold frosty morning with low lying mist over the lakes watching the otters playing in the near frozen water. There is a photo opportunity at every turn. This vista is every changing from day to day as the slightest change in the day is reflected in the lakes and mountains. It is a romantic valley which offers views of peatlands,mountains,lakes and  glorious countryside where sheep graze freely. There are numerous walks varying in lengths and is a great spot for fishing.

March – The Derrygimlagh/Marconi Loop Walk

Walk the Derrygimlagh/Marconi looped 5km trail over a bog complex. The walk is made all the more interesting by a number of engaging and attractive features along the way. Kids would love it. Go on a spring morning and you may get a glimpse of the March hare. Easily accessible from Clifden.

April – Inishbofin Island

Take a ferry trip from Cleggan to Inishbofin island and enjoy the gentle motion of the sea. Hire a bike and soak up the Island whilst identifying spring bursting in to life.Inishbofin has three official looped walks varying in difficulties each offering spectacular views of the islands wild atlantic scenary and splendid beaches.There are five restaurants and four bars each offering its own unique blend of cusine.

May – Omey island

Omey Island basking in the early summer heat. Spy a blanket of primroses while the bobbing seals watch you from the comfort of the sea. Walk across the sandy causeway whilst picking cockles, winkles and razorfish along the way. Ideal for the sporting enthusiasts especially sand yachting.

June – Glassilaun

Glassilaun expanse of spectacular beach glinting in the sunlight. Children fishing in rockpools and dogs playing on the sand whilst gulls call. Like the heron watches on if you want to beat the heron to the fish there is some great sea angling to be had.

July – Dogs Bay and Gurteen

Gurteen and Dogs bay are ideal for watching kite surfers gliding up and down while rabbits peep out at them from sand dunes and marren grass. Further out to sea traditional sailing hookers make their annual pilgrimage to St Macdara’s  island. Gurteen beach is the larger of the two and is located closer to Roundstone village. They are very popular destinations for wonderful walks and great places to collect sea shells.

August – Clifden Boat Club

The Clifden boat club and boardwalk café only 1.6km just outside Clifden town. Great for a brisk walk beside the sea to get your morning coffee. Offers amazing seasonal cusine,beer garden,pet friendly,homemade pizza a personal favourite. Sail training courses are held every summer. Give your kids an experience of a life time.

September – Killary Fjord/Boat Tours

Killary Fjord is located in the north  of Connemara and forms a natural border between counties Galway and Mayo. It is a deep inlet. Its Irelands only Fjord. It offers ample opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast including hillwalking and scuba diving. Cruise the Killary gently motoring through the deep waters whilst the mountains tower above and the dolphins play in the bow wave.

October – Ballnahinch Castle walks

Ballnahinch is a wondrous destination for locals and visitors whether it is sunny or teeming with rain. You can venture in to the majestic estate and explore the enchanting woodlands. There is over 6km of walking trails along the ballnahinch river, lake and railway line to suit all abilities and interests. Walk the river and lake side, watch salmon leap or stop and relax on the bench’s and soak in the abundance of nature.

November –  Sky Road

Autumn is the best time to visit the  scenic sky road. Justifiably famous for its stunning views, the Sky Road takes you along the hills overlooking Clifden bay and offshore islands Inishturk and Turbot. At the summit of the Sky Road stop and capture the rugged autumn hues. Watch the birds migrating over the crashing waves. Tucked away in the distance is Eyrephort beach with its resident curlews and oystercatches.

December – Kylemore Abbey and Victorian walled gardens

Kylemore Abbey the jewel in the Irish crown standing out in the dramatic landscape. An iconic image of a baronial castle reflected in its own lake. Its manicured grounds and walled gardens dominated by mountains. The gothic church offers concerts and the surrounding woods host herds of goats. The Bothy in the walled garden is always open for your enjoyment.