Connemara Top Attractions

Connemara is located in the West of Ireland in County Galway. It's one of the country's main Gaeltacht areas and Irish culture is very much to the fore here.  Connemara is also home to breathtaking scenery, the rugged hills of the Twelve Bens, rusty shades of bog-land, rivers, lakes, forests, miles of unspoilt sandy beaches and the wonderful Connemara National Park. With such landscapes and beauty, Connemara certainly provides an amazing platform for many outdoor activities, sightseeing and much more.

Connemara towns and villages…

Connemara is one of Ireland's premier tourist regions. It extends westwards from Lough Corrib and is surrounded on three sides by the mighty Atlantic Ocean. The towns and villages in the area are relatively small, traditional market towns and picturesque fishing villages as the area has a huge connection with the sea.

Towns and villages in the area include Carna, Clifden, the capital of Connemara, Spiddal, Letterfrack, Roundstone and Inishbofin. 

Attractions in Connemara include:
 
Kylemore Abbey…

Kylemore Abbey was founded in 1907 on the Grounds of Kylemore Castle and is a Benedictine Monastery. The Benedictine Nuns were founded in Belgium in 1665, they then fled to Ireland during The First World War and took up home at Kylemore Abbey in 1920. It's now the oldest Benedictine Monastery in Ireland.

The Abbey is steeped in enchanting history with many of the rooms reflecting times past.  Here you can explore the Abbey and its beautiful tranquil surroundings and manicured gardens.  Kylemore Abbey is also a girl’s boarding school which is run by The Benedictine Nuns, the school will however close in 2010. At Kylemore Abbey there is also a shop and craft shop available. 

Find out more about Kylemore Abbey.


Connemara Heritage And History Centre…

Why not take a trip to the award winning Connemara Heritage and History Centre where you will be offered an insight into the history, heritage and beauty of the rugged Connemara area. 

Located roughly 5 miles from Clifden, The Connemara Heritage and History Centre will treat you to a history presentation about Connemara through the ages. Features include an audio visual presentation, or you can learn about the construction of a crannog (small fishing boat), visit the old stone cottages and famine farm, avail of guided tours, or learn more about turf cutting, sheaf tossing, sheep herding, sheep shearing, thatching, tug of war and horse shoe throwing.

Lectures are available on rural development, tourism, farming and more. You'll also learn how to make a frothy Irish Coffee. You never know when this skill might come in handy! Facilities include a craft shop where you can purchase souvenirs and gifts.  

Find out more about Connemara Heritage and History Centre.


Cottage Handcrafts…

Located just 5 miles from Clifden overlooking the spectacular Twelve Bens you'll find Cottage Handcrafts. Here you can feast your eyes on amazing handcrafts made with loving care in the West of Ireland. You can see and purchase from an amazing selection of hand knit sweaters and tweeds in many different colours and designs. At Cottage Handcrafts you can also purchase the famous and world-renowned Connemara Marble, handcraft turf souvenirs and much more. 

Find out more about Cottage Handcrafts.


Scuba Dive West – Explore Connemara's beauty beneath!

Scuba Dive West is located in the sheltered Killary Fjord and offers a fantastic opportunity to discover ocean life and plant life beneath the Connemara coastline. The location is ideal for beginners as well as fully qualified divers and courses are available for all levels.

Find out more about Scuba Dive West.


Connemara National Park…

Caonnemara National Park is located near Letterfrack in County Galway and covers 2,957 hectares of mountains, bog and grasslands.  Watch out fro the Red Deer and Connemara Ponies!

Find out more about Connemara National Park.


Connemara Archaeological And Heritage Walks…

Explore the bog-lands of Connemara with its amazing landscapes and wildlife. Visit the impressive Renvyle Peninsula, O’Flaherty’s Castle, the wreck of The Spanish Armada, Kylemore Abbey as mentioned above, Connemara National Park and much more. 


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