Out and About in Connemara
Clifden, the capital of Connemara, founded by John D'Arcy in 1812, is an excellent holiday location for taking in spectacular scenery and experiencing the culture of Connemara in Co. Galway.
In the courtyard of the Clifden Station House Hotel, is the Clifden Museum which is situated in the original Engine House, now restored. It features a new exhibition about the pioneering aviators Alcock & Brown who made the first transatlantic flight in 1919 and crashed in Derrygimlagh bog near Clifden. It also has exhibitions on the world-renowned Connemara Pony, Clifden itself and the Connemara region.
There is a wealth of things to see and do in the locality, see below:
Fly to the Arann Islands from Galway and experience the Arann Island way of life.
See and experience the Aran Islands with Island Ferries. The Aran Islands are home to a wealth of tradition, culture and heritage and no visit to the West is complete without a trip to these beautiful islands.
You can search the Clifden Chamber of Commerce website or contact them through e-mail (address given on their website) for a comprehensive list of things to do in the area and also upcoming events and new activities.
Guide to life in Connemara, Co. Galway, Ireland. This site has news, maps, lots of photos and links to many sites in Clifden, Connemara and the West of Ireland region.
The Connemara Championship Golf Links is set between the wild Atlantic's coast and the magnificent Twelve Bens. A 27 hole course, it is open all year round and is a challenging course for all levels of player.
Provides island-hopping tours of the West Coast of Ireland (five or seven day tours available).
Connemara Smokehouse, Bunowen Pier, Aillebrack, Ballyconneely, Co. Galway(095-23739) smokehouse.ie
The Connemara Smokehouse specialises in producing wild and organic salmon. As Connemara's longest established Smokehouse, this is a fascinating location to visit, take a tour and purchase a great array of traditionally hand-prepared seafood products. The Smokehouse is located right on the water's edge at Bunowen Pier, and the surrounding area has exceptional views of the Twelve Bens mountain range, the castle of Connaught's historic Pirate Queen, Grace O'Malley and rugged landscapes.
Explores the hidden and remote locations of the West Coast of Ireland.
Islands Off the Coast of Connemara
For a taste of Irish island life, take a boat trip to Inishbofin. Trek the island on horse-back, hire a bicycle, go swimming or snorkelling or simply take a scenic stroll. There is an abundance of varied plant life, including rare species of wild flowers and grasses. Visit the Heritage Centre, the Souvenir Shop and Weekend Market or, of course, you can just stay indoors in one of the cosy and welcoming island bars!
Killary Adventure Co., Leenane, Co. Galway (095-43411), killaryadventure.com First-rate adventure centre offering land and water-based activities for all ages, based near Killary Fjord, Ireland's only Fjord.
Kylemore Abbey, Kylemore, Co. Galway, kylemoreabbey.comKylemore Abbey is the only Irish home of the Benedictine Nuns. It was built as a castle in 1868 in the Irish neo-gothic style. Visit the restored Abbey, reception rooms, neo-Gothic Church, nearby Victorian-Walled Garden and craftshop.
Leenane
Visit rural Leenane, the beautifully rugged location where the film adaption of John B. Keane's great play "The Field" was made in 1990.
Oceans Alive, Letterfrack, Co. Galway (095-43473)
Explore Connemara's maritime history and enjoy the sea-life centre and seaside park. There are picnic areas, a pets corner, childrens play area, as well as a cafe and craft shop.
Explore Connemara & Galway Bay.
Roundstone Music, Craft & Fashion, Bodhran Maker Malachy Kearns, The Monastery, Roundstone, Co. Galway (095-35808)
Malachy Kearns is Ireland's Master Bodhran maker, and he crafts Ireland's oldest product, a drum made from Goatskin treated by traditional processes, and used by folk musicians worldwide. Learn about the history of the Bodhran and Irish Music at the old Franciscan Monastery in Roundstone.
The Sky Road, Connemara, Co. Galway
Whichever way you travel the Sky Road - on foot, cycle or car - there are breath-taking views, and the wonderful seascapes are inspirational and invigorating.
offer tailor-made holiday breaks along the stunning coast of Connemara in the west of Ireland. We bring you to the hidden Connemara - the secluded coves and meandering back roads that other tours miss.
The tours are run by John Wallace, a native of Connemara, who has many years experience giving tours here. Having grown up in the North Connemara region, John loves to share his excellent knowledge of the place, with it's beautiful and relatively unexplored rugged and wild west coast.
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