Connemara

Connemara 

Connemara is an emblematic part of Ireland and it is famous all over the world for its extreme landscapes, from mountains and lakes to beaches and bogland.

The name Connemara (Irish: Conamara) translates as 'Inlets of the Sea' and the roads along the peninsula's filigreed coast bear this out as they wind around the small bays and coves of this breathtaking stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way. Everywhere, the land is laced by stone walls. Connemara is one of the most beautiful parts of Ireland and it would be a shame to come here and not explore it.
Connemara's starkly beautiful interior, is a kaleidoscope of rusty bogs, lonely valleys and shimmering black lakes. At its heart are the Maumturk Mountains and the pewter-tinged quartzite peaks of the Twelve Bens mountain range, with a network of scenic hiking and biking trails.

Galway Cultural Institute organises many trips throughout the year as a part of its social programme including trips to Connemara.

We have teamed up with Lally Tours tours to give you discounted rates on your trip to Connemara if you buy the tickets with us.

The trip offers many photo opportunities and travels to the main stopping points in the Connemara region. You will depart from Galway early in the morning and return in the evening. Although there are stops along the way for food, we would recommend bringing a packed lunch with you. Be sure to ask your host family well in advance to prepare you a packed lunch. Along this trip you will stop in peaceful and serene Leenane Village, the magnificent Kylemore Abbey, the breathtaking Killary Fjord and Spiddal.

Leenane

Leenane is a beautiful stop if you are doing a tour around Galway. The small village sits cosily between the Maamturk Mountains of Galway and Mayo. The village has been inhabited since prehistoric times and there are plenty examples of this, including the remains of ancient potato farms along the slopes of the Maamturk and Maamtrasna Mountains.

Kylemore Abbey

Kylemore Abbey is a picturesque marvel. It lies in the heart of Connemara and is close to Clifden and Connemara National Park. You will stop in Kylemore Abbey when you book your trip with us!

Kylemore Abbey was built in the 1800s by a wealthy businessman named Mitchell Henry for his wife. He wanted to celebrate all the innovations of the modern age through the construction of the building and its walled gardens that grew tropical fruit. Be sure to give yourself time to wander around the estate, the walled garden and gothic church before tucking into some tea and cakes in the visitor centre!

Killary Fjord

The Killary Fjord is the only fjord in Ireland and provides the natural border between Galway and Mayo. The savage beauty of the landscape of Connemara surrounds it and is one of the most picturesque parts of the Wild Atlantic Way. The Fjord is also at the foothills of the highest peak in the West of Ireland; Mweelrea which is opposed by the Twelve Bens and the Maamturk mountains on the Galway side.

Spiddal

Spiddal is one of the first towns that you cross when taking the coastal route out to Connemara from the capital of culture. Situated just 16 kilometers away from the English school, you could even spend a day cycling there if you have the fitness for it. The town offers many warm pubs, restaurants, a craft village and a beautiful pier.