Rugged & Nature

Connemarra

Connemara captivates with its wild, rugged landscapes of mountains, bogs, and coastline. This remote region offers breathtaking natural beauty, Gaelic heritage, and outdoor activities like hiking and fishing, perfect for those seeking tranquility and adventure.

Why We Love Connemarra

A single sheep stands on a grassy hilltop overlooking a vast, calm sea and distant cliffs under a cloudy sky, evoking a sense of solitude and tranquility.

Natural Beauty

Connemara is famed for its rugged, unspoilt landscapes, where majestic mountains, serene lakes, and miles of dramatic coastline create a breathtaking backdrop. The region is home to Connemara National Park, which spans over 2,000 hectares of scenic mountains, bogs, grasslands, and woodlands, and features the iconic Twelve Bens mountain range. Whether you’re admiring windswept beaches or the ever-changing light over the hills, Connemara’s wild beauty is unforgettable.

Stone ruins set against a backdrop of a vast ocean under a bright, cloudy sky. Green grass covers the foreground, conveying a serene, historical atmosphere.

Historic Sites

History is woven into the very fabric of Connemara. Visitors can explore Kylemore Abbey, a romantic Victorian castle with a Gothic church and walled gardens, guided by Benedictine nuns. The area also boasts Aughnanure Castle, a medieval tower house once ruled by the O’Flaherty clan, and ancient earth forts, megalithic stones, and tombs that tell stories spanning over 5,000 years.

A winding trail on a lush green mountain leads to hikers, overlooking a vast blue ocean and distant islands. The scene is serene and expansive.

Outdoor Activities

Connemara is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Hike the scenic trails of Connemara National Park, including the popular Diamond Hill loop, or cycle through the rolling countryside. The region offers fishing, kayaking, and boat tours on Killary Fjord—one of Ireland’s only fjords—where you might even spot dolphins. With its diverse terrain and welcoming communities, Connemara invites adventure at every turn.

A vibrant rainbow arches over a rainy landscape, ending in a field of dry grass. In the distance, a dark, cloudy sky looms over serene lakes and trees.

Our Favorite Things To Do

  • Self-guided castles tour: Discover Connemara’s majestic castles at your own pace to explore ruins and restored fortresses set among rolling hills and stunning lakeshores, each with tales of ancient clans and battles.
  • Visit Kylemore Abbey: Wander through this picturesque Benedictine monastery and its Victorian walled gardens, nestled against dramatic mountain backdrops, offering tranquility and history.
  • Take a boat tour or go kayaking on Killary Fjord: Experience Ireland’s only fjord by water, paddling through tranquil waters framed by towering cliffs and lush greenery.
  • Drive the Sky Road near Clifden: Follow this scenic coastal route for breathtaking views of the Atlantic, rugged coastline, and quaint villages.
  • Enjoy a pint at a local pub: Warm up in a traditional Connemara pub, where live music, hearty fare, and lively conversation make for an authentic and memorable Irish evening.

Our Favorite Places To Stay

Elegant bedroom with large windows and floral curtains, featuring a wooden bed with a blue cover, antique furniture, chandelier, and scenic views.

Screebe Houe B&B

A luxurious Victorian country house set on the shores of Camus Bay in Connemara, offering guests an unparalleled sense of tranquility and comfort. Each room features elegant antique furnishings, underfloor heated bathrooms, and sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. Guests enjoy award-winning dining focused on local produce, an exclusive spa with a heated indoor pool, sauna, and outdoor hot tub, as well as access to superb fishing, hiking, and scenic walks right on the estate-making Screebe House an ideal base for exploring Connemara’s wild beauty.

Luxurious bedroom with a four-poster bed, light blue and cream decor, elegant seating by large window offering a scenic view of trees under a blue sky.

Ballynahinch Castle Hotel

A renowned 4-star castle hotel nestled on a private 700-acre estate in the heart of Connemara, overlooking a famous salmon fishery and the 12 Bens mountain range. The hotel features beautifully appointed rooms and suites with river or mountain views, award-winning dining at the Owenmore Restaurant, and a cozy Fisherman’s Pub with open log fires. Guests can enjoy a wealth of outdoor activities including fly fishing, hiking, cycling, and clay shooting, as well as extensive scenic river and lakeside walks, all while experiencing the authentic charm and luxury of one of Ireland’s finest castle hotels.