The distinct
region of Connemara is located in the north west corner of County Galway.
Connemara's breathtaking landscape is a mixture of unspoilt rivers, lakes,
woodlands, rich meadowlands, rugged hills, dramatic mountains and stunning
coastline of sandy beaches and crystal blue waters. Connemara is a Gaeltacht
(Irish-speaking) area, rich in Irish culture, heritage and traditions.
The main town in the Connemara region is Clifden. It provides lots of
quirky shops, restaurants and traditional Irish pubs to explore. Throughout
the region there are many very interesting attractions like Kylemore Abbey,
Connemara History & Heritage Centre in Clifden, Glengowla Mines in
Oughterard, the 40,000 acre Connemara National Park and the set of the
film 'The Field' in Leenane, which was directed by Jim Sheridan in the
1990's. Connemara is the ideal place to visit if you want to experience
all things Irish.
The Connemara Loop
is situated in breathtaking North West Connemara, County Galway. Follow
the Loop and be taken on a journey through an ever changing stunning landscape
of mountains, spectacular beaches, the wild Atlantic, mist covered lakes,
pre-historic bogs and shady glens. A landscape peppered with quaint, lively
villages where all the convenience of the modern day is available alongside
an opportunity to step back in time to a more relaxed and friendly era.
The Connemara Loop is the perfect year round holiday destination for a week,
a weekend or a month for families, couples and back-packers of all ages.
It is well signposted and takes you through the villages and townlands of
Maam Cross, Maam, Leenane, Killary Fjord, Lettergesh, Tully Cross, Tully,
Renvyle, Derryinver, Letterfrack, Kylemore, the Inagh Valley and Recess.
Inishbofin
Island, one of the most westerly Islands off the Irish coastline is definitely
worth a visit. The unique Island of Inishbofin is located only 10 kilometers
off the north Connemara coast and is only a 30 minute crossing from the
idyllic fishing village of Cleggan, just minutes drive from Clifden. The
Ferry Service is aboard the fast and comfortable ferry named “The
Island Discovery”. Located only ninety minutes west of Galway city
Cleggan is the point of departure for the Ferry service to the island. The
Island itself is a haven of beauty boasting magnificent scenery from cliff
top walks to the sea on all sides to white sandy beaches and an abundance
of rare flora and fauna.
The Cliffs of Moher
are one of Ireland's most visited tourist attractions. The Cliffs can be
found in North West Clare between the villages of Liscannor and Doolin,
they are one of Ireland's most spectacular natural wonders. Over 700 feet
tall at their highest point, the shale and sandstone cliffs drop almost
vertically to the Atlantic ocean far below. From the top there are views,
on a clear day, to the Aran Islands and Galway Bay, the Maum Turk and Twelve
Bens mountains in Connemara to the north and Loop Head in Co Clare to the
south. The grass roofed Visitor Centre is set into the hillside and offers
an all weather experience. The Atlantic Edge Exhibition Area brings to life
the story of the Cliffs of Moher. The themed zones of Ocean, Rock, Nature
and Man present the setting, geology, wildlife and human stories associated
with the cliffs.
This Connemara
mine which was abandoned in 1865 is a unique reminder of the 19th century
methods of ore extraction and processing. The tour explores large marble
chambers and caverns studded with lead and silver pyrite and veins of
calcite and quartz. The mine is famous for its rare and beautiful octahedral
crystals of fluorite and quartz. Pitch pine timbers believed to be brought
back to the west of Ireland by the emigrant coffin ships are still intact
in the mine today. A unique heritage attraction being the only one of
its kind in the country. A visit is a pleasurable experience.
Found in the
West of Ireland in County Galway, Connemara National Park covers some
2,957 hectares of scenic mountains, expanses of bogs, grasslands, heath
and woodlands. A number of the Park's mountains, namely Benbaun, Bencullagh,
Benbrack and Muckanaght, are part of the famous Twelve Bens or Beanna
Beola range. Connemara National Park was established and opened to the
public in 1980. Much of the present day Park formed part of the Kylemore
Abbey Estate and the Letterfrack Industrial School, the remainder having
been owned by private individuals. The southern part of the Park was at
one time owned by Richard (Humanity Dick) Martin who helped to form the
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals during the early 19th
century. The Park lands are now wholly owned by the State and managed
solely for National Park purposes.
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