Things to Do in Connemara: Lakes, Mountains & Coastal Adventures

Connemara National Park & Diamond Hill

Connemara National Park protects 2,000 hectares of mountains, bogs, grasslands and woodlands. The park encompasses part of the Twelve Bens range—including Benbaun, the highest peak in County Galway—and offers four marked trails. One of the most popular hikes is Diamond Hill, which rewards walkers with sweeping views over Kylemore Abbey, Tully Mountain and the Atlantic. The visitor centre near Letterfrack is open year‑round, admission is free, and facilities include a café, playground and picnic areas. Whether you tackle the easier Lower Diamond Trail or climb to the summit, it’s a must‑see for nature lovers.

Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Gardens

Built between 1864 and 1871, Kylemore Castle—now Kylemore Abbey—was a lavish baronial-style mansion created for Dr Mitchell Henry and his wife. After Margaret’s untimely death, Henry built a neo‑Gothic church on the estate as a memorial and was later laid to rest beside her in a wooded mausoleumtuatha.ie. The property later passed through aristocratic hands before Benedictine nuns fleeing World War I made it their home. Today, visitors can tour the abbey’s restored rooms, stroll through the six‑acre Victorian Walled Garden and enjoy woodland walks around the lakeshore. The romantic history and lakeside setting make Kylemore Abbey one of Connemara’s most iconic attractions.

Sky Road Scenic Drive in Clifden

Clifden is often called the capital of Connemara, and its Sky Road loop is one of Ireland’s most spectacular drives. Starting from Market Square in Clifden, the 16‑km route climbs into the hills above Clifden Bay, offering panoramic views of the offshore islands Inishturk and Turbot. A short detour to Monument Hill reveals a stone memorial to town founder John D’Arcy and a postcard‑worthy vista of Clifden’s twin spires framed by the Twelve Bens mountains. Travellers can walk, cycle or drive the loop; a viewing area about 5.5 km from town makes an ideal stop. Bring a camera—sunsets from the upper road are unforgettable.

Dog’s Bay & Gurteen Beach, Roundstone

Just off the Clifden–Roundstone road lie two crescent‑shaped beaches—Dog’s Bay and Gurteen—which sit back‑to‑back on a narrow tombolo. Their white sands are composed of finely crushed seashells rather than quartz, giving the water a turquoise hue that looks almost tropical. According to Connemara.net, these beaches are among the region’s most dramatically beautiful stretches of sand. The sheltered waters make them popular for swimming, windsurfing and kayaking, while the surrounding dunes are ideal for picnicking. Because there are no facilities on site, many visitors stop in nearby Roundstone—a harbour village known for its creative arts scene and July regattaen, for refreshments before spending the day by the sea.

Killary Fjord & Leenane Village

Killary Harbour is Ireland’s only glacial fjord, forming a natural border between Counties Mayo and Galway ireland.com. The deep valley harbours marine life ranging from otters and seals to occasional dolphins and sharks. One of the best ways to experience its dramatic scenery is to join the 90‑minute Killary Fjord Boat Tour, which cruises past the mountains of north Connemara National Park. At the head of the fjord, the village of Leenane sits amid towering peaks and gained fame as the setting for John B Keane’s film The Field. Nearby valleys such as Delphi and Maam offer ancient woodlands, prehistoric sites and endless photo opportunities.

Why Stay at The Connacht Hotel

After a day exploring Connemara’s mountains, beaches and fjords, you’ll appreciate a comfortable base in Galway. The Connacht Hotel, located on the Dublin Road as it enters Galway City, is an ideal launching pad for trips to Connemara, the Aran Islands and the Cliffs of Moher discoverireland.ie. Guests enjoy easy motorway access, free parking and bus connections less than a two-minute walk from the entrance. Recently refurbished, the hotel features a bar, restaurant, coffee dock and leisure centre with pool, steam room, sauna and gym. With family‑friendly rooms, self‑catering suites, free Wi‑Fi and a kids’ club, it’s the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Stay at The Connacht Hotel and let Galway’s warm hospitality welcome you home between adventures.