Things to do in Connemara
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Kylemore Abbey
A few kilometres east of Letterfrack stands Kylemore Abbey. Magnificently situated on the shores of a lake, this crenulated 19th-century neo-Gothic fantasy was built for a wealthy English businessman, Mitchell Henry, who spent his honeymoon in Connemara. His wife died tragically young.
Admission also covers the abbey's Victorian walled gardens. You can stroll around the lake and surrounding woods for free.
Kylemore's tranquillity is shattered in high summer with the arrival of dozens of tour coaches per day, each one followed through the gates by an average of 50 cars (yes, over 2500 cars a day).
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EJ Kings
A busy old pub established in 1852, EJ Kings has decent though fancy pub food, but it’s really the place to quaff some pints on a busy weekend night. Get a tip on the ponies.
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Aughnanure Castle
Built around 1500, this bleak fortress was home to the 'Fighting O'Flahertys', who controlled the region for hundreds of years after they fought off the Normans. The six-storey tower house stands on a rocky outcrop overlooking Lough Corrib and has been extensively restored. Surrounding the castle are the remains of an unusual double bawn (area surrounded by walls outside the main castle, acting as a defence and a place to keep cattle in times of trouble), and underneath the castle the lake washes through a number of natural caverns and caves.
Aughnanure Castle is situated 3km east of Oughterard, off the main Galway road (N59).
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Connemara Heritage & History Centre
Farmer Dan O'Hara lived here until his eviction from the farm and subsequent emigration to New York, where he ended up selling matches on the street. Its present owners have restored the property, turning it into a window onto lost traditional ways, with demonstrations of bog cutting, thatching, sheep shearing and so on. It's possible to stay at the farmhouse in more comfort than Dan ever enjoyed. The homestead is 7km east of Clifden on the N59.
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Connemara National Park
Immediately southeast of Letterfrack, Connemara National Park spans 2000 dramatic hectares of bog, mountain and heath. The visitor centre is in a beautiful setting off a parking area 300m south of the Letterfrack crossroads.
The park encloses a number of the Twelve Bens, including Bencullagh, Benbrack and Benbaun. The heart of the park is Gleann Mór (Big Glen), through which the River Polladirk flows. There's fine walking up the glen and over the surrounding mountains. There are also short, self-guided walks and, if the Bens look too daunting, you can hike up Diamond Hill nearby.
The visitor centre offers an introduction to the park's flora, fauna and geology, and visitors…
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Tigh Hughes
Exceptional traditional music sessions take place at the unassuming Tigh Hughes – it’s not uncommon for major musicians to turn up unannounced and join in the craic. Sessions start at around 9pm on Tuesdays. The pub’s just adjacent to the main street; turn right at the town centre’s little crossroads next to a bank, and it’s a couple of doors up on your right.
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Errislannan Manor
Guides provide lessons and lead treks along the beach and up into the hills on the iconic local ponies. Rates start at €35 per hour and depend on the type and length of ride you want to take. It's 3.5km south of Clifden on the R341.
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Spiddal Craft & Design Studios
As you approach the village of Spiddal, situated on your right are the Spiddal Craft & Design Studios, where you can watch woodworkers, leather workers, sculptors and weavers plying their crafts, or have lunch at Bistro Jackie (Tel: 091-55030), which offers superlative soda bread.
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Glengowla Mines
For such ugly work, it's amazing that beautiful materials were extracted from this mine, a 19th-century hole in the ground that yielded all manner of silver, glistening quartz and much more. Visitors learn about the tough lives led here and see some of the beauty left inside. It is 3km west of Oughterard off the N59.
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Patrick Pearse’s Cottage
Near Gortmore, along the R340, is Patrick Pearse’s Cottage. Pádraig Pearse (1879–1916) led the Easter Rising with James Connolly in 1916; after the revolt he was executed by the British. Pearse wrote some of his short stories and plays in this small thatched cottage.
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Lowry's Bar
A time-worn local, Lowry's has traditional pleasures, ranging from the age-old, unadorned look of the place to its céilidh sessions, which take place at least a couple of nights a week. The food is 'unpretentious Irish' (eg bangers and mash).
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O’Grady’s on the Pier
The village of Barna is home to some of greater Galway area’s best seafood at O’Grady’s on the Pier. Daily specials include many ocean-fresh catches. Long, lazy Sunday lunches attract legions of locals; book ahead.
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Off the Square
Mediterranean flavours make an appearance at this excellent restaurant, which serves meals throughout the day. Casual fare at lunch gives way to superb meals at night. Local meats star; we had a satiny bacon and cabbage special.
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Heritage Museum
Just behind the pier, the small but comprehensive museum gives an overview of the island's history. Displays include the contents of a pre-Famine house, photographs, and traditional farming and fishing equipment.
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Mitchell's
Seafood takes centre stage at this elegant spot. From a velvety chowder right through a long list of ever-changing specials, the produce of the surrounding waters is honoured. The wine list does the food justice. Book for dinner. (Lunch specials include sandwiches and casual fare.)
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Yew Tree Bakery
This cute little bakery bursts with as much goodness as its luscious pastries do. An ideal snack stop for good coffees and treats.
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Power’s Bar
Head to this thatched pub for a good pint and live music at weekends.
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Brigit's Garden
Can you feel the power of the crystal? Halfway between the villages of Moycullen and Oughterard is Brigit's Garden, a New Age place with lots of lovely plants, yoga classes, Celtic festivals, mythology and a vegetarian cafe.
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Station House Museum
Located in an old train shed in the upscale hotel development, this small museum is devoted to the story of local ponies and various historic events.
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Sky Road
This 12km route traces a spectacular loop out to the township of Kingston and back to Clifden, taking in some rugged, stunningly beautiful coastal scenery en route. The round trip of about 12km can be easily walked or cycled, but, if you're short on time, you can also drive. Head directly west from Clifden's Market Sq.
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Mullarky's Pub
Another Foyle family production, this rollicking pub is a riot of local merriment, with live music many nights. Join the fun and you may need to stay in Clifden longer than you thought.
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Guy's Bar & Snug
A very well-run pub that combines trad charms with very modern touches. The basic Irish pub chow is quite good, especially dishes made with local seafood.
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