- Clifden is about 1h30 from Galway by car; Shannon and Knock are the nearest airports
- Kylemore Abbey and Connemara National Park are the big sights, and both are near Letterfrack
- You'll want a car, though day tours run from Galway
- Weather changes fast, so bring waterproofs even in summer
- Airports
- Shannon (SNN), Ireland West Knock (NOC)
- Best time to go
- May-September
- Type
- Region
Connemara is the stretch of west Galway between Lough Corrib and the Atlantic, a landscape of rugged peaks, bog, lakes and stone walls that ends in a ragged coastline of inlets and white-sand beaches. The Twelve Bens mountains dominate the skyline, Connemara ponies graze by the road and parts of the region are Gaeltacht, where Irish is the everyday language.
For UK visitors it's easy to reach and to get around: Ireland drives on the left, is on the same time as the UK and uses the same plugs. British citizens need no passport under the Common Travel Area, though airlines and ferries ask for photo ID. The currency is the euro. For the wider picture, see our Ireland guide.
Where to stay
- Clifden – the main town, with restaurants, pubs, galleries and a choice of hotels and B&Bs. The best base for most visitors.
- Letterfrack – a small village beside Connemara National Park and close to Kylemore Abbey.
- Roundstone – a pretty fishing village near some of Connemara's best beaches.
- Leenane – on the shores of Killary Harbour, surrounded by mountains.
- Oughterard – on Lough Corrib, closer to Galway and good for fishing and walking.
- Galway – if you prefer city life, Connemara is an easy day trip.
Things to do
- Kylemore Abbey – a 19th-century castle, now home to Benedictine nuns, with a neo-Gothic church and a large Victorian walled garden.
- Connemara National Park – walk the trails up Diamond Hill for views over the coast and islands.
- The Sky Road – a scenic loop west of Clifden with views out to sea.
- Killary Harbour – a long, narrow sea inlet often described as a fjord, with boat cruises from near Leenane.
- Dog's Bay and Gurteen beaches – twin white-sand beaches near Roundstone.
- Derrigimlagh Bog – a walking trail around the site where Alcock and Brown landed after the first non-stop transatlantic flight in 1919.
- Inishbofin – a peaceful island reached by ferry from Cleggan.
- The Aran Islands – ferries run from Rossaveel on the south coast of Connemara.
Connemara is a highlight of the Wild Atlantic Way, and the Cliffs of Moher are within a day's drive.
Best time to visit
May to September is the best time, with long days and the mildest weather. Late spring often brings some of the driest spells and wildflowers on the bogs. July and August are busiest, and the Connemara Pony Show is held in Clifden in August. Winter is wet and windy and some accommodation closes, but the landscape is moody and dramatic.
Getting there from the UK
The nearest airports with UK flights are Shannon and Ireland West Knock, each about 2 hours or so from Clifden by car. Dublin has the most UK flights and is about 3h30-4 hours from Clifden. From Dublin, you can also take the train or coach to Galway, then a bus on to Clifden.
To bring your own car, take the ferry from Holyhead or Liverpool to Dublin and drive across Ireland on the M6.
Getting around
A car is the best way to explore. Roads are narrow and winding, sometimes with sheep on them, but traffic is generally light. Buses run from Galway to Clifden in around 1h30-2 hours, and day tours from Galway cover Kylemore Abbey and the main sights. Cycling is popular, especially around Clifden and the Sky Road.
Fill up with fuel in Galway or Clifden; petrol stations are few and far between in the more remote parts of Connemara.
Top attractions in Connemara
Connemara on the map
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Connemara?
Two or three days is enough to see Kylemore Abbey, the national park, Clifden and a few beaches. Add a day for Inishbofin or the Aran Islands.
Can I visit Connemara as a day trip from Galway?
Yes, day tours and self-drive loops are popular. You'll see more, and enjoy quieter evenings, if you stay at least one night.
Is Kylemore Abbey worth visiting?
Yes, the setting by the lake is beautiful, and the walled garden is a highlight. Allow two to three hours.
What is the weather like in Connemara?
Mild but changeable, with frequent rain and wind from the Atlantic. Summer highs are usually in the mid to high teens °C.
Written by
Anna Beach, family & practical travel editor
Anna knows which beach has shade at 3pm and which car hire excess is a rip-off. She covers sun, islands, family trips and practical travel tips.
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