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Activities
Walking
Connemara is a paradise for those who enjoy walking. There are miles of un-spoilt country roads to explore, from challenging mountain climbing to easy sea shore walks. Connemara Self Catering accommodation is located beside Connemara National Park , which covers some 2,000 hectares (4942 acres) of scenic countryside, rich in wildlife on the slopes of the Twelve Bens. Attractions include exhibitions, nature trails, audio-visual show. In addition there is a summer programme of walks, talks and special events for younger visitors. A path to the top of Diamond Hill is well worth the effort for the spectacular 360° views for miles. www.connemaranationalpark.ie
History and Culture
Connemara is rich in history and culture.
Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Gardens
Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Gardens are located in the heart of the Connemara Mountains, on the shore of Lough Pollacappul, three miles from your accommodation. It is regarded as one of Irelands most romantic buildings as it was built by Mitchel Henry for his dear wife in 1866 after spending their honeymoon in Renvyle, so charmed were they by it's beauty. Today it is home to the Benedictine nuns and one can visit the abbeys Gothic church, exhibition rooms, lake and woodland walks, craft shops, restaurant and Victorian walled garden. For more visit www.kylemoreabbey.com Tel: 00 353 95 41146
Dan O’Hara Heritage Centre
This award winning heritage centre is situated on the N59 approximately 5 miles from Clifden-the capital of Connemara. It offers a unique insight into the history and heritage of this most beautiful part of the West of Ireland. www.connemaraheritage.comTel: 00 353 95 21808
Leenane Cultural Centre
Leenane Cultural Centre offers an historical and informative interpretation of the local culture and tradition. Tel: 00 353 95 42323
Ocean and Country Museum
Visit the Connemara Ocean and Country Museum in Derryinver, Letterfrack where you can enjoy a display of sea life and a museum depicting life in Connemara long ago. Following your visit enjoying lunch or afternoon tea in their tea room or outside in the picnic area, with beautiful views of Ballinakill Bay. Boat trips also available.
00 353 95 43473
Seisiun Teach Ceoil (House of Music)
Some of the finest traditional music, song and dance every Tuesday evening at 9 p.m. in Tully, Renvyle, five miles from your accommodation. Entry fee is €10. Open summer season only Tel.: 00 353 95 43446/00 353 87 6872830
Clifden
Clifden, the capital of Connemara, is eight miles from Letterfrack. There are many restaurants offering a wide variety of cuisine, but many specialise in locally caught seafood. There are numerous pubs to choose from, many offering live music as well as several gift and clothes shops. ( www.clifden.ie)
Sea Cruises
“Queen of Connemara” – Cruise the scenic waters of Ballinakill Bay aboard the brand new, purpose-built cruiser 'Queen of Connemara'. This cruiser has an enclosed lounge seating area and an open deck. Tickets from the Ocean and Country Museum or Avoca Handweavers. Cruise leaves from Derryinver pier. Tel 00 353 95 43473
Killary Cruises
Cruise the unspoilt splendour of Killary, Irelands only fjord, with unique photographic opportunities. www.killarycruises.com Tel: 00 353 91 566736
WesternExplorerSea Safari
Have a tailored sea trip to suit your requirements. Island hopping, bird watching or whale watching. ( www.western-explorer.com) Tel: 00 353 41132
Angling
Connemara is renowned for fishing and offers some of the finest salmon and trout fishing in Ireland. Choose from shark fishing at sea or you may prefer a peaceful afternoon on a trout lake or salmon fishing from a river. Bookings are advisable.
Sea Angling
There are many chartered angling boats in the area, for deep sea fishing – blue shark, reef fishing for pollack and cod.
“Queen of Connemara” glass bottom boat, contact John Mongan at the Ocean and Country Museum. Tel: 00 353 95 43473.
“Blue Water” fishing contact John Brittain http://homepage.tinet.ie/~bluewater
“Western Kingfisher” contact Johnny King 00 353 95 44649
Lake and River Fishing
Kylemore Fishery - Fresh water fishing, from fast flowing rivers to mountain lakes, to shore angling and deep sea fishing. Less than 3km from your accommodation. www.kylemoreabbeyfishery.com Tel: 00 353 95 41161
Renvyle House Hotel – fly fishing is available to non residents of the hotel. Make advance booking. www.renvyle.ie Tel 00 353 95 43511
Watersports/Adventure
Scuba Diving
Scuba Dive West Dive Centre offer excellent diving facilities. Sheltered shore diving, spectacular off shore diving, dive safari's, half day programs, professional tuition and supervised dives. Full range of Padi courses available.
www.scubadivewest.com Tel: 00 353 95 43922
Golf
Connemara Golf Club, Ballyconneely
Renvyle House Hotel, Renvyle
Nine hole golf course, six miles from Letterfrack.
Horse Riding
From lessons to trekking on the beach, both short and long treks are available in the area .
Errislannan Riding Centre Tel: 00 353 95 21134
Inishbofin Island
Inishbofin island lies seven miles off the coast of Connemara, it is five miles by three miles. A forty minute ferry journey leaves from the fishing village of Cleggan, eight miles away. Inishbofin is a breeding area for many species of birds. For the adventurous there are exciting mountain walks, hill climbing and excellent shore angling. Inishbofin has become an important centre for traditional Irish music and song with its own Ceilí band. Inishbofin plays host to many visiting musicians and artists. www.inishbofin.com
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