Tullycross

The Gaelic name of this nice little village is Tulach na Croise, meaning “cross on the hill”. Here visitors can find the pleasant “Maol Reidh Hotel” and two traditional pubs – Paddy Coynes Pub and Anglers Rest Bar. The Ogham Stone at the beginning of Tully Cross is quite remarkable: the carved signs spell out the name of the town land “Gurteenaclough”, that is “the little garden of stones”. The local church, whose stained glass windows are works by the renowned Irish artist Harry Clarke, is also worth a visit.

Kylemore Abbey

The gorgeous valley of Kylemore, whose Gaelic name – Coill Mór  means “the big wood”, is dominated by the astonishing Kylemore Abbey. The building was built in 1864-1871 by an Englishman, Mitchell Henry, and it was meant to be a token of love for his wife Margaret; in 1920 it became a Benedictine Abbey and a boarding school for girls. Nowadays, it offers many attractions for visitors, from the renovated Gothic Chapel to the Victorian Walled Garden, as well many facilities, such as the Visitor Centre, the Pottery Studio, the Craft & Retail Shop and the Restaurant.

Clifden

This little, lively town, whose Gaelic name - An Clochán – means “beehive cell”,  is located on the Owenglin River, where it flows into Clifden Bay. Usually known as “the Capital of Connemara”, Clifden has a lot to offer to the visitors: quality gift shops,  antique and souvenir shops, pubs, hotels, restaurants and so on. Among the places of interest in the surroundings there are the scenic Sky Road, the Marconi’s telegraphy station (1907), the landing site of Alcock and Brown flight (1919) and the D’Arcy Castle (1810-15).

Built in 1810-15, this monument is located more or less 1,5 km. west of Clifden and was the home of John D’Arcy, founder of Clifden at the start of the 19th century. The Castle, which is now a partially well preserved ruins, can be spotted with some difficulty from the Upper Sky Road. From Clifden take the Sky Road until the arch at your left. The winding trail going to the Castle is edged with five standing stones (only one is original, though); after a shortdownhill  walk you'll see the castle.

Leenane

This beautiful village overlooks the Killary fiord: here tourists will find many things to visit and to do, as well restaurants, shops and a couple of picturesque, traditional pubs, like “Hamilton’s” and “The Field”, which name recalls the famous homonymous movie by Noel Pearson, with a powerful Richard Harris in the part of tough Bull McCabe.
Don’t miss a visit to the Aasleagh Falls nearby, or a cruise on the boat up and down the wonderful Fiord (the only one in Ireland), where mussel farming represents an important economic activity.

Renvyle Peninsula

Dominated by the Tully mountain,the Renvyle Peninsula has many breathtaking views to offer, from spectacular crimson sunset on the sea, to the finest beaches, among which the “White Strand” is widely renowned. Renvyle beach also offers a caravan and camping park (1.5 Km. from Tullycross). In this area tourists can practice a lot of sports, such as swimming, scuba diving, fishing, or also relax while walking along quiet country roads. At the end of the peninsula there are the ruins of O'Flaherty castle:settled in a dramatic landscape, directly on a promontory overlooking the Killary Harbour, this ancient tower house (13th / 14th century) was once the home of the Pirate Queen Grace O’Malley, who married Donal O’Flaherty in 1546. The couple is said to live in the castle, in the periods when Grace (Granuaile) wasn’t at sea. Today the ruins of this castle are a good nest for many sea birds: the  birdwatching lovers can easily enjoy the view of grown-up feeding their chicks.
Ballynakill bay offers stunning wiews: on a clear day it is possible to see the silhouette of Croagh Patrick, the holy mountain overlooking Westport (Co. Mayo)

Connemara Nat. Park

Opened to public in 1980, the Connemara National Park is dominated by the massive Diamond Hill, from whose top  visitors can enjoy wonderful views on 2,957 hectares of mountains, bogs, heaths, grasslands and woodlands. Some Park's mountains - Benbaun, Bencullagh, Benbrack and Muckanaght - are part of the famous Twelve Bens or Beanna Beola range. Many lands which are now part of the Park were once owned by the Kylemore Abbey Estate and the Letterfrack Industrial School; at present the whole area of the Park is owned by the State and managed solely for National Park purposes. The admission is free. Self guided excursions  include several trails and hill walks of different length and levels of challenge.

Omey Island

This island, whose Gaelic name is “Iomaidh”, is connected to the dry land by a wide strip of sand, which is completely under water at high tide: visitors can reach Omey by car, but… mind the tide timetable !! Its name is related to Saint Feichin (Iomaidh Feichín meaning Feichín's bed or seat), who is said to have settled here; actually the devotion to this Saint is still considerable. The island is also well known for the celebrated horse Races, which take place on the sand.

Horse riding

The area of Connemara can boast its own breed of horses: the celebrated Connemara Pony. Strong and sturdy, at first a workhorse on the farms of the area, this horse is now used as a sports pony; accepted colors are gray, bay, brown and dun, and occasionally black, chestnut and palomino. Clifden Pony Sales, in August, is the most important sale of this breed in Ireland, and a good occasion for the breeders to meet and compare their experiences. Connemara offers exciting opportunities of riding to both beginners and expert riders; have a look to the following list of main Equestrian Centres:

Errislannan Riding Centre Tel: + 353 (0)95 21134

Cleggan Trekking Centre  Tel: + 353 (0)95 44746

Diamond of Renvyle         Tel: + 353 (0)95 43486 

Walking

Connemara is a paradise for hill walkers and ramblers alike. There are miles of unspoilt country roads to explore, as well as challenging mountain hikes and easy seashore walks. Apart from the trails of Connemara National Park and of Connemara loop, walkers can also book several guided tours of different grade at:connemarawalks.com  Tel. +353 (0)95 21492

Golfing

Ireland is one of the world's leading destinations for golf. This is particularly true in Connemara, where you can challenge yourself on some of the world's greatest courses, all located in wonderful surroundings. 
In addition to the nearby Renvyle House Hotel 9-hole (Par 3) golf course, there are three other golf courses within an hour's drive: 
Connemara Golf Links - Ballyconneely. The golf course is on the Mannin Peninsula, west of Ballyconneely. Situated in an area of outstanding beauty renowned for its scenery, it is a full-blooded links course with none of the duneland features of its north Connaught neighbours. Info Tel: +353 (0)95 23502/23602
Westport Golf Club - Westport. Again under an hour's drive from Bencorr House, a magnificent 18 hole parkland course with breath taking views of Croagh Patrick and Clew Bay. Info Tel: +353 (0)98 28262 
And on the N59 to Galway at Oughterard there is the Oughterard Golf Club, an 18 Hole parkland course, which is lined with mature native Irish trees. It is an excellent test of golf, with numerous water features, sand bunkers etc. that are strategically placed to protect the par of the course. Info Tel. +353 (0)91 552 131 

Traditional Music

Just look all around you!! In Connemara you are never too far from a pub where some sessions of traditional music (craic and cool) and sean noós dance are often performed. A pint of Guinness, some new friend... enjoy the music, you too are an Irish now!!