Top Things to do in Connemara
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10 Things to do in Connemara That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Connemara, Ireland including Killary Sheep Farm, Dog's Bay Beach, Mannin Bay Blueway, Diamond Hill, Aughnanure Castle, Spiddal Craft & Design Studios, Marconi Station, Sky Road, Killary Fjord, Clifden Castle.
Restaurants in Connemara
1. Killary Sheep Farm
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 375 reviews
contains some of Ireland's most awe-inspiring and dramatic scenery including Killary Fjord. Sheepdog Demonstrations with highly skilled working dogs, feeding the lambs with bottles, Sheep shearing using the hand shears, turf cutting using the traditional method which visitors can try out this ancient method for themselves, walking trails, Great day out for all the family.
Reviewed By peteald - Downers Grove, United States
The drive up to Leenane is absolutely stunning. Once you enter the town of Leenane and see the Fjord you will be blown away, the mountains with the water and the amazing flowers are an unbeatable scene. We took a day trip up to the area on one of our last days in Ireland and wish we would have gone earlier so we could have spent more time there! Killary Sheep Farm is spectacular. We went in May, when it was a little warmer than usual for the time, and had a wonderful experience. There was a tour group of about 30 individuals there, and my girlfriend and I were the only ones there not a part of the tour. Tom took time to answer everyone questions and explain how a sheep farm operates. The best part was toward the end, we got to hold baby sheep and feed them. We feed a sheep that was just born the day before, they are so cute! You get a little bottle that you feed them with and you have one of the most adorable experiences ever. The farm is amazing, the family that runs it are so nice and helpful, and the views are impeccable. This day trip was the highlight of a week long trip all over Ireland. If you are on the west coast, or staying in Galway, make the trip up and have a day you'll always remember.
2. Dog's Bay Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 252 reviews
Reviewed By victoriafoody - Victoria, Canada
We discovered this beach at the end of our day driving the Wild Atlantic way. In hindsight, we should have driven straight here and just hanged out at the beach. We arrived here without any beach gear (swim suits, towels etc), but it didn't matter. We were just happy to walk or sit on the gorgeous white sandy beach, play in the crystal clear water and admire the beauty of the landscape. We had only allowed ourselves an hour here, next time we'll make sure that we can spend most of the day to relax at the beach.
3. Mannin Bay Blueway
4. Diamond Hill
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 92 reviews
Reviewed By DubTourist123
Great hike! Very well maintained trail with nice and clean toilet facilities at the entrance to the National Park. Amazing views from the top of the surrounding area. Worth keeping in mind that proper footwear is needed as it does get a bit rocky near the top.
5. Aughnanure Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 416 reviews
Built by the O'Flahertys c. 1500, Aughnanure Castle lies in picturesque surroundings close to the shores of Lough Corrib. In 1546 the O'Flaherty's motto "Fortune favours the strong" and the powerful Mayo O'Malleys Motto "Powerful by land and by sea", were joined in the marriage of Donal an Chogaidh O'Flaherty and Grainuaile/Grace O'Malley. Standing on what is virtually a rocky island, the castle is a particularly well-preserved example of an Irish tower house. In addition, visitors will find the remains of a banqueting hall, a watch tower, an unusual double bawn and bastions and a dry harbour.
Reviewed By bumu17
Getting there is quite an experience if you are driving in Ireland for the first time :-) . Once off the main road the road becomes rather narrow with small areas to pullover on both sides to let oncoming vehicles by. It is well worth the trip though. The walkway up from the parking lot is next to a waterway and shaded by trees. As we approached the castle gate we were welcomed(?) by the guard, a cat sleeping on duty nearby. My wife and I toured the grounds and buildings. We had an enjoyable time. Some restoration is going on to restore interior areas, but was not a problem.
6. Spiddal Craft & Design Studios
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 220 reviews
Ceardlann/Spiddal Craft & Design Studios is a small complex of craft workshops situated right on the coast of Galway Bay, with beautiful views of the Burren and the Aran Islands.Visitors get a chance to see some of Ireland's finest craft items being made right in front of their eyes. The crafts include Handweaving, Jewellery and Stained Glass making, Screenprinting, and various forms of art, Traditional Basket Weaving and a Photographic Studio. An Spailpin Fanach, the Irish Cultural shop, produces it's own unique designs in quality T-Shirts and Hoodies, as well as a wide range of books and music, representative of this Gaelic speaking area. The craft village also boasts one of the finest cafes in Ireland, An Builin Blasta. IIt certainly is well worth a visit.
Reviewed By HAEMS - Chewton Mendip, United Kingdom
This was a fantastic experience and I have two beautiful baskets to show for it too. Ciaran is a great teacher, he provides everything you need to do the weaving, and it's both relaxing and great fun - that being said I was wrecked from concentrating by Sunday evening! We had lunch at the little cafe (not included in the course) which was extremely good and is well worth a stop in itself if you're in the area. Ciaran also sells his lovely baskets from the shop, and there are some other crafts people there too. I was particularly impressed by the weaver, but there was also a potter and some other artists as well.
7. Marconi Station
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 150 reviews
Reviewed By stephenaH5510GA
Great insight into a wonderful innovator Well laid out Beautiful views..fascinating historical perspective Amazing to think so much was built and then achieved on a boggy piece of land a century ago. Most enjoyable walk.
8. Sky Road
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,077 reviews
Reviewed By markgY7154GS - Dublin, Ireland
Certainly worth a drive :) fantastic views of the stunning countryside, just take your time as the roads are very narrow. If you start from Clifton town you should also take the beach road, incredible little beach beside the peer at the end of the road. Enjoy
9. Killary Fjord
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 230 reviews
Reviewed By TerryDCarrickfergus - Carrickfergus, United Kingdom
If you stay in or around Leenane, a Must is a trip on the Connemara Lady, The trip will last one and a half hours, we were lucky to have Dolphins ???? swim alongside the boat most beautiful sight. The splendour of the Fjord is best seen from the water..
10. Clifden Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 352 reviews
Reviewed By fullylit
Easy to find, just follow the sky road out of Clifden a couple of miles and you cant miss the large stone arch on the left. Takes about 10 minutes down to the castle, mostly a decent path tho the last bit is muddy. We managed 90% of it with a pram. Stunning location/views/history when you get down. Recommended.
