Top Things to do in Connemara
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What to do and see in Connemara, Western Ireland: The Best Sights & Landmarks
Discover the best top things to do in Connemara, Ireland including Glengowla Mines, Killary Sheep Farm, Aughnanure Castle, Church of the Seven Daughters, Derrigimlagh, Marconi Station, Sky Road, Alcock and Brown Landing Site, Quiet Man Bridge, Clifden Castle.
Restaurants in Connemara
1. Glengowla Mines
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 426 reviews
Buried beneath the Connemara Mountain lies a way of life long abandoned and almost forgotten just waiting for you to explore! Let the team at Glengowla Mines lead you on a journey of discovery of how lead and silver were mined from the roots of the Connemara Mountains in the 1800’s. The constant dripping of water, the ‘miners breath’ and if you are brave enough - a moment of darkness will set the scene! Delve into the depths of Glengowla mines where you can explore the caverns of marble studded with lead and silver. Follow the veins of copper pyrite which will lead you to the ‘miners gold’ - Galena. Marvel at the rare and beautiful crystals of quartz and fluorite. Learn of the working conditions the miners worked under before the mines closed in 1865. A firm favourite with adults and children alike is to pan for gold and gems at our gold panning station and keep any gems you find! Not only will you enjoy guided tours of the mines,
Reviewed By sarahoR5721WQ
One of the best afternoons spent in Connemara. Great for kids and adults. The staff were all friendly and very patient with my son (and his millions of questions). The Sheepdog display is a must, we loved meeting Jess the sheepdog and watching her herding the sheep to us so we could pet and feed them. The mine tour was great, limited group numbers so not rushed and really interesting with a very knowledgeable and funny guide. We were taught how to pan for gold and even given a little bag to bring our treasure home. A relaxed afternoon in beautiful surroundings to wander around. Great attention to Covid measures, everything we touched was cleaned. I Highly Recommend a visit here!
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Church of the Seven Daughters
5. Derrigimlagh
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By 359marshalld - Coverack, United Kingdom
The first non-stop transatlantic flight landed a few hundred yards from here. The walk though the bogs is also very interesting.
6. 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.
7. 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
8. Alcock and Brown Landing Site
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 214 reviews
The site where John Alcock and Arthur Brown landed following their historic cross-Atlantic flight in 1919.
Reviewed By BrianK623 - Godalming, United Kingdom
This is a very pleasant walk a Connemara peat bog in a spectacualr scenic setting, with the added interest of the histry of Alcokc & Brown's flight across the Atlantic in 1919 and the Marconi radio station. Combine iwth a visit to the Clifden Museum to leanr more about this amazing early feat of aviation.
9. Quiet Man Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 224 reviews
Reviewed By 867kathig
If you like the Quiet Man movie, you will love visiting this bridge! The view is just like that in the movie, and it's quiet, with large fields of sheep and a lovely little brook. Its a must-see!
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.
