What to do and see in Connemara, Western Ireland: The Best Things to do for Honeymoon

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,

Based in Oughterard, Co. Galway – only 25 minutes north of Galway City at the “Gateway to Connemara”. Our Centre is located on the Rusheeny road, just outside the town of Oughterard, and is nestled between beautiful hills, mountains and the shores of Lough Corrib. We offer a full range of services including trekking, lessons, showjumping leagues, pony camps, breaking and training, livery and stud. For those interested in the native Connemara Pony, our yard has a large selection of Connemara ponies with champion showing, ridden and showjumping stallions at stud and the opportunity to hear about the history and development of this versatile pony from the yards owner, Roger Joyce. Roger is from a long line of Connemara breeders and stallion custodians. He is also an experienced horse and rider trainer and an international Connemara Pony Judge.

Based in Clifden, in the heart of Connemara, with a fleet of bikes, from electric and hybrid to children’s bikes, buggies and tandems, Clifden Bike Shop have everything you need to enjoy a cycling experience on the Wild Atlantic Way. Highlights include: Amanda & Jonathan Powell a super family team passionate about Connemara & their customers Bike Hire: Fleet of Bikes including electric,hybrid children’s bikes buggies tandems Cycle Loops scenic 20-kilometre cycle loop overlooking Clifden Bay Clifden a picturesque town, largest town in Connemara The Twelve Bens: a striking range of mountains in Connemara Natural Habitat birdlife wildlife including, sea otters, dolphins and grey seals Simply Being! breathe the fresh sea air and feel the wind on your face Explore: many different cycle loops to explore Connemara’s rugged landscape Guided Cycle: Guides available speaking English, French, German and Italian

Johnny and Annie started creating unique hand crafted jewellery in 1973. Since then the business has developed with the help of their son Jonathan who is carrying on the family tradition and now manages the business. Their full collection of jewellery can be seen at their flagship store in Clifden, where there is a full open plan workshop to see the jewellery being made. They also have a small retail shop at the Cliffs of Moher.

Step aboard for a 90 minute trip to enjoy uninterrupted views of the breathtaking scenery on the Killary - Ireland's only fjord. All weathers; boat design ensures no sea-sickness (money back guarantee). Accessible to all, including wheelchairs and pushchairs; cafe and full bar on board. Enjoy a light lunch or an Irish coffee as you sail past spectacular landscapes from a unique vantage point - and you may well see dolphins, which often come up to accompany the boat for a time.

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.