Lonely PlanetSep 21, 2026
A Guide to Connemara, Ireland
All you need to know about visting one of Ireland’s most dramatically beautiful regions.
22 things in this story
- Connemara National ParkTrailhome to the popular Diamond Hill Trail
- Diamond Hill TrailTrailone of Ireland’s most satisfying hikes
- Kylemore AbbeySightlakeside estate with a community of Benedictine nuns
- Pollacappul LoughSightminiature neo-Gothic church on its shore
- Victorian Walled GardenSightfabulous 6-acre garden at Kylemore Abbey
- Ballinakill BaySightproduces some of Ireland’s finest seafood
- DK Connemara OystersRestaurantguided oyster-farm tour and tasting
- Spuds and ShellsRestaurantenjoy farm's bounty prepared to perfection
- Elsewhere
- Gurteen BaySightRoundstone, Irelandlarger, sweeping strand popular for windsurfing
- Dog's BaySightRoundstone, Irelandfamed for brilliant turquoise water and white sand
- Wild Atlantic WayTrailGalway City, Irelandregion stretches across the western corner of County Galway
- Twelve BensSightClifden, Irelandhigh mountain passes
- Killary HarbourSightLeenane, Irelandcaptivating glacial fjord forming boundary between counties
- Killary Fjord Boat ToursPlaceLeenane, Irelandoperates 90-minute sightseeing cruises
- Derrigimlagh BogSightClifden, Irelandsite of first nonstop transatlantic flight crash landing
- Marconi transatlantic wireless stationSightClifden, Irelandsite of early commercial long-distance radio transmissions
- InishbofinNeighborhoodCleggan, Irelandpeaceful ecotourism destination with traditional music
- Inishbofin FerryPlaceCleggan, Ireland30-minute crossing to the island
- Cromwell’s BarracksSightInishbofin, Irelandforeboding stone ruins guarding the harbor mouth
- Dumhach BeachSightInishbofin, Irelandpristine shores
- Roundstone MusicPlaceRoundstone, IrelandIrish Bodhrans - Irish Bodhrans for Sale - Bodhran Drum - Malachy Kearns Irish Drums…
- Malachy BodhránPlaceRoundstone, Ireland