Connemara Travel Guide
There's something incredibly wild and rugged about Connemara on the far west coast of Ireland. The land is natural and untamed and can feel like you've stepped back in time.
I was recently reading a journal I kept on my first trip to the area. I went alone hoping to do a bit of painting and exploring. What came out of it was a deep love for the land and a deeper connection to myself. Since then I’ve been back several more times. Each time I get a renewed sense of self and connection to the landscape. There is so much to see and do in the area so I wanted to put together a guide of my favorite spots.
If you've been to Connemara you know the magic this landscape holds and I hope my paintings do it justice. If you haven't, definitely add it to your list.
Where to Stay -
Cnoc Suain - This is where I stayed on my first trip to Connemara and it holds a special place in my heart. The owners are really lovely people and the care and attention they’ve put into restoring the traditional Irish cottages makes it a truly magical and unique experience. I can’t recommend enough!
Where to Eat -
Snappy Snappy Food truck - Letterfrack - the most amazing crab roll you’ll ever have!
Veldon’s Seafarer (seafood) - Letterfrack
Connemara Woodfire (pizza) - Letterfrack
Coffee Cottage - Roundstone
Sweet Nothing Cafe - Ballyconneely
Owenmore Restaurant - Ballynahinch Castle
Walsh’s - Clifden
Things to Do -
Pine Island at Sunset - This little pitstop is a must see in Connemara. It’s one of the most iconic senes there and when you visit you can see why. A lovely little island with tall scotts pines surrounded by mountains. Beautiful! Stop there just before sunset for the best colors.
Kilary Fjord boat ride - It’s a lovely comfortable boat that takes you up and down the fjord. Sip a hot chocolate while you take in the views.
Hike Diamond Hill - A relatively easy and short hike, it gives great views of the landscape and sea.
Drive Sky Road - An iconic drive just outside Clifden with impressive views looking out towards the Atlantic Ocean. Extremely scenic!
The Old Bog Road - I love a narrow country road surrounded by bog. This little road gives you some of the best views of the Twelve Bens and in the summertime the landscape is covered in purple heather!
Visit a coral beach - There are two beaches in Connemara that have small bits of coral instead of sand. It’s pretty incredible to see but make sure you wear shoes because it’s uncomfortable to walk on. This one is a great swim spot and has beautiful turquoise water - Coral Strand & this one is really lovely as well - Coral Strand
Joyce’s Craft Shop - A must stop in Connemara. Joyce’s is a beautiful shop that has an incredible selection of art and crafts. I purchased one of my favorite art pieces here. Truely incredible unique pieces and perfect for gifts as well.
Kylemore Abbey - A well known spot to visit, Kylemore is really impressive building and a beautiful setting. You can tour the abbey and visit their walled gardens as well.
Books at One Letterfrack - A lovely little bookstore with a cafe.
Clifden - The largest town in Connemara is well worth a walk around. There’s beautiful shops, art galleries and places to eat.
Dogs Bay & Gurteen Bay - If you’re blessed with sunshine this is a must visit for a swim in the turquoise water. The sand is pure white and it’s really stunning.
