The Jewel in the Connemara crown is Kylemore Abbey. Kylemore was originally a castle and sits on the shores of one of Connemara’s many lakes. Set in a dramatic landscape, Kylemore started out as a romantic gift from husband to wife in the 1860’s to becoming home and a boarding school to the Benedictine Nuns in 1920. It is steeped in history, romance, tragedy, engineering, royal visits, spirituality, education and horticulture. An absolute must-see!
On the road to Clifden turn right at Recess (well sign posted). The Inagh valley winds its way through the majestic Twelve Bens and Maamturk mountain ranges There are plenty of picturesque lakes, streams, rivers and waterfalls, and Pine Island. A barely-there stone path leads you across the lake to the small island, a quieter spot in the wilderness, perfect for feeling at one with nature. Perfect to meditate, take pictures, have a picnic – you name it!
Galway is my favourite county in Ireland. The city is young, vibrant, international, but small enough to fell like everyone is a friend. With music, festivals, and a buzzing nightlife, you will fall in love with this quaint city. And the rural parts of Galway are simply breathtaking. Mountains, lakes, beaches, and hidden gems all over, this was the highlight of my trip and my absolute favourite place to camp!
Galway and Mayo border each other, so depending on where exactly in Mayo you set off from, getting to Galway City can take between 1-2 hours driving.
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Hands-down, the best campsite ever. The owners are super kind and friendly, and live in a house on site, so they are always reachable in am emergency. The campsite has its very own private beach, is protected by an electronic gate that can only be opened by a passcode (which you will receive if you book a spot), and is an all-around stunning location! Suitable for tents, caravans and camper vans, you can rent a mini BBQ and firepit, there are plenty of bathrooms, a kitchen area with microwave, and sink – I could go on! The best part for me is the views and the fact that you are not squashed in like sardines with other visitors – you have space and privacy from others. I cannot recommend this place enough, and it’s way cheaper than a hotel!
Galway was voted the European capital of culture 2020, and it lives up to its reputation! There is an annual International Galway Arts Festival every summer, with parades, costumes, music and fun! If you come to Ireland during the summer, this is a must!
The Galway Christmas market is the best in the country if you ask me (yes, even better than the capital, Dublin!). With a giant ferris wheel, a huge beer tent for partying and singing songs at the top of your lungs, and the quirky stalls selling food, hot drinks and beautiful handmade crafts, the city is an idyllic Christmas haven between November and January.
The St. Patrick’s Day parades here are also top-notch. Galway is simply a hub of culture and fun!
The Jewel in the Connemara crown is Kylemore Abbey. Kylemore was originally a castle and sits on the shores of one of Connemara’s many lakes. Set in a dramatic landscape, Kylemore started out as a romantic gift from husband to wife in the 1860’s to becoming home and a boarding school to the Benedictine Nuns in 1920. It is steeped in history, romance, tragedy, engineering, royal visits, spirituality, education and horticulture. An absolute must-see!
On the road to Clifden turn right at Recess (well sign posted). The Inagh valley winds its way through the majestic Twelve Bens and Maamturk mountain ranges There are plenty of picturesque lakes, streams, rivers and waterfalls, and Pine Island. A barely-there stone path leads you across the lake to the small island, a quieter spot in the wilderness, perfect for feeling at one with nature. Perfect to meditate, take pictures, have a picnic – you name it!
An embarrassment of riches await you in Connemara. This isn’t a town, county or province, it’s a cultural region with some of the best and most iconic scenic landscapes that you can cycle, drive, hike or bus in County Galway. Head out the N59 towards Clifden and you come across the most beautiful, breathtaking scenery in the whole of Ireland. From the quaint little village of Oughterard, full of beautiful restaurants, pubs, and shops, through the wilderness to Clifden town and Cleggan Village. Connemara is full of lakes, mountains and bucolic winding roads. Glasilaun beach is one such spot that embodies all the same characteristic as the whole Connemara region. This beach is not easy to find, but that’s what makes it perfect. A lot bigger than Keem beach in Mayo, and a lot quieter, with even nice surrounding views. This is a place to mediate and heal your soul. 10/10
Galway City is a vibrant, lively university city, full of life. It is a hub of traditional music, festivals, the arts, history, culture, sports, and nightlife, with a multicultural population. It’s all there to be enjoyed with a happy buzz in all the bars and restaurants, with great drinks and delicious food. Thanks to its small size, Galway has a much friendlier vibe than the capital, and everything is within walking distance, so getting around is no issue!
Killary is widely known as Ireland’s only true fjord. It is 16 kilometres long and over 45 meters deep. It’s a stunningly beautiful drive along its length and forms a dramatic border between the counties of Galway and Mayo. There is a cruise tour available near the village of Leanne. Here in this remarkable glacial valley are some of the most spectacular vistas in the west of Ireland. At the head of the fjord is lovely Leenaun village with plenty of tea rooms, pub food, gift shops all with ridiculously wonderful scenery outside.
The Doolough Valley is technically in Mayo, but it’s so close Killary and Leenane that I’m adding it here. It sits just north of Killary fjord and south of Louisburg in Mayo. It has a deeply tragic history steeped in the Irish famine, and a monument stand there today to commemorate the people who died. But it’s still one of the most eye-popping, jaw-droppingly stunning landscapes you’ll see.
