During the summer, Jurys Inn and Leonardo Hotels UK conducted a survey of Ireland’s top holiday destinations for staycationers. We were over the moon when Connemara topped the polls as the most picture-perfect location with over a third of Irish adults voting it as their number one beauty spot!
Read more on the full survey conducted here.
It’s no secret anymore that in 2020, a location’s photogenic potential is taken into account when booking a holiday! We all want to know where the hot spots are so we can take that perfect “Instagrammable” shot! Take a look below at our top recommendations for Connemara’s most Instagrammable spots!
PINE ISLAND
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Pine Island is one of the most iconic locations in Connemara! The setting is a photographer’s dream and is outstanding to see any season of the year. The trees here are Scots Pine, a native evergreen tree that grows tall and slender. It has red-coloured wood and contrasting evergreen leaves – it makes for quite the stunning shot spring, summer, autumn or winter!
DOG’S BAY
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Ireland’s answer to the Seychelles! This beach is truly like something from a tropical catalogue, visitors find it hard to believe the white sand and turquoise waters are actually Ireland!
Of course Dog’s Bay isn’t the only Instagrammable beach in Connemara. Check out these insane beaches in the area and try hit them all for a truly enviable Instagram feed!
DIAMOND HILL
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Diamond Hill is a must-do for any budding photographers out there! Pictures taken atop this mountain look like they’re on the edge of the world, with stunning 360 views of Connemara below.
Gain some extra “likes” on your photos and hit the hill at sunset! The walk is moderate and pathed a lot of the way, meaning it is easily navigated for those with cameras.
KYLEMORE ABBEY
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There is nothing more picturesque than the beautiful and romantic Kylemore Abbey! Originally built as a Castle in 1867 as a gift from Mitchell Henry to his wife, Kylemore Abbey is surrounded by stunning mountain and lake scenery that are not only gorgeous, but also steeped in amazing Irish history!
BALLYNAHINCH CASTLE
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The “it” place to stay if you’re looking to photograph some Connemara luxury! This 450-acre estate provides nothing but breathtaking landscapes for a memorable stay. The castle itself is dripping with elegance and Irish history. Everything about this place is Instagram-friendly from the country-chic rooms, to the cosy fireplaces, to the four-poster beds and more!
ANCHOR BEACH
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Anchor Beach on the Aughrus Peninsula is a real hidden gem an certainly one of THE most photogenic spots in all of Connemara!
The name, of course, derives from the big old ship’s anchor, lying there on the golden sand. Few, though, are as familiar with the story behind that anchor.
Read about the tragic history of this magical place here.
SKY ROAD
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The Sky Road in Clifden is one of the most picturesque areas in Connemara and is a must-capture with your camera!
The circular route is 16km long and takes you out west from Clifden, onto the Kingstown peninsula, and back into Clifden via the N59. Very few places in Ireland can match the rugged beauty and range of scenery that can be seen from the Sky Road. The route is well signposted from Clifden town and is easy to find.
KILLARY HARBOUR
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Visit Killary Harbour, a gorgeous 16km long fjord, for some epic photography opportunities. This is definitely one of Connemara’s most Instagrammable places!
It is one of just three glacial fjords that exist in Ireland, the others being Lough Swilly and Carlingford Lough. Cutting a deep gash into the rugged coastline of northwest Connemara, where the counties of Mayo and Galway meet, Killary Harbour is something of true beauty to be marvelled at.
Make your visit extra special and take to the water, with a trip on Killary Fjord Boat Trips!
ANIMALS OF CONNEMARA
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Not a location, but a must-snap while in Connemara! The native animals of the area are beyond beautiful and can be seen all over. Blackfaced sheep, rams, cattle, hares and of the famous Connemara ponies can all be spotted in the hills, bogland and even roaming the roads causing rural traffic jams!
