Connemara is the perfect location for a weekend break away, jam-packed with things to see, do and experience! We’ve got it all: beaches, mountains, stunning scenery and not to mention friendly locals wherever you turn.Today we’ve devised the perfect Connemara itinerary to follow for a successful weekend in the West! Follow our top-class recommendations and squeeze in the highlights of Connemara in one weekend.
WHERE TO BASE YOURSELF IN CONNEMARA
No matter where you stay, Connemara is beautiful. There are a number of different areas to base yourself over the weekend, each with their own distinctive charm.
Family friendly: Clifden Station House is the ideal spot for families set in the heart of Clifden. As well as spacious hotel rooms, they also provide two and three-bed self-catering apartments, perfect for those wanting their own space for social distancing, starting at €150 per night.
Luxury: There’s nowhere else quite like Ballynahinch Castle! If you would like to make your Connemara stay that bit extra special, this castle hotel is a must! Set in a private 700 acre estate of woodland, Ballynahinch is a resort like no other.
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Quiet Escape: Connemara Sands Hotel & Spa is an ideal location for those wanting to escape it all! Located on the beach, it is private but still just 1km to Ballyconneely village.
Couples Getaway: For those couples looking to be close to the action, Connemara Coast Hotel is just a fifteen minute drive from Galway City. Located in Furbogh, this beautiful hotel is situated right on the water’s edge.
DAY ONE – ARRIVE IN CONNEMARA
It’s been a long drive, but we promise it’s worth it! Take Friday evening to relax, unpack and unwind and get ready for the ultimate Connemara itinerary. Why not start off a swim in your hotel pool, or perhaps some spa treatments to set yourself up for a beautiful weekend ahead. We suggest booking dinner in your hotel after your relax and unpack (don’t forget to book your meal!).
DAY TWO – HIKES, BEACHES AND EXPLORING
MORNING – Now that you’re refreshed and revitalised, it’s time to get going with a hike up Diamond Hill! Best fuel up on a Full Irish from the hotel because this hike will get the blood pumping!
Located in the Connemara National Park, Diamond Hill is just a quick twenty minute drive from Clifden. The hike is well laid out with a clear path the whole way up, making this hike ideal for children too. Depending on fitness, it should take roughly one hour to ascend and one hour to descend. Don’t forget to pack a picnic!
MID-MORNING – Once you’ve got in your exercise for this day, next stop is Kylemore Abbey, a nine minute drive from Diamond Hill!
The fascinating Visitor Experience is family-friendly and will take you through the history of the abbey, and its occupants. Tickets can be booked online here.
AFTERNOON – By now the tummies will be starting to rumble so we suggest a trip to Roundstone for a spot of lunch. While on the way, take a detour and drive the Sky Road for some of the most stunning views on the whole West Coast of Ireland.
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Just a short drive from Roundstone lies Dog’s Bay, the most beautiful beach in all of Ireland! With white sands and turquoise water, this could easily be mistaken for a beach in Bali! Don’t let bad weather deter you, this beach is a must-see on your Connemara itinerary, rain, hail or shine!
If beaches are your thing, Connemara is not short of any! Read our top beach recommendations here.
EVENING – Now that is what we call a full day of exploring! It’s time to head back to the hotel to regroup and shower (maybe even a power nap!).
Speak to your hotel reception about places to eat in your area. We recommend Foyle’s Hotel for a bite to eat in Clifden.
DAY THREE – BIKING, FJORD AND OYSTERS
Day one was spent blitzing around Connemara enjoying the highlights! Why not spend day two out of the car and enjoy the West at a more relaxed pace.
EARLY MORNING – Hire some bikes from Mannion Bike Hire and explore the beautiful country roads on your Connemara itinrary. Take in the scenery, stop and pet some friendly Connemara ponies and see where the path takes you.
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MORNING/AFTERNOON – Leave the car behind and take to the waters at the beautiful Killary Fjord, the perfect addition to your Connemara itinerary! The Killary Fjord cruise starts at Nancy’s Point, just West of Leenane Village, on the south side of the Killary. From there you will set off towards the mouth of the Fjord, admiring the beauty of the National Park from the water.
Tours can be pre-booked here.
LATE AFTERNOON – Make one final stop on your last day in Connemara to DK Connemara Oysters for a tour around one of Ireland’s oldest oyster farms.
Located in Ballinakill Bay, these informative tours show how oysters are grown over a three-year period from seed to plate. As part of the tour enjoy the taste of a Connemara Oyster fresh from the waters of the bay.
EVENING – we hope you’ve enjoyed your flying visit to Connemara! Here are some other gems we think are worth seeing while in the area:
- Pine Island
- Spiddal
- Cleggan
- Inagh Valley
- Omey Island Walk
- Inishbofin Island
