Visit Connemara in Ireland: tickets, prices, schedules

The Connemara is a very singular lake region, which promises a total change, in the heart of its still intact nature.

Michel Sardou's famous song will have convinced us all about the poetry of the place. But also, that you must absolutely visit the Connemara in Ireland. Many misunderstood it, because it is not just lakes, but a whole region composed of lakes, peatlands, hills, greenlands... An incredible natural diversity that drives contemplation. However, man has appropriated some of the places, building in others abbeys, some cities with undeniable charm and the Connemara National Park.

This region is a gold mine for those who want to go to meet Irish legends, culture and customs. More than three quarters of the land is unexploitable, uncultivable, making it a very preserved, yet wild region.

Visiting the Connemara is like going to the conquest of this perfect balance between natural treasures, historical heritage and cultural heritage. While keeping the mind and eyes wide open.

History of Connemara

Connemara is part of Galway County on the west coast of Ireland. Its exposure to a rather difficult climate (vent, almost constant humidity) made it considerably indisputable by man who had no choice but to leave it free. The debris between the Ireland and England , Catholics and Protestants, will not have impregnated the Connemara, otherwise through churches and other religious demonstrations.

Its history is not rich in bounces, but the region has caught up in other areas. Local traditions and folklore are extremely alive, if not the most living in the country. We are not going to visit the Connemara for its historical wealth, but for everything else: grandiose landscapes, wild spaces,... From the lakes to the mountains, to the peat and the landes, the Connemara has some surprises.

It is also the region where Irish Gaelic is preserved as the usual language. Culturally, it is a pity in front of which timidity must be set aside. Dare to visit the Connemara in all its splendor, and try to tame these legend lands.

What to see and do at Connemara?

The Connemara is a place very frequented by tourists, attracted there by most guides who advise the place. And they are not wrong. The Connemara lends itself to a lot of activities, whether tourist or not. Whether you want to fish, hike (pedestre or equestrian) or simply walk, the region adapts! Today, organisms accompany tourists in their discovery. However, if you prefer to discover the Irish region by yourself, there are a few places to stop.

Kylemore Abbey

To begin with, go and admire the famous Kylemore Abbey. Set on the edges of the Lake of Pollacapall Lough, this Benedictine abbey is adjacent to a castle. Before, it was a college of young girls, but today, it is nuns who care about it. They made it an iconic tourist attraction of the Connemara. The entrance is paid, as well as the visit. However, it is possible to limit itself to external views, the magic of the place will nevertheless effect.

Connemara National Park

It is also recommended to visit the Connemara National Park. To learn more about the place and what it is composed, the park is organized around three marked trails from 0.5 km to 6.7 km. Accessible to all, they allow you to discover the nature of Connemara, Mount Diamond Hill (445 meters high), as well as local fauna and flora. It is not forbidden to get out of the beaten paths, to meet a little less world...

Ashleagh Falls

And to rest from this sporting getaway in nature, nothing like the soothing show of Asleagh Falls (pronounced as the name Ashley). Located on the Erriff River, you may cross salmon that try to climb it. Access to these waterfalls is not convenient by car, it is best to approach them on foot. Enjoy being on site to make a picnic, for example, or a bucolic walk around. Some activities are provided (canyoning, costeering,...), and we advise you to always go through a framed service to avoid any accident.

Sky Road

Sky Road is also a step forward. This road, considered one of the most beautiful in Ireland, is a 10-kilometre circuit surrounded by the tip after Clifden. It is a way to visit the Connemara from the bitumen, offering stunning and majestic landscapes, between hills, valleys and wild coasts.

Connemara Seaweed Baths

Along the county of Galway, north of Connemara, you will find the city of Leenaun. This small town houses the Connerama Seaweed Baths. It is a very special thalassotherapy establishment: everything is centered around seaweeds and seawater. It is an excellent way to relax while providing a bath of nutrients and minerals that are beneficial to the body and mind! The centre also provides massages of the body and the face that will perfectly punctuate your stay of small well-being moments.

Glengowla Mines

In another style, there is the visit of the Glengowla mines. It is Ireland’s only mine, dating from the 19th century and abandoned in 1865. Forgotten, it was rediscovered in the early 1990s. Guided mine tours allow you to discover the working conditions of miners of money and lead from the time. Glengowla offers the opportunity to visit the Connemara with a viewpoint on Irish civilization.

How do I go to Connemara?

Arrival in Ireland is by plane or by boat. But we reach the Connemara especially by the road. Once in Dublin, rent a car or take a bus from Galway.

The transportation system in Ireland is fairly well connected. Bus companies will take you directly to the Connemara kidneys. To visit the Connemara National Park, for example, use CityLink. In an hour and a half, you will arrive at Letterfrack, which is about 500 metres from the park entrance. A safe and comfortable way to move. With a personal vehicle, you will make this path at about the same time, if you choose the most direct.

For the rest of the region, car hire from Galway , the National 59 will lead you to the coast. Many other roads allow to arrive near the lakes and small harbour cities of the region. You can enjoy the freedom of the rental to stop there, a few hours or an evening.

Information on the places of interest of Connemara

HORARI

• Kylemore Abbey : all year except Christmas week. 9h30-17h30 from March to November, 9h30-18h00 in June, 9h30-19h00 in July and August and 10h00-16h30 from December to February.
• Connemara National Park : all year, every day. 10h00-17h30 from March to October and 9h30-18h30 from June to September.
• Connemara Seaweed Baths : every day from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Glengowla Mining Tour : every day from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

RATES

• Kylemore Abbey : 13 € for entry and visit, free for children under 10 years of age.
• Connemara National Park : access to the park is totally free.
• Connemara Seaweed Baths : the proposed body massages last between 30 and 55 minutes and cost between 30 and 50 €. For the face, care costs between 8 and 55 €. An algae bath will make you spend €25 for an hour.
• Glengowla Mining Tour : the visit lasts 30 minutes and costs 7 €. Some guides speak French.