Connemara (Clifden), Ireland

Connemara Clifden

Wild bogs, mountains and lakes, with Kylemore Abbey on a lakeshore.

  • Apr–Oct
  • 2 nights
Explore on the map
Nearby hidden places
GalwayIreland · CityGalway68 kmCliffs of MoherIreland · Nature spotCliffs of Moher70 kmDingleIreland · Hidden townDingle151 kmKillarney National ParkIreland · Nature spotKillarney National Park163 kmCorkIreland · CityCork205 kmKilkennyIreland · Hidden townKilkenny207 kmDublinIreland · CityDublin250 kmGlendaloughIreland · Nature spotGlendalough251 km

Things to do

2 days in Connemara

Day 1

  1. MorningVisit Kylemore Abbey on its lakeshore and its Victorian walled garden.
  2. AfternoonWalk the Diamond Hill trail in Connemara National Park for views over the bogs, lakes and islands.
  3. EveningHave dinner in Clifden and hear music in one of its pubs.

Day 2

Drive the Sky Road loop from Clifden, or take the ferry to the island of Inishbofin.

What to eat

Connemara lamb and smoked salmon with brown bread.

Local tips

Make the most of Connemara

Beat the crowds

Summer is busy at Kylemore Abbey. The wild parts stay quiet.

Best photo spot

Kylemore Abbey reflected in its lake, and the Sky Road loop near Clifden.

Getting there

Buses run from Galway to Clifden, about 2 hours. Easiest by car.

Don't miss nearby

Inishbofin island and the Killary fjord.

Good to know

Weather changes quickly; bring a rain jacket. The Diamond Hill walk in the national park has great views.

Plan your visit

Getting to Connemara

Getting there

  • Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC)90 km away
  • Shannon Airport (SNN)115 km away
  • Galway70 km away
  • Cork205 km away

Reachable by car or public transport; a car gives you more freedom to explore the area. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeApr–Oct
TypeNature spot
Good forNature, Coast
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay2 nights
CountryIreland

Questions

Connemara: good to know

Is Connemara worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like nature and the coast. Wild bogs, mountains and lakes, with Kylemore Abbey on a lakeshore.

How many days do you need in Connemara?

Plan 2 nights. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Connemara?

The best time to visit is Apr to Oct. Summer is busy at Kylemore Abbey. The wild parts stay quiet.

How do you get to Connemara?

The nearest airport is Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC), about 90 km away. Buses run from Galway to Clifden, about 2 hours. Easiest by car.

What is there to see near Connemara?

Nearby hidden places include Galway (68 km), Cliffs of Moher (70 km) and Dingle (151 km).

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