Many visitors to Connemara are there to seek out the picturesque Ireland they have come to expect from movies and television. In Connemara, you won’t be disappointed. The ideal option is to stay in one of Clifden’s hotels or B & Bs and head out of town on day trips along the west coast of Ireland and inland around the Maumturk Mountains and Connemara National Park. by car, bicycle or on foot.

Connemara consists of a wild and barren country region northwest of Galway City. This area encompasses swamps, secluded valleys, the gray Maumturk range, and a multitude of small lakes. Its remote and quiet location has in recent times become a hive of small holiday homes for those seeking seclusion from Ireland’s larger cities.

From Clifden, it is ideally located to head east inland into the heart of the Maumturk Mountains. This gray and green mountain range and its wonderful Twelve Bens peaks (or pins, as the locals call them) offer a variety of outdoor activities.

The mountains run from north to south and the views of the valleys offer great vantage points towards the ocean and the many small lakes that dot the Connemara landscape. The mountain range is ideal for hiking or mountaineering routes that can be done in one day, but it is better that you savor the area by taking a few days to discover the valleys and mountains at a relaxed pace.

For the energetic and those looking to enjoy a hearty lunch, try making the short drive east from Clifden to the Twelve Bens and follow the road north along the Lough Inagh valley. This route offers truly wonderful panoramic views and hike opportunities that would be hard to beat in this part of the country. This 15km northbound route ends at Kylemore Lake and Kylemore Abbey, from where you can turn west to Clifden via Connemara National Park.

The gem of the area are the scenic routes from Maam Cross northwest to Leenan and northeast to Cong. Take your time to stop along this route and follow the signposted walking routes up into the foothills for breathtaking mountain views.

Taking the coastal turn from Clifden to Spiddel (along the R341, R340 and R336) is recommended for views of the sea, rugged coastline, and pleasant port towns like Carraroe, Roundstone, and Ballyconneely Bay.

It’s worth noting that what looks like a short 40-50km route on Connemara maps actually consists of winding country roads in various areas. While the roads are of good quality, these are winding B-roads (especially along coastal roads) and the speed will rarely increase by about 50 km / h when driving by car.

Routes, maps and general information are available at the Connemara Walking Center in Clifden.