Connemara is one of Western Ireland’s most naturally wild and rugged yet culturally rich locations. Centrally located a short distance from Galway City, it is a great day or weekend trip away for those looking for stunning views, outdoor experiences, and grand architecture.  Though while traveling in Western Ireland I was only able to spend one day in Connemara it is definitely an experience and location that will stay in my heart forever. 

Connemara National Park & Visitor Centre 

Connemara National Park was, in my opinion, one of the main highlights of Connemara. It is one of only six national parks in Ireland, offering unique and breathtaking views of the wild landscape and beautiful natural beauty that this part of Ireland has to offer visitors. A trip here gives you a true sense of the area and a slight feel of what this area must have felt like hundreds of years ago. As a first-time visitor to this area, it was amazing to see first hand what I had seen so many times in photos and film, pure and untouched natural beauty. This nearly 5000-acre park is home to dramatic mountains, bogs, heaths, stretching grassland, and rich woodlands. The stunning views can be enjoyed from many vantage points throughout the park and are the perfect location for both casual and more intensive outdoor excursions. With four different trails, there is an array of options for whatever type of outdoor experience you are interested in taking. Connemara National Park is home to many diverse plants and wildlife, including various birds, small mammals, and even ponies. The park is open all year round with park hours to about 5:00 pm. Guided tours are available by advance request.  Admission to Connemara National Park is free for all visitors.

Kylemore Abbey Estate

While visiting Ireland, there is never a shortage of castles to visit (trust me, this is an amazing thing, especially for those who love history). What most people don’t realize when traveling to Europe is that many of the castles are not in the original beautiful shape that they were hundreds of years ago. While driving through the Irish countryside there are hundreds of dilapidated castles, some barely still standing or others that are just shells of their former grandeur. Kylemore Abbey Estate is a stunning contradiction to this, this beautifully restored sprawling 1000 acre lakeshore castle allows visitors to experience the rich history and stunning views of a 150-year-old castle and the surrounding beauty of Connemara. While in Connemara I spent the early morning at this now Benedictine monastery,  exploring the beautiful architecture of the castle, visiting the exquisitely kept walled Victorian gardens, and walking the wooded grounds. It is hard to understand the true grandeur and craftsmanship of these historical structures until you see it first hand. Personally, I loved the overall architecture of the building especially the stunning high arched ceilings and beautiful native greenery that adorned the grounds. For those how are interested in local history, the story of Kylemore Abbey is like something out of a historical fiction piece, with love, loss, tragedy, and war; this castle has stories to share with anyone who walks through its doors.