Connemara, Ireland

In Connemara - the peaceful western wonderland of Europe, where the rugged mountains soar above the wild Atlantic beaches - each month has its own magic.

Wild flowers bloom in Spring, As the returning sea-birds jostle for cliff-top nesting sites.  

May and June will be your likely favourites if you are searching for tranquillity.  July and August turns Clifden, the capital of Connemara, into a bustling cosmopolitan attraction, where the warmer seas caress the long sandy beaches.  in Autumn, the gorse and heather compete with the magnificent sunsets for your attention.

Day Trips in Connemara

Oughterard is an ideal touring base for the mountains of Connemara or a thriving centre like Clifden with numerous bars and restaurants.  Connemara National Park, at Letterfrack, covers some 2,000 hectares of mountains, expanses of bog, heaths and grasslands and there are nature trails, talks and a variety of activities arranged during the summer months.

All the beautiful scenery of Connemara can easily be covered in day trips from Oughterard.  Kylemore Abbey, the home of the Benedictine nuns, is situated in the Kylemore valley and open for visiting.  Or you could take a boat to the Aran Islands for a day (booked in the local community-run tourist office in Oughterard) and see the island women knitting the traditional Aran sweaters, and the ancient currachs still being used for fishing.

Hill walking is very popular and there are many different peaks to be conquered in the vicinity. Mweelrea above is the highest peak in South Mayo and can be reached from our house in a bit over an hour the views from the top are amazing. Weather conditions can vary enormously so dress up according to conditions and expect much harsher conditions at the top compared to the bottom!!

A ferry boat operates from Oughterard to Cong on a daily basis during the tourist season and visits Inchagoill and Cong.

Ashford Castle in Cong is a magnificent 4 star hotel overlooking the lake.

Of course, a shopping excursion to nearby Galway is also a must, and while you are there don't miss looking at the wild salmon running the Corrib river at the Weir Bridge.

Check out our Photo Gallery!

We've compiled a photo gallery of images from Connemara, Oughterard and Camillaun Lodge for you to browse through and see the amazing things on offer in the area. click here to see them all! 

Oughterard

Nestling between the ruggedly beautiful mountains of Connemara and lovely Lough Corrib is the picturesque, sylvan village of Oughterard: the "Gateway to Connemara". On its way to Lough Corrib the Owenriff River cascades into the village which blazes with springtime colour as azaleas and rhododendrons blossom along the riverbank.

Only 27 km (17 miles) from Galway, Oughterard is a splendid centre for touring and viewing the grandeur of the west of Ireland at any time of the year. The 15th century Aughnanure Castle and Glengowla mineral mines are just two the many fascinating places you can visit within a short distance of the village.

Close to the shores of Lough Corrib, Oughterard is perfect base for anglers, walkers golfers, cyclists and sightseers alike. Lough Corrib, the second largest lake in Ireland, is sprinkled with hundreds of small islands ripe for exploring. The lough holds brown trout, salmon, pike and perch. A fisherman's paradise, best fished from the boats available from Corrib County Guest Accommodation / Camillaun.

(Photo shows Lough Corrib from Inchagoill island).

Walking in Connemara

If you're keen on walking there are plenty of excellent short and long walks in the vicinity of the village, ranging from one to eight hours. A series of illustrative maps is available locally. In addition the village is the starting point for the Western Way, which will take you along the shores of Lough Corrib to Maam, through the Maamturk Mountains and the Inagh Valley to Killary Harbour, and on to Leenane. The path is one of the long distance walking routes in Ireland, and continues on to Westport through the Erriff valley. It's a splendid trek and you can spend many days enjoying it. Below is a photo of the walk across Omey strand near Clifden.

For the hill walker, the Connemara mountains, or the Twelve Bens as they are known, are just half an hours drive away. Here amidst some of the most breathtaking scenery in Ireland you can walk or climb to your hearts content, taking in as many peaks as you like. Mountain guidebooks suggesting the best routes and walking are readily available at Camillaun.

The famous Glencoaghan horseshoe is a very challenging climb covering 7 of the peaks in just one day.

Cycling in Connemara & Oughterard

Despite the rugged terrain, Oughterard and Connemara are superb areas for cyclists as the roads take a more gradual route through the hills. Again Camillaun Lodge is the ideal Centre to base yourself for day trips to places such as South Connemara, Clifden, and Leenane, and you'll see so much more than you would from inside a car.

Camillaun Lodge looks after cyclists regularly so treat yourself and explore this wonderful countryside the healthy way - in the saddle.

Tennis at Camillaun

In the past year we have added fencing and even floodlighting to the existing tennis court.

No more running off to collect balls!!

Golfing in Connemara, Oughterard, & Galway

Beaches - Glassillaun

Glassillaun is one of the most beautiful beaches to be found, the photograph above was taken on a busy day! It has the most beautiful sand and a small island at high tide. Beautiful fish and wildlife are to be found in the rock pools and its never rough for the swimmer!