Before living there, I mostly knew Connemara from a song. Studies in languages, tourism and sport, followed by a few months in Cork, brought me to this region in the west of Ireland. There, I discovered routes where you quickly go from mountains to beaches, with changeable weather that means you should always keep a jacket within reach. This story brings together my favourite outings around Leenane: a cycling loop via Lettergesh and Glassilaun, followed by the Diamond Hill hike. These are ideas I’ve experienced first-hand, to be adapted to the conditions on the day and to your own level.
Doolough Valley in Connemara
Cycling from Leenane
The weather can also turn out to be kind. Among the outings possible in Connemara, my favourite is the “Connemara Loop”, starting from Leenane, on the edge of Killary Harbour.
Killary Fjord in Connemara
This loop will take you to white sand beaches that I’m sure you didn’t even suspect existed in Ireland… Lettergesh and Glassilaun are my favourites (and probably those of all the locals too!).
Glassilaun Beach
Not decided yet? Let us keep in touch.
A route idea, a seasonal tip, a date that opens up: one letter a week, written by the advisors who design the trips.
Your weekly dose of travel inspiration.
The Diamond Hill Loop
Along the way, you can also stop at Connemara National Park and follow the upper Diamond Hill loop. The trail is about 6,5 km long and reaches the summit at 445 m, with open views from the top over the surrounding islands, Kylemore Abbey, and the Twelve Bens mountain range, of which Diamond Hill is part.
Connemara National Park
On the way back, a short photo stop at Killary Harbour, with its impressive and beautiful view over the fjord, makes a lovely break before you get back on the bike for the last 5 kilometres (downhill, what’s more) to Leenane, where a warm welcome and the Irish “craic” (1) await you in one of the village pubs. And if on top of that you manage to understand the local accent, all that’s left is for you to settle down in Connemara for good too!
Killary Harbour
Coastal village of Inishbofin
Renvyle Beach
1: “craic” is an Irish word meaning something fun or enjoyable. “Having the craic” means having a good time, having fun. It is hard to find an equivalent in French, because the word is constantly used in many different contexts.
