Connemara walks are something else. You see, here in the west of Ireland, we’re blessed with a landscape that’s as untamed as it is welcoming. That’s as wild as it is inviting. That coaxes even the laziest couch potato into the great outdoors!
There really is no better way to experience Connemara than by lacing up your boots and getting out there. Now, that might be as simple as a gentle stroll by the sea. Or perhaps you’re after a proper hike up some of Ireland’s most rugged peaks. Whatever tickles your fancy, the best walks in Connemara promise fresh air, jaw-dropping views, and a good dose of our famous Irish hospitality along the way.
The most scenic walks in Connemara
When it comes to Connemara walks, you’re spoiled for choice. The entire region is a patchwork of lakes, rivers, coastlines, mountains, and rolling hills, all just waiting to be explored on foot.Â
Here are just a few of the most scenic walks in Connemara:
Dog’s Bay & Gurteen Bay
First up, you simply can’t miss Dog’s Bay Beach and its twin, Gurteen Bay. These two crescent-shaped beaches are separated by a narrow strip of grass and sand dunes. The closest town is Roundstone Village which is only a 5-minute drive away. For a nice, 1-hour walk, start at the beginning of Gurteen Bay beach and walk to the end. Once there, cross the peninsula and come back along Dog’s Bay Beach. On a sunny day, the turquoise water and white shell beach look almost Caribbean (if you squint a bit and ignore the odd sheep!)
Omey Island
For something a bit different, try the tidal walk out to Omey Island. This magical spot is only accessible on foot 2 hours before low water to 2 hours before high water, when you can follow the sandy causeway from Claddaghduff. Once on the island, you can wander at your leisure, exploring ancient ruins, a holy well, and the remains of a medieval church. The views back towards the mainland are spectacular, and you’ll often have the place almost to yourself—just be sure to check tide times so you don’t get stranded!
Ballyconneely Peninsula
The Ballyconneely walk is a lovely 6.5km loop starting just outside the village, offering a mix of rugged coastline, ancient volcanic hills, and rich wildlife. As you stroll, you’ll pass Doon Hill, an ancient volcanic plug with traces of a Celtic ring fort, and the ruins of Bunowen Castle. The 2-hour route winds through rare coastal machair (dune grass) habitats bursting with wildflowers in summer and skirts the Connemara Championship Golf Links.Â
Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden
Of course, no list of scenic walks in Connemara would be complete without mentioning Kylemore Abbey. The woodland trails around the abbey and its Victorian Walled Garden are perfect for a gentle ramble, with the dramatic backdrop of the mountains and the sparkling lake. This is a great option for families with younger children.Â
Hill walking in Connemara
If you’re looking for a bit more adventure, you’ll find some of the best conditions for hill walking in Ireland in the Connemara region. With routes to suit every level of experience, there’s a Connemara hill.
The Twelve Bens
The Twelve Bens (Na Beanna Beola) are the crown jewels of Connemara’s mountains. This iconic range is a magnet for hillwalkers, offering everything from moderate hikes to challenging multi-peak traverses. The classic Glencoaghan Horseshoe is a rite of passage for seasoned walkers, taking in several summits and offering jaw-dropping views over the valleys and lakes below. Even if you only tackle one of the Bens—like Benbaun, the highest at 729 metres—you’ll be rewarded with a sense of achievement and some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country.
Diamond Hill
For a slightly more accessible but no less rewarding climb, hiking Diamond Hill in Connemara National Park is a must. The well-marked trail starts gently, winding through bog and heath, before climbing steadily to the summit. From the top, you’ll have panoramic views of the Twelve Bens, Kylemore Abbey, and the Atlantic coastline. It’s a manageable walk for most fitness levels, and the sense of space and freedom at the summit is a feeling like no other.
Killary Harbour & Mweelrea
If you fancy a walk with a difference, head to Killary Harbour, one of Ireland’s only fjords. The Killary Famine Walk follows the southern shore of the fjord, combining history with stunning natural beauty. For the truly adventurous, the nearby Mweelrea mountain (Connemara’s highest at 814 metres) offers a challenging hike with epic views across the fjord and out to the Atlantic.
Letterfrack & Connemara National Park
The village of Letterfrack is the gateway to Connemara National Park, home to a network of trails that cater to all abilities. From gentle woodland walks to more demanding hill routes, there’s something here for everyone. The park is also a great spot for wildlife watching. Keep an eye out for Connemara ponies, red deer, and a variety of birds.
Tips for walking in Connemara
- Check the weather: Connemara is famous for its ever-changing skies. Bring layers and waterproofs, even if the sun is splitting the stones when you set out.
- Stay safe: Many of the best walks in Connemara traverse remote areas. Always let someone know your route, and bring a fully charged phone for navigation as well as a physical map.
- Respect the land: Stick to marked trails where possible, close gates behind you, and leave no trace.
- Pack snacks and water: There’s nothing like a flask of tea and a sandwich at the summit!
Mind the tides: If you’re heading to places like Omey Island, check tide times to avoid getting stranded.
Connemara is a walking paradise
There’s a magic to Connemara walks that’s hard to put into words. Maybe it’s the wild beauty of the landscape or the sense of peace you find on a quiet mountain trail. Whatever it is, one thing’s for certain, this is a walker’s paradise, with something for everyone, from gentle coastal strolls to epic hill walks.
So, why not make your next adventure a Connemara one? Whether you’re planning a family getaway, a solo escape, or a group hiking trip, you’ll find the perfect base for your adventures with Connemara Holiday Lettings. Book your stay today and step straight into the heart of the west.
