One of Ireland's most stunning natural landscapes can be found in the heart of North Connemara. Home to an abundance of gorgeous walking trails, crystal clear lakes and white sandy shorelines, there's just so much to see and do! So, let's dive into our recommendations of all the spots you need to visit in Letterfrack and North Connemara.
With so much to discover, we want to help you make the most of your time amongst the natural beauty of Connemara. Read on to learn about all of our must visit spots below and trust us when we tell you that every visit to Letterfrack and North Connemara is an experience you’ll treasure for a lifetime..
Where to Stay:
Renvyle House Hotel & Resort
The 4-star family-owned and pet friendly Renvyle House Hotel & Resort provides an idyllic holiday retreat from everyday life. Thanks to their superb location you can enjoy activities on their private freshwater lake as well as trips to the nearby beaches. When a moment's relaxation is needed, the outdoor heated pool and hot tub with views out over the ocean is a cure-all. You truly won’t find a more peaceful escape anywhere else in Ireland. As they will tell you themselves, the only stress here is on relaxation. For holidays that comprise a unbeatable location, award-winning restaurant, cosy bedrooms and a truly restorative break, the Renvyle House Hotel will never disappoint.
above: photo courtesy of Renvyle House
Old Monastery Hostel
For over 30 years the Old Monastery Hostel in North Connemara have been welcoming guests to relax and experience the incredible hospitality that this hostel has now become well known for. The ideal hostel for all backpackers and solo travellers, this accommodation provider is full of old world charm and each of their rooms have been lovingly decorated in different themes, such as the Connemara Dreamtime suite. Located near Connemara National Park, the hostel offers majestic views over the village of Letterfrack towards the Tully Mountains and out across the sea to Inishbofin. The views from here are truly on another level.
Rosleague Manor Hotel
One of Galway’s most exquisite manor house hotels; Rosleague Manor Hotel can be found in North Connemara. Resting on the shores of Ballinakill Bay, and beautifully secluded within 30 acres of its own private woodland, this Letterfrack hotel is mere minutes away from Connemara’s main attractions - Kylemore Abbey, The Twelve Bens and Connemara National Park. Maintaining the charm and character of a 19th manor house, all of Rosleague Manor Hotel’s luxurious rooms contain a unique layout and design and have a number of original antique furnishings - many with their own story to tell.
The Killary Lodge
What is there to love about The Killary Lodge? Short answer: Everything. Whether you are after a holiday of exploration and travel or simply looking to immerse yourself in the stunning Connemara landscape, The Killary Lodge is the perfect base to make your holiday dreams come true. This stylish self-catering lodge on the shore of Killary Fjord is perfect for both families and groups of up to 36 people. Fully-equipped with all you could need for a spectacular stay, The Killary Lodge is also based within an adventure centre meaning that great activities and the whole of Connemara's landscape are right on your front door.
above: photo courtesy of The Killary Lodge
Try the local food and drink options:
Kabo Coffee
A cute coffeeshop in Letterfrack village, Kabo Coffee is a takeaway speciality coffee house with cakes, fresh pastries and more tasty treats such as cookies, cinnamon swirls and breads from So-Doh! Sourdough Microbakery. Home also to a gorgeous retail space that showcases the best Irish products and businesses across jewellery, cards and gifts, we highly suggest making a pitstop at this fab Connemara coffee shop. They are also dog-friendly so if you are taking on Connemara National Park with your pup, visit Kabo Coffee for all your refuelling needs.
Veldon’s Seafarer
Neighbours to Kabo Coffee, the award-winning bar and restaurant, Veldon’s Seafarer is a constant buzz of locals and tourists out enjoying a cold one or a satisfyingly filling dinner after a day climbing Diamond Hill in Connemara National Park. With live music 6 nights a week, great food, sound staff and some seriously stunning décor, Veldon’s Seafarer is the place to be this summer. We highly recommend you spend an evening sitting out in their unique and colourful beer garden and immerse yourself in the easy-going ambience of Letterfrack with a glass of wine in hand. Its an experience you will never forget, thank us later!
above: photo courtesy of Veldon's Seafarer
Molly’s Bar
Call by and enjoy proper Irish craic at the lovely Molly's Bar Letterfrack. When your day on the road is at its end, there’s no better spot to enjoy a few creamy pints of Guinness than at this traditional Irish pub. Sitting out in the comfy beer garden chatting with the locals is a terrific way to pass an evening in North Connemara as you never know you'll end up rubbing shoulders with. Featuring trad music performances, live sports on the TV and a pool table inside to keep you entertained, you will want to return time and again to experience a night out at Molly’s Bar.
Misunderstood Heron
Misunderstood Heron is an award-winning food truck on the banks of Killary Fjord and serves up one of the finest al fresco dining experiences in the west. Enjoy all the flavours of creative Irish food and top quality Irish roasted coffee at Misunderstood Heron while you immerse yourself in the stunning surroundings of Connemara. This unparalleled dining experience regularly lands them spots in world lists so if that doesn’t convince you that they are worth paying a visit to, nothing will! So, do yourself a favour and stop in for a cuppa and a chat.
above: photo courtesy of Misunderstood Heron
Things to do:
Kylemore Abbey & Gardens
One of Ireland's best loved family-friendly tourist attractions, Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Gardens is the perfect Galway day trip because there is just so much to see and do. Some of the estate highlights include; the Walled Garden, woodland and lakeshore walks, romantic and tragic neo-Gothic Church and mausoleum. Between all the fun, visit their shop and café as here there is loads more lovely goodies for you to enjoy. For history buffs, Kylemore Abbey also hosts regular guided tours which offer an incredible insights into this historic destination. It’s not just fun for adults mind you, there are plenty of exciting things for the little ones to enjoy at Kylemore too, including a visit to Kylemore’s friendly farm animals - piggies Gloria Summer and Ken Scamper and the majestic Connemara ponies.
Killary Adventure Centre
An adventure centre like no other, Killary Adventure Centre offers visitors the chance to face some of the most exhilarating outdoor activities imaginable. Ideal for families, groups, corporates, hens and stags, Killary has awesome options for both land and water based activities. With high adrenaline activities to gentler pursuits all available on-site, they have something for everyone. Activities include; kayaking, ringo rides, their famous Turf Challenge, high ropes, archery, clay pigeon shooting and much more. All activities take place on-site led by a team of experienced instructors, with all equipment and safety gear provided, simply show up and lt the fun commence.
above: photo courtesy of Killary Adventure Centre
Connemara National Park
A highlight of all trips to North Connemara are undoubtedly the breathtaking Connemara National Park. Featuring an abundance of walking trails, playgrounds and wildlife to look out for, every visit here offers an exciting exploration of the natural Connemara landscape. There are four Diamond Hill walking trails to choose from, each of various difficulty and length, but no matter which you walk you decide to go on, the views are spectacular. When your day of hiking has come to an end, pop by the Hungry Hiker Café on its grounds to get some badly needed refreshments and sit out in their courtyard, enjoying a picnic at the base of Diamond Mountain. Dogs are allowed and very welcome in the park just remember to keep them on their leash.
Shop at Books at One
How could we recommend a holiday in the west without mentioning where to enjoy a bit of shopping! Books at One is a haven of literary delights, as soon as you walk through the door you’ll find yourself being swept in all the magic of this stunning book store. Run by husband and wife team, Vincent Murphy and Mary Ruddy who also own an award winning publishing business, Books at One provides visitors with the chance to discover their new favourite read. Nothing goes better with a good book than a cup of coffee or tea, which is why you can enjoy a cuppa and a snack sitting out in their patio area on their book bench with your book haul in hand.
Visit Connemara’s scenic beaches
While you are in the area, make sure you check out North Connemara’s most famous beaches. One of the prettiest beaches in the West of Ireland is Renvyle Beach, this white sandy beach is ideal for enjoying a peaceful stroll or going for a quick dip. Located between Renvyle and Killary Bay, Glassilaun Beach has a stunning backdrop of impressive mountains which makes for a stunning background for your holiday photos.
above: photo by Chaosheng Zhang
Feature photo by Chaosheng Zhang
Published on Updated on
