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The wild region
of Connemara is nestled on the western seaboard
in County Galway. This stunning landscape
includes the mountainous Connemara National Park,
the mysterious boglands and a dramatic and rugged
coastline.
The name Connemara comes from the ancient name
Conmaicnemara ( the tribe of Conmac by the sea),
and was later shortened to Connemara in the 18th
century. Traditionally this land was called Iar
(west) Connaught. South Connemara is home to the
Gaeltacht where the Irish language is spoken in
the community and is to found on shop fronts and
sign posts.
Well known for its extensive lakes and Connemara
ponies, this area is very popular tourist
destination for those with a love of a remote and
unspoiled land. Lough Corrib is the largest
natural inland water mass in Ireland is a
favorite with fishermen for salmon and brown
trout and home to several excellent angling
centres. Scubadiving and sailing are available
along the coastline, with excellent water sports
centres.
Connemara National Park is a 2000hectare state
owned conservation centre with mountains, bogs,
grasslands and spectacular wildlife. Traces of
ancient settlements can be seen including 4,000
year old megalithic tombs. Connemara ponies roam
freely throughout the park.
Golf is well serviced in Connemara with superb
9hole par 3 courses to full 18 hole courses
including the unique Connemara Isles with its
ocean inlets and rocky outcrops providing the
ultimate challenge for the keen golfer. Walking,
horse riding and cycling are all popular pursuits
for visitors to Connemara, both wonderful ways to
explore this marvelous terrain. Mountaineering is
also popular with rockclimbing enthusiasts.
Other well known landmarks include the majestic
Kylemore Abbey, Connemara Marble and Inishboffin
Island off the west coast off County Galway.
The land is poor in Connemara, most industry
tends to be tourist related or fishing along the
coastline. Peat from the bogs is used as a main
source of fuel for the local communities.
| The
principle towns and centres in Connemara
are: |
Clifden - the
capital town , Lennane, Cleggan, Kylemore,
Oughterard, Letterfrack, Roundstone and Cong on
the County Mayo border.
| Useful
telephone numbers for Connemara |
| Western
Regional Fisheries Board |
|
tel: (353) (0)91 563118 |
| Connemara
National Park |
tel: (353) (0)95 41054 |
| The
Gaeltacht Authority |
tel: (353) (0)91 503100 |
| Connemara
Tourism |
tel: (353) (0)95 41198 |
| Clifden
Tourism |
tel: (353) (0)95 21163 |
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All photographs on this page © insight email pprice@indigo.ie