Ireland is a country of immense beauty with spectacular scenery meeting your eye wherever you look. Just selecting a few cities is not enough to describe the mystical attraction of the country, as every city, town and even the smallest villages in Ireland have a marvelous extravaganza of sights to explore. From historical beauties to enchanting castles and forts on rugged cliffs, fascinating beaches, lush green countryside, breathtaking natural marvels, untouched picturesque terrain, quaint little villages, great monuments and the list just goes on and on.
Connemara is one of the many stunning places in West Ireland and although it has the most rugged and barren terrain, it is an amazing place and perfect for those seeking solitude and looking to explore picturesque landscape. Connemara forms the western part of the Galway County and derives its name from ‘Conmaicnemara’, a name given to the place by the Gaelic tribe. It means ‘the tribe of the Cormac by the sea’. Encompassed by the twelve magnificent Bens, Na Beanna Beola, Connemara is marked by attractive bays, intriguing creeks, a cavernous coastline and rugged cliffs.
The whole environment in itself is an artistic treat and a great source of inspiration to many artists and literary masters. The twelve bens offer trails for hiking and captivating nature walks, besides the network of lakes are great for fishing. Apart from the scenic beauty, visitors can enjoy the food, cultural events and shopping or take sightseeing tours in and around Connemara. An interesting attraction is the Kylemore Abbey, a former 19th century castle now turned into an Abbey and boarding school by the Benedictine Nuns, who also run the place. A visit to the Connemara National Park is also a part of a tourist’s itinerary.
A trip to the Aran Islands, which is an archipelago of three major islands, the Inis Mór, Inis Meáin and Inis Oirr is a must. Ferries leave for the islands from Rossaveal everyday, but one could even take a bus from Galway. The islands offer magnificent views, besides there are ancient churches, forts and monasteries that tourists can explore here. The Dun Aengus cliffs with its breathtakingly dangerous straight drop 130 feet below and its medieval fortifications are the most popular sights in the Aran Islands. All in all, it is the magical experience that you get here at Connemara that is so awe-inspiring that it makes you want to come back for more.
Photo by Ian Stehbens provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by Philippe Stoop provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by Philippe Stoop provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by Ian Stehbens provided courtesy of Panoramio.com