Connemara National Park
The Connemara National Park is situated in North West Connemara and covers some 2,957 hectares of scenic mountains, expanses of bogs, heaths, grasslands and woodlands. Some of the Park’s mountains, namely Benbaun, Bencullagh, Benbrack and Muckanaght, are part of the famous Twelve Bens or Beanna Beola range. Connemara National Park was established and opened to the public in 1980. Enjoy the picnic areas, nature trails, tea room, visitor centre, audio-visual presentation, Diamond Hill walks, children’s activities and much more. Admission is Free into the Park and all events.
WEBSITE: WWW.CONNEMARANATIONALPARK.IE E-MAIL: CNP@AHG.GOV.IE PHONE: +353 (0)76 100 2528 / +353 (0)95 41054
Connemara Smokehouse
The Connemara Smokehouse Économusée & Visitor Centre specialises in producing Irish wild smoked salmon, Irish organic smoked salmon and Irish line caught smoked tuna. As Connemara’s longest established Smokehouse, this is a fascinating location to visit, take a tour and purchase a great array of traditionally hand-prepared seafood products. Connemara Smokehouse Summer Tours take place on scheduled days in June, July and August. Booking is advisable. A tour of the Connemara Smokehouse takes approx. 45 minutes. Graham or Nicholas will take you behind the scenes and show the filleting of salmon & explain the salting and smoking techniques. Then you will see the hand-slicing and packing of the Irish smoked salmon all the way to the finished product. You will also enjoy a tasting of our fantastic Organic Smoked Salmon. It’s educational, fun and delicious. The Connemara Smokehouse is located right on the water’s edge of the Wild Atlantic Way at Bunowen Pier, near Ballyconneely. The surrounding area has exceptional views of the Twelve Bens mountain range and the castle of Connaught’s historic Pirate Queen, Grainne Mhoal (Grace O’Malley). The area is also renowned for its breeding of the world famous Connemara Ponies which can be seen in fields en-route to the Smokehouse.
Website:www.smokehouse.ie e-mail: info@smokehouse.ie Phone: +353 (0)95 23739
Derrigimlagh/Marconi Looped Walk
The new Derrigimlagh/Marconi walking loop provides visitors with a five kilometre trail through an area of outstanding natural beauty within the Derrygimlagh bog complex. Visitors can can discover the stories of this famous site and it’s past history. The walk is made all the more interesting by a number of engaging and attractive features along the route, which are designed to engage visitors and encourage them to interact with the history of the location. Steeped in history, The Derrygimlagh blanket bog, close to Clifden, is a rugged and wild landscape with an two major claims to fame. Pilots John Alcock and Arthur Whitten Brown crashed-landed in the bog in 1919 after completing the world’s first transatlantic flight. They landed close to a wireless telegraphy station which had been set up 14 years earlier by Italian inventor, Guglielmo Marconi. Today the location of the Marconi wireless station is home to a memorial cairn dedicated to the pair. Hire a bike, navigate around tiny lakes and peat bogs, and discover this unique and beautiful area.
Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Gardens
Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Gardens is without doubt one of the must-sees on your visit to Clifden and the Connemara region. One of Ireland’s top tourist attractions, this 19th century romantic castle in a beautiful setting and steeped in a rich history. Visit the restored rooms of the Abbey and learn about it’s history and tales of tradegy and romance. Explore the 6 acre Victorian Walled Garden with it’s magnificent restored buildings. Discover woodland walks, lakeshore walks, nature trails and childrens play trail throughout the 1,000 acre estate. The beautiful Gothic Church is a short walk from the Abbey, nestled nearby is the Mausoleum where Mitchell and Margaret Henry are buried side by side. Children will enjoy making a wish at the Giants Ironing stone. Enjoy delicious home baking and home cooked food at Mitchell’s café or The Garden Tea House and finish your visit with a spot of shopping at our lovely Craft and design shop.
Website: WWW.KYLEMOREABBEYTOURISM.IE e-mail: info@kylemoreabbeytourism.ie Phone: +353 (0)95 52001
