Walking

Connemara is a paradise for hill walkers and ramblers alike. There are miles of unspoilt country roads to explore, as well as challenging mountain hikes and easy seashore walks. Connemara Self Catering shares a border with the Connemara National Park, which covers some 2,000 hectares (4942 acres) of scenic countryside, rich in wildlife on the slopes of the Twelve Bens. Attractions include exhibitions, nature trails, and an audio-visual show. In the summer there are walks, talks and special events for younger visitors. A path to the top of Diamond Hill is well worth the effort for the spectacular 360° views that go on for miles. www.connemaranationalpark.ie

Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Gardens

Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Gardens are located in the heart of the Connemara Mountains, on the shore of Lough Pollacappul, three miles from your accommodation. It is regarded as one of Irelands most romantic buildings as it was built by Mitchel Henry for his dear wife in 1866 after spending their honeymoon in Renvyle, so charmed were they by it’s beauty. Today it is home to the Benedictine nuns and one can visit the abbeys Gothic church, exhibition rooms, lake and woodland walks, craft shops, restaurant and Victorian walled garden. For more information, visit www.kylemoreabbey.com +353 (0)95 41146

Dan O’Hara Heritage Centre

This award winning heritage centre is situated on the N59 approximately 5 miles from Clifden-the capital of Connemara. It offers a unique insight into the history and heritage of this most beautiful part of the West of Ireland. www.connemaraheritage.com + 353 (0)95 21808

Leenane Cultural Centre

Leenane Cultural Centre offers an historical and informative interpretation of the local culture and tradition. +353 (0)95 42323

Ocean and Country Museum

The Connemara Ocean and Country Museum in Derryinver, Letterfrack, features sea life displays and a depiction of life in Connemara long ago. In addition to providing stunning views of Ballinakill Bay, the museum serves lunch and afternoon tea in their tea room or outside in the picnic area. Boat trips are also available. +353 (0)95 43473

Seisiun Teach Ceoil (House of Music)

Some of the finest traditional music, song and dance Tuesday evenings at 9pm in Tully, Renvyle, five miles from your accommodation. Entry fee is €10. Open summer season only. +353 (0)95 43446 +353 (0)87 687 2830

Clifden

Clifden Town, the capital of Connemara, lies a short 8 miles from Letterfrack. Clifden offers a selection of restaurants offering a wide variety of cuisine, many specialising in locally caught seafood. There are several gift and clothing shops, including 2 outdoor clothing stores and a bookshop. Pubs abound and many provide live music. (www.clifden.ie)

Sea Cruises

The Queen of Connemara cruises the scenic waters of Ballinakill Bay, featuring an enclosed lounge seating area, a glass bottom, and open deck. Tickets are available from the Ocean and Country Museum or Avoca Handweavers. Cruises leave from Derryinver pier. +353 (0)95 43473

Killary Cruises

Cruise the unspoilt splendour of Killary, Ireland’s only fjord, with unique photographic opportunities. www.killarycruises.com +353 (0)91 566736

Western Explorer Sea Safari

Offers tailored sea trips, including island hopping, bird watching or whale watching. www.western-explorer.com +353 (0)95 41132

Angling

Connemara is renowned for fishing and offers some of the finest salmon and trout fishing in Ireland. Choose from shark fishing at sea or you may prefer a peaceful afternoon on a trout lake or salmon fishing from a river. Bookings are advisable.

Sea Angling

There are many chartered angling boats in the area providing deep sea fishing for blue shark, as well as reef fishing for pollack and cod.

• Queen of Connemara • John Mongan at the Ocean and Country Museum. +353 (0)95 43473.

• Blue Water Fishing • John Brittain www.seafishingireland.net/index.html

• Western Kingfisher • Johnny King +353 (0)95 44649

Lake and River Fishing

Kylemore Fishery offers fresh water fishing in fast-flowing rivers, mountain lakes, as well as shore angling and deep sea fishing, just 3km from your accommodation. www.kylemoreabbeyfishery.com +353 (0)95 41161 At Renvyle House Hotel fly fishing is also available to non residents. Make advance booking. www.renvyle.ie +353 (0)95 43511 Lough Inagh Lodge Hotel – lake fishing. www.loughinaghlodgehotel.ie +353 (0)95 34706

Watersports/Adventure

Killary Adventure Centre www.killary.com +353 (0)95 42276 Clifden Boat Club www.clifdenboatclub.com +353 (0)95 21711 Delphi Adventure Centre www.delphiadventureholidays.ie +353 (0)95 42208

Scuba Diving

Scuba Dive West Dive Centre offer excellent diving facilities. Sheltered shore diving, spectacular off shore diving, dive safari’s, half day programs, professional tuition and supervised dives. Full range of Padi courses available. www.scubadivewest.com Tel: + 353 (0)95 43922

Golf

Connemara Championship Golf Links, Ballyconneely, is a stunning 27-hole links-style golf course just 30 minutes from Letterfrack. Carts, buggies, lessons and club hire are available. Meals and drinks served in the new club house. www.connemaragolflinks.com + 353 (0)95 23502

Renvyle House Hotel

Renvyle features a 9-hole golf course, six miles from Letterfrack. www.renvyle.ie Tel: + 353 (0)95 43511

Horse Riding

From lessons to trekking on the beach, both short and long treks are available in the area. Errislannan Riding Centre Tel:+ 353 (0)95 21134 Cleggan Trekking Centre www.clegganridingcentre.com Tel: + 353 (0)95 44746

Inishbofin Island

Inishbofin island lies seven miles off the coast of Connemara, it is five miles by three miles. A forty minute ferry journey leaves from the fishing village of Cleggan, eight miles away. Inishbofin is a breeding area for many species of birds. For the adventurous there are exciting mountain walks, hill climbing and excellent shore angling. Inishbofin has become an important centre for traditional Irish music and song with its own Ceilí band. Inishbofin plays host to many visiting musicians and artists. www.inishbofin.com