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Enchanting Ireland is a blog trilogy about a 9-16 days romantic road trip through Ireland. This is the third part of the round trip description, including Connemara.Â
Click here to check all parts of this series.
Must: Connemara
My absolute top favorite area of Ireland: The Connemara. I wrote a separate blog about it in attempt to do justice to this wonderful Irish region. Believe me: this is a must do you won’t regret visiting! Every time I have been to the Connemara, the natural beauty of the area amazes me. I love the rocky landscape.
Connemara reminds me a bit of New Zealand. It is so damn beautiful! Sun, rain, it does not matter. Just by looking at the photos I get the urge to go back again as soon as possible, for weeks, or months, or years… The National Park Connemara is already breath-taking and there is lots more to see!
Clifden
The village Clifden is a great base to explore the Connemara region. It has a nice cozy center with some pubs, restaurants and shops. Mitchell’s Restaurant, Guys Bar & Snug, E.J. Kings… All good! Been there multiple times.
The Loops
There are four loops around Clifden that you can either cycle or drive. We did 2 out of 4 and truly loved it! A map will follow after the short descriptions.
Loop 1: Sky Road Loop (16km)
Including Clifden Bay, Streamstown Bay, spectacular views of the Atlantic, the islands of Inishturk, Turbot and Clifden town and the ruin of Clifden Castle.
Loop 2: Errislannan Loop (14km)
Including Bridge Street, Owenglen Cascade, Clifden Bay, Alcock & Brown monument and the rocky landscape of Connemara.
Loop 3: Cleggan Loop (33km)
Including the rocky coast line around Cleggan, Streamstown Bay, Omey Island, Cleggan Head, Inishbofin (optional via ferry), Inishturk, Clare Island and the Twelve Bens mountains.
Loop 4: Ballyconneely and Roundstone Loop (40km)
Including Derrygimlagh and Roundstone bogs, the old Marconi transatlantic wireless station, Ballyconneely, Coral Strand, Roundstone, the stunning beaches of Gurteen and Dog’s Bay.
Horse riding
One of the absolute highlights in Connemara to me is riding horses on the beach. This gives me such adrenaline rush! Cleggan Riding Centre is very accommodating. Luckily, the husband from one of the women of the group came over to the beach to take some great shots. Thanks John!
My eyes filled with tears of joy when galloping along the shore line”
Did you know that Connemara even has its very own horse breed? Surprisingly, it’s called the Connemara (pony). You can also spot them ‘in the wild’ when driving or cycling around the area, very nice to see!
This is one of the five most magical and unique horse rides around the world I have ever made.
Kylemore Abbey
Besides this photo, do I need to say more?
Accommodation Clifden
There are tons of excellent B&B’s in Connemara to enjoy, some with private walking paths!
Practical tips
If you wonder about practical stuff for this round trip such as:
- How to get there & around
- When to go
- What it costs
Then please check out the general overview for this blog post trilogy: Enchanting Ireland: a romantic round trip of 9-16 days.
Did you already read the first and/or second part of this Enchanted Ireland round trip yet? If not, go check them out:
End of part 3
I truly hope you appreciate this blog post series about Ireland. Are you planning on a trip to Ireland soon? Have you been there before? Share your story in the comment field below!
Want to read more articles about my beloved Ireland in the Ireland Blog Archives.
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Last Updated on 02/06/2021 by Elisa Flitter Fever
1 comment
Lovely. Thank you. I am planning our first trip next September and I am planning on going to most of the same places. Thank you for your tips. I made lots of notes and will save your blog.
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