Things to do in Connacht

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Welcome to Connacht, the western province of Ireland, known for its beautiful lakes, islands, and amazing hiking opportunities. Connacht is made up of five counties, each with its unique character and charm.

Galway City is the cultural heart of Connacht, a city with its colourful buildings, lively pubs, and traditional music. But Galway County is also a must-visit destination for any traveller to Ireland. Explore this beautiful county and you will find iconic landmarks such as the Connemara and the Aran Islands.

Connacht also boasts a wealth of ancient ruins and historic sites, including the megalithic tombs at Carrowmore in Sligo and the monastic settlement on Inishmurray Island.

You can also explore stunning castles, such as Kylemore Abbey in Galway and Ashford Castle in Mayo. And if you’re interested in ancient history, the Ceide Fields in Mayo is a must-visit destination, with its ancient stone walls and preserved farmland.

Do not miss hidden gems like the Caves of Keash, the Doolough Valley Drive or Downpatrick Head!

Connacht’s natural beauty is equally impressive, with a rugged coastline, stunning beaches such as Dog’s Bay, Keem Beach and Silver Strand, and peaceful hiking areas such as the Connemara National Park, Croagh Patrick, or Benbulben.

Connacht is a province with a diverse range of attractions. Come and discover the beauty and history of Connacht today! In the below article, we will share all the best things to do in Connacht!

Best things to do in Connacht

Cycle around the Aran Islands

The Aran Islands are composed of 3 islands, Inis Mór, Inis Meáin, and Inis Oírr, renowned for their stark beauty, ancient ruins, and traditional Irish culture.

The best way to visit is to take a ferry and rent a bike. You will have the freedom to pedal through picturesque villages, past dry-stone walls, and along rugged coastlines at your own pace.

One of the most popular islands for a day trip is Inishmore (Inis Mór) which I would recommend visiting. There, you will find the prehistoric fort of Dún Aonghasa and the famous Wormhole natural pool.

👉 For more details on how to spend a day on Inishmore, check out this article.

Hike in Connemara National Park

For those who love the great outdoors, a hike in Connemara National Park is a must. This park, covering some 2,957 hectares of scenic mountains, expanses of bogs, heaths, grasslands, and woodlands, is a paradise in Connacht.

The Diamond Hill trails are particularly popular, offering a range of routes from easy to challenging, providing spectacular views of the Twelve Bens mountain range, Kylemore Abbey, and the surrounding countryside.

👉 Make sure to read our dedicated article, for more information about hiking in Connemara National Park. You may also want to check out this post about the best things to do in Connemara so you don’t miss any highlights on your trip to the west of Ireland.

Drive the Doolough Valley

The Doolough Valley Drive is one of the most scenic routes in Ireland. This remote and hauntingly beautiful valley is nestled between Mweelrea Mountain and the Sheeffry Hills, offering dramatic views at every turn.

The route takes you past the tranquil waters of Doolough as well as memorials relating and commemorating the tragic events of the Great Famine that took place in this valley back in the 19th century.

👉 Here is our article to help you prepare for a drive around the Doolough Valley.

Benbulben and Gleniff Shoehorse

Benbulben, often referred to as Ireland’s Table Mountain, is a striking rock formation in County Sligo. While you can hike to the Benbulben summit, I generally recommend the Benbulben Forest Walk and the Gortarowey looped walk in particular, which are more accessible and family-friendly.

Just a few kilometres away, the Gleniff Horseshoe Drive is a looped road that takes you through some of the most dramatic landscapes in Ireland. It is a scenic drive in the northern Dartry Mountains that you can also walk if you have time.

👉 While it is not in Connacht, I have an article about the best things to do in Bundoran, in which I cover Benbulben hikes and the Gleniff Shoehorse. Give it a go!

Discover the Caves of Keash

For a journey back in time, head to the Caves of Keash, one of my favourite outdoor activities in County Sligo. These limestone caves, perched on the side of Keshcorran Hill, are steeped in myth and history.

According to legend, they were once the abode of ancient Irish kings and have been inhabited since the Neolithic period. Exploring these caves offers a glimpse into Ireland’s distant past, with stunning views of the surrounding countryside as an added bonus.

The ascent to the caves involves a short but steep hike, rewarding you with panoramic views once you reach the top.

Inside the caves, you’ll find a series of chambers that have witnessed millennia of human activity, from prehistoric burials to medieval hermitages.

Visit Galway (and Party!)

No visit to Connacht would be complete without experiencing the vibrant city of Galway. Known as Ireland’s cultural heart, Galway is famed for its lively arts scene, colouful streets, and welcoming atmosphere.

Stroll through the Latin Quarter, with its narrow medieval streets lined with shops, cafes, and pubs. Visit the historic Spanish Arch, a remnant of the city’s medieval walls, and enjoy the view of the Claddagh, a traditional fishing village.

Galway is also home to numerous festivals, from the world-renowned Galway International Arts Festival to the lively Galway Races.

The city’s nightlife is legendary, with a myriad of pubs offering live traditional music, cosy atmospheres, and plenty of opportunities to join in the craic.

Best things to do per county

Connacht is divided into five distinct counties, each with its own unique character and a diverse range of attractions, activities, and hidden gems to explore.

Galway

• Connemara: Explore the wild beauty of this region with its rugged landscapes, picturesque villages, and the stunning Connemara National Park.
• Aran Islands: Cycle around these beautiful islands, rich in traditional Irish culture.
• Kylemore Abbey: A stunning Benedictine monastery with beautiful gardens and a Victorian walled garden.

Leitrim

• Glencar Waterfall: A scenic waterfall made famous by W.B. Yeats’ poetry.
• Shannon-Erne Waterway: Rent a boat from Carrick-on-Shannon to explore the Shannon River at your own pace
• Parke’s Castle: A beautifully restored 17th-century plantation castle on the shores of Lough Gill.

Mayo

• Achill Island: Ireland’s largest island, known for its stunning beaches.
• The National Museum of Ireland – Country Life: Located in Turlough Park, it showcases the history of rural Irish life.
• Ballintubber Abbey: A historic abbey with a rich heritage, still in use after 800 years.
• Downpatrick Head: A dramatic headland offering stunning sea views and the iconic sea stack, Dun Briste.
• Croagh Patrick: A sacred mountain with a challenging hike that offers panoramic views of Clew Bay.
• Doolough Valley: A scenic drive with a tragic history, surrounded by towering mountains and serene lakes.

Roscommon

• Boyle Abbey: A well-preserved Cistercian monastery founded in the 12th century.
• Strokestown Park House: A Georgian Palladian mansion with a fascinating history and gardens.
• Rathcroghan Visitor Centre: Explore the archaeological sites of ancient Connacht, believed to be the royal seat of Queen Medb

Sligo

• Yeats’ Grave at Drumcliff: Visit the final resting place of the famous poet W.B. Yeats.
• Sligo Abbey: A medieval Dominican abbey with a rich history and Gothic architecture.
• Knocknarea Mountain: Hike to the summit to see the massive cairn believed to be the grave of Queen Maeve and enjoy panoramic views of Sligo Bay.
• Caves of Keash: Explore these ancient limestone caves with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
• Inishmurray: An island with early Christian monastic remains and stunning coastal scenery.
• Gleniff Horseshoe: A scenic drive with dramatic views of cliffs and mountains.
• Benbulben Forest Walk: A trail offering breathtaking views of the iconic Benbulben headland.
• Devil’s Chimney: Ireland’s tallest waterfall, which only flows after heavy rain.

Lesser-visited & Off the Beaten Path places in Connacht

If you love venturing off the beaten path, Connacht has plenty of hidden gems to explore:

1. Inishturk Island – This small island off the coast of Mayo is a hidden gem, with rugged landscapes, sandy beaches, and a vibrant community. Visitors can hike to the top of the island for panoramic views, or take a guided tour to learn about local history and culture.
2. Cong – This charming village in County Mayo is known for its beautiful abbey ruins, historic castles, and serene forest walks. Visitors can also explore the nearby Ashford Castle, which dates back to the 13th century.
3. Ballycroy National Park – This remote park in County Mayo is one of the largest wilderness areas in Ireland, with mountains, bogs, and forests. Visitors can hike or cycle along the park’s trails, or take a guided walk to learn about the local flora and fauna.
4. Cong Abbey Woods – This peaceful forest in County Mayo is home to a variety of wildlife, including red squirrels, otters, and badgers. Visitors can enjoy a gentle stroll along the woodland paths, or stop for a picnic in the shade of the trees.
5. Céide Fields – This ancient archaeological site in County Mayo is the most extensive Stone Age monument in the world, with a network of tombs, dwellings, and field systems. Visitors can explore the site’s visitor centre and take a guided tour to learn about the area’s rich history.
6. Knocknarea – This mystical mountain in County Sligo is said to be the burial place of Queen Maeve, a legendary figure from Irish mythology. Visitors can hike to the top of the mountain for stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
7. Glencar Waterfalls – Found in County Leitrim, these falls tumble down a steep hillside into a tranquil pool below, surrounded by lush forest. Visitors can take a short walk from the car park to reach the falls.

The Best ways to visit Connacht

Rent a Car

Renting a car is considered the best way to visit Connacht because it offers you the most flexibility and freedom to explore the region at your own pace.

With a rental car, you will easily access remote areas, stop off at scenic viewpoints, and explore the region’s charming towns and villages. This is especially true for Connacht, which is a rural region with limited public transportation.

I would recommend visiting Connacht on a road trip (meaning changing accommodation each night) or basing yourself in Galway or Westport and taking day trips.

For more details on how to prepare for a trip around Ireland, click here. You can also read this article filled with our best tips to rent a car and save money in the process.

Take a tour

Taking tours is also a great way to visit Connacht, especially if you prefer not to drive or plan your itinerary. However, you might be quite limited to the most popular places like Connemara and Aran Island. If you want to see more than these 2 places, I can only recommend to rent a car instead.

7 fun facts about Connacht

1. Smallest of the Provinces: Connacht is the smallest of Ireland’s four provinces in terms of area and population.
2. Gaeltacht Regions: Connacht is home to several Gaeltacht areas where Irish is still spoken as the primary language. The largest Gaeltacht area in Connacht is in Connemara, County Galway.
3. W.B. Yeats’ Inspiration: The landscapes of Sligo in Connacht greatly inspired the famous poet W.B. Yeats. Sites like Benbulben, Lough Gill, and Knocknarea feature prominently in his works.
4. Ireland’s Only Fjord: Killary Harbour in Connemara, County Galway, is Ireland’s only fjord. It stretches 16 kilometres (about 10 miles) and offers stunning views and unique boat tours.
5. Croagh Patrick Pilgrimage: Croagh Patrick, a mountain in County Mayo, is a popular pilgrimage site. Every year, on Reek Sunday (the last Sunday in July), thousands of pilgrims climb the mountain, some doing so barefoot.
6. Oldest Field Systems: The Ceide Fields in County Mayo are the oldest known field systems in the world, dating back over 5,000 years. This Neolithic site provides insights into early farming communities.
7. Home of the Claddagh Ring: The Claddagh ring, a traditional Irish ring representing love, loyalty, and friendship, originated in the Claddagh area of Galway City.

What is the best time to visit Connacht?

The best time to visit Connacht is during the late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October).

During these months, the weather is generally mild. Summer (July to August) is also a popular time, especially for outdoor activities, but it can be busier with tourists.

If you prefer a quieter experience, visiting in Autumn will provide pleasant weather, fewer crowds and colourful foliage. Winter is generally not a season that sees many tourists, but it is in my opinion still worth visiting Ireland during that time of the year (and you can read why in this article about Is Ireland worth visiting in Winter!)

What to pack for a trip to Connacht?

✅ Warm and waterproof clothing

Ireland can be cool and rainy, so pack a waterproof jacket and sturdy shoes even in the summer. Consider layering with a sweater and a fleece or a light puffer jacket.

✅ Comfortable walking shoes

Ireland has a lot of hills and cobblestone streets, so be sure to pack comfortable shoes. If you plan on hiking, get a pair of boots that cover your ankle, most hikes are rocky and uneven.

✅ Power adapter

Ireland uses the Type G plug, so make sure to bring the right adapter for your devices if needed.

✅ Cash and credit cards

Ireland is a cash-friendly country, but debit or credit cards are widely accepted in most places. If you plan on driving a car, the driver must present a valid personal credit card.

❌ Do not pack! Umbrella

Leave that one at home. When it rains in Ireland it is often windy and umbrellas never survive the Irish guts.

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