Connemara is a land of lakes, rivers, bogs and mountains. A land of small villages where Gaelic is still the spoken language and where little has changed since the beginning of time. It is without a doubt the wildest and the most romantic part of Ireland. Connemara is a vast peninsula bordered by the arid and rocky coastline of Galway Bay in the south ~ a land characterised for its stone walls and thatched cottages. On its northern shore the land is harsher and more secret, with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and the beautiful fjord of Killary Harbour, as well as the steep mountains overlooking numerous lakes and large bog areas.
Cong Village is a charming little village in County Mayo. Tucked between Lough Corrib and Lough Mask, it’s not hard to see why the village of Cong is widely regarded as one of the most picturesque small villages in Ireland.
Steeped in history, with close ties to the Quiet Man movie, and boasting a unique character and lots of things to see and do, it’s well worth exploring.
Kylemore Abbey is set in a dramatic landscape and originally built as a castle in 1867 as a romantic gift, Kylemore is steeped in history and tales of tragedy and romance, engineering initiatives, model farms, royal visits, spirituality and education. Home to Ireland's only Benedictine community of nuns since 1920, this 1000 acre estate has much to offer.
Experience the Victorian atmostphere of the restored rooms of the Abbey, miniature Gothic Church and Head Gardener's House. There are many nature trails, woodland and lakeshore walks which are waiting to be discovered. Explore the magical 6 acre Victorian walled garden where only Victorian varities of flowers and vegetables are grown. Vegetables and herbs from the garden are used in the café where traditional home cooked food is made to the recipes of the Benedictine nuns. The tea house by the walled garden is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the breathtaking views over Connemara National Park.
