2 Weeks in Connemara

What You Should Know Before Going On A Connemara Tour

Weather in Connemara

Connemara is located in Western Ireland, and as a result its weather patterns are usually similar to the rest of the region. Weather in Connemara never gets too hot or too cold, with summer temperatures maxing out in the mid-70’s, and winter temperatures only dropping below freezing some nights, and usually staying above it during the day. No matter the season, weather in Western Ireland is always unpredictable, and can be rainy, so you’re always better off packing layers and being prepared for anything.

The main difference between winter and summer is sunlight. In the dead of summer, Connemara can receive more than 18 hours of sunlight. In the heart of winter, some days can have less than eight hours a day. For these reasons, summer is the most popular time to visit Connemara, and its the best time to visit. Connemara is not heavily populated by tourists, and as a result, you don’t have to worry about fighting off crowds at any time of year.

What is Connemara Whiskey?

Like in most of Ireland, visiting Connemara will not deprive you of good whiskey. However, there aren’t actually any distilleries in Connemara. If you have heard of Connemara whiskey, you are perhaps thinking of the whiskey brand Connemara.

“Connemara” the name of a whiskey brand brewed by Kilbeggan Distillery (and in their own words, the most decorated Irish whiskey of all time).

Best Hikes in Connemara

Oscar Wilde once described Connemara as a “wild and mountainous place,” and this description has not changed today. Connemara’s diversity of terrain and lack of development makes it a great place to go hiking and explore the Irish wilderness. Here are some of the top hikes to go on when in Connemara:

• Omey Island Walk. This island is made even more interesting to visit by the fact that it’s a tidal island, and can only be accessed certain times of the day. On your 2-hour walk, you will see beautiful sea cliffs, early Christian monastic sites, pristine beaches, and a series of abandoned farms from when the island was home to a large population in the 19th century. 
• Ballynahinch Estate. This trail takes place inland, and showcases some of Connemara’s beautiful forest, lakes, and rivers. With multiple trails and clear signage, you can decide how long you plan to walk for -- and how long you intend to visit the impressive Ballynahinch Castle (now a high end hotel which you can stay at on a Connemara luxury tour) for!
• Sky Road Walk. This walk can take up to two hours, but is still quite physically easy. The Sky Road walk affords beautiful views of the city of Clifden on sunny days, and takes you past the John D’Arcy monument. It will also take you by the ruins of Clifden Castle, and along the rocky shores of Clifden beach.  
• Bog Road. This path will take you past the acclaimed Roundstone Bog conservation area, so you can see Ireland’s famous marshland up close and personal. Not only will you get scenic nature views on this hike, but you will also get to pass through several cute towns, including Roundstone, where the traditional Irish goatskin drum is made.