6 minute read
Unveiling the Wild Beauty of Connemara and the Enchanting Galway
Welcome to Connemara, a place of wild beauty where the landscape is infused with legend, folklore, and artistic inspiration.
Connemara is a region of County Galway bounded by the Atlantic, famous for its soft colours and wild terrain. Rust-coloured bogs dotted with polished grey-blue lakes, old drystone walls threaded over hills, and coral beaches, sandy bays, and little harbours edged by an everchanging ocean. But Connemara is not just about the landscape. It's about the Irish language, cherished by the locals. It's about the charm of towns and villages, such as Leenane, Roundstone, Clifden, and Letterfrack.
When visiting Connemara, Dream Escape will make sure you’re not missing out on some of the region's most famed and beloved spots, including Ashford Castle, Ballynahinch Castle, and Delphi Adventure Resort. Ashford Castle, located in the village of Cong, has a rich history and is one of Ireland's most luxurious hotels. Ballynahinch Castle, situated on the banks of the river of the same name, is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat. Delphi Adventure Resort, nestled in the heart of the Delphi Valley, offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing.
Traditions continue strongly in Connemara. Everything from the food on your plate to the music in pubs is infused with a unique cultural heritage. Galway has a strong seafaring tradition, and smoked fish is a local favourite. You can even arrange a private tour of the Connemara Smokehouse to see the craft of smoking up close.
One of the most renowned landmarks of Connemara is Kylemore Abbey. With a tragic tale and epic romance, Hollywood’s scriptwriters have nothing on the legendary love story behind this beautiful abbey.
But Connemara is also a filmset, with a long list of movies shot here, such as The Quiet Man, Tristan and Isolde, The Field, and Oscarnominated The Guard. You can even take a tour of the region with the Connemara Film Trail. And last but not least, traditional Irish music is an integral part of the Connemara experience. Take a seat, listen up, and you'll find out why it embodies the spirit of the people of Ireland.
To experience an authentic 'trad session' visit pubs like Molly’s in Letterfrack, Lowry’s in Clifden, and The Shamrock Bar in Roundstone, where you can try your hand at an Irish instrument and join in the fun. Musicians frequently gather in cosy corners in lively pubs.
Dream Escape will tailor your holiday to Connemara, a place of savage beauty and authentic Irish traditions, where we will immerse you into the heart and soul of Ireland.
Galway: A Bohemian City with Traditional Charm
Galway is a city on the western coast of Ireland’s Connemara region that exudes bohemian flair. It’s relaxed, laid-back, and always up for a party. The city’s love for traditional music echoes through its vibrant streets, old pubs, shops, and designer stores. Galway is also a medieval gem that offers tranquil moments to cherish. The city has age-old alleys, four river bridges, and a coastal promenade that leads to the seaside town of Salthill. The city is famous for its festivals, and during the Galway Arts Festival, the Galway Oyster Festival, or the Galway Film Festival, the entire city feels like one big celebration.
Galway’s food scene is a gastronomic wonder, with Michelin-starred restaurants such as Aniar, cafes, bistros, and fine-dining restaurants that fuse local ingredients with innovative techniques.
Dream Escape will arrange a culinary walking tour where you can meet passionate producers, chocolatiers, and brewers. Galway has a well-deserved reputation as one of Ireland’s most enjoyable destinations for traditional music. The city is home to buzzing street buskers, endless trad sessions, and traditional music pubs like Taaffes, The Crane Bar, Tigh Cóilí, and An Púcán.
Dream Escape can arrange for you to step into the warm wooden nooks and crannies of Murphy’s or Garavan’s to enjoy a glass of Galway Hooker craft beer while gazing at the knick-knacks and memorabilia.
Galway’s weekend market is a lively and colourful affair with plenty of incredible flavours, from local cheeses and charcuterie to the international influences of curries, sushi, and Mediterranean favourites. Galway is a charming city with a mix of aspiring young talent and traditional culture. Its rolling street music, vibrant film scene, and superior seafood make it a must-visit destination. Galway is not just a city, it is a gateway to some of the most incredible scenery on the island of Ireland. The romantic Connemara region is a place of 'savage beauty' with peat-scented pubs, tobaccocoloured hills, native ponies, and coral beaches.
Another great attraction is the Aran Islands, famed for their traditional culture, rocky landscapes, and soaring cliffs. One of the best things about Galway is its proximity to the sea. The seaside suburb of Salthill is an excellent place to take a 2km-long promenade walk, enjoy fish and chips, and watch the light change over the Atlantic. The city is also rich in history, and its medieval walls, independent shopping, and churches are worth exploring.
Dream Escape's Highlights
• Favourite Attraction: Kylemore Abbey
• Best View: Dún Aonghasa
• Favourite Outdoor Activity: Coasteering is a real adrenaline rush!
• Best Sweet Treat: Paudy’s Ice-Cream on Inis Mór
• Best Hike: Diamond Hill
• Most Beautiful Route: Sky Road
• Favourite Way to Explore: Classic car tour
Classic Car Tours in Connemara... Our travel designers love to get creative, and a favourite experience here is a classic-car treasure hunt. As with anywhere in Ireland, the locals are always on hand to help and chat as you tootle around the country roads in your Aston Martin while looking for clues. On this occasion we adventured between the Maumturks and Twelve Bens mountain ranges with beautiful Lough Inagh in between and included stops in Cong, Corr Na Móna, Leenane, Clifden and Eyrephort Beach. Great fun for all the family and corporate team-building events.
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Sue Morris, Head of Marketing
“I am a huge fan of Connemara, as my family connections are deeply rooted in Galway. Its spectacular Atlantic coastline with tiny coves, bays and fishing villages are very special. Roundstone and Clifden are firm family favourites, and not forgetting the Sky Road drive (that you can also walk), which delivers breathtaking views of Clifden Bay and the offshore islands in the Atlantic, whatever the weather.”
WORDS | JANE FREEMAN
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