In Connemara – the peaceful western wonderland of Europe, where the rugged mountains soar above the wild Atlantic beaches – each month has its own magic. Wild flowers bloom in Spring, As the returning sea-birds jostle for cliff-top nesting sites.
May and June will be your likely favourites if you are searching for tranquillity. July and August turns Clifden, the capital of Connemara, into a bustling cosmopolitan attraction, where the warmer seas caress the long sandy beaches. in Autumn, the gorse and heather compete with the magnificent sunsets for your attention.
Oughterard is an ideal touring base for the mountains of Connemara or a thriving centre like Clifden with numerous bars and restaurants. Connemara National Park, at Letterfrack, covers some 2,000 hectares of mountains, expanses of bog, heaths and grasslands and there are nature trails, talks and a variety of activities arranged during the summer months.
All the beautiful scenery of Connemara can easily be covered in day trips from Oughterard. Kylemore Abbey, the home of the Benedictine nuns, is situated in the Kylemore valley and open for visiting. Or you could take a boat to the Aran Islands for a day (booked in the local community-run tourist office in Oughterard) and see the island women knitting the traditional Aran sweaters, and the ancient currachs still being used for fishing.
Hill walking is very popular and there are many different peaks to be conquered in the vicinity. Mweelrea above is the highest peak in South Mayo and can be reached from our house in a bit over an hour the views from the
top are amazing. Weather conditions can vary enormously so dress up according to conditions and expect much harsher conditions at the top compared to the bottom!!
A ferry boat operates from Oughterard to Cong on a daily basis during the tourist season and visits Inchagoill and Cong.
Ashford Castle in Cong is a magnificent 4 star hotel overlooking the lake.
Of course, a shopping excursion to nearby Galway is also a must, and while you are there don’t miss looking at the wild salmon running the Corrib river at the Weir Bridge.
Corrib Cruises – Oughterard – Ashford / Cong
Website & Booking: http://www.corribcruises.com
The “Corrib Queen” departs Oughterard pier daily(except Tuesdays) at 12:00pm, and sails onto Inchagoill Island.
En route passengers experience excellent views of the Connemara mountains, Lough Corrib’s 365 islands and passes very close to Inisheanbo, one of the most beautiful islands on the lake.
Having arrived on Inchagoill island, passengers are given a guided tour at St. Patricks monastic site which dates back to the 5th century. Some points of interest on the island include:
- St. Patricks Church (5th Century)
- The stone of Lugna (470AD: Gravestone of St. Patricks navigator)
- The Church of the Saints (Built in 1180AD by the Augustinian Monks of Cong)
- The burial tomb of Muirgeas O’Nioc (Archbishop of Tuam in 1128AD)
Leaving Inchagoill Island we continue our cruise onto Ashford Castle Cong arriving there at approx 13:30. Passengers at this point have the option of taking the 1km walk to the quaint village of Cong, famous as the location of John Ford’s 1951 classic Hollywood movie “The Quiet Man”. Passengers also have the option of enjoying the beautiful grounds of Ashford Castle, former summer home of the Guiness Family.
At 17:00 passengers will then board the Corrib Queen for direct transfer to Oughterard, arriving at approximately 18:00.
Why not pack a lunch to enjoy onboard, or in Cong as part of your day out.
We advise customers to book their tickets in advance to avoid disappointment during peek season.
Note: This cruise operates out of Oughterard during June, July & August. However, we can accommodate groups outside of these dates depending on availability and weather conditions. Please contact us for further details.
Corrib Cruises – Oughterard – Ashford / Cong
Website & Booking: http://www.corribcruises.com
The “Corrib Queen” departs Oughterard pier daily(except Tuesdays) at 12:00pm, and sails onto Inchagoill Island.
En route passengers experience excellent views of the Connemara mountains, Lough Corrib’s 365 islands and passes very close to Inisheanbo, one of the most beautiful islands on the lake.
Having arrived on Inchagoill island, passengers are given a guided tour at St. Patricks monastic site which dates back to the 5th century. Some points of interest on the island include:
- St. Patricks Church (5th Century)
- The stone of Lugna (470AD: Gravestone of St. Patricks navigator)
- The Church of the Saints (Built in 1180AD by the Augustinian Monks of Cong)
- The burial tomb of Muirgeas O’Nioc (Archbishop of Tuam in 1128AD)
Leaving Inchagoill Island we continue our cruise onto Ashford Castle Cong arriving there at approx 13:30. Passengers at this point have the option of taking the 1km walk to the quaint village of Cong, famous as the location of John Ford’s 1951 classic Hollywood movie “The Quiet Man”. Passengers also have the option of enjoying the beautiful grounds of Ashford Castle, former summer home of the Guiness Family.
At 17:00 passengers will then board the Corrib Queen for direct transfer to Oughterard, arriving at approximately 18:00.
Why not pack a lunch to enjoy onboard, or in Cong as part of your day out.
We advise customers to book their tickets in advance to avoid disappointment during peek season.
Note: This cruise operates out of Oughterard during June, July & August. However, we can accommodate groups outside of these dates depending on availability and weather conditions. Please contact us for further details.