The Connemara Greenway: A Local’s Guide

Nestled in the heart of County Galway, the Connemara Greenway is a planned walking and cycling route, built upon the disused Galway to Clifden railway line.  It is designed to connect Galway City with the picturesque town of Clifden, the capital of Connemara.

Once completed, this 76-kilometre route will offer a safe, off-road trail, ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. With its stunning landscapes, the Connemara Greenway promises a unique journey through Connemara’s iconic scenery, including rugged mountains, picture-postcard lakes, and awe-inspiring blanket bog. 

Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or looking for a easy walking route, the Connemara Greenway has something to offer everyone.

What is the Proposed Route of the Connemara Greenway?

The Connemara Greenway aims to connect Galway City to Clifden, passing through some of the most scenic and historically significant areas of Connemara.  

Connemara Greenway - Completed Sections

While the entire route is not yet complete, several sections are already open to the public:

• Dangan to Galway City: A short, accessible stretch that provides a glimpse of what’s to come.
• Ballynahinch Section: A scenic 10-kilometre pathway winding through the Ballynahinch area, known for its breathtaking views.
• Clifden Section: A 3.5-kilometre stretch around Clifden, passing the gate of Fernwood Farm, offering visitors a chance to explore the area’s unique charm.

Connemara Greenway - Planned Sections

The remaining route will be completed in two phases:

• Phase 1: Oughterard to Clifden
• Phase 2: Galway to Oughterard

When finished, the Greenway will provide a seamless journey through Connemara’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

Connemara Greenway Cycling / Walking Route Map

For a detailed view of the planned route, check out this interactive map. It highlights completed sections and offers a preview of the Greenway’s future path.

When is the Connemara Greenway Likely to be Completed?

The completion date for the Connemara Greenway has been delayed due to various factors, including land access and funding challenges. However, the completed sections already provide excellent opportunities for smaller cycles, walks, and hikes. Updates on the project’s progress are eagerly awaited, as the Greenway continues to evolve into a major attraction.

Things to See & Do Along the Connemara Greenway

The Connemara Greenway is more than just a trail; it’s a gateway to discovering the region’s diverse attractions, activities, and culinary delights.

Connemara Greenway Sightseeing

Spectacular Scenery along the Connemara Greenway

The Greenway traverses Connemara’s unspoiled natural beauty. Some of the highlights include:

• Lough Shindilla: This hidden gem of a lake reflects the sky like a mirror, creating perfect photo opportunities on calm days. It's particularly stunning during sunrise when the morning mist rolls across the water.
• Derryclare Lough / "Pine Island": One of Connemara's most photographed spots, and for good reason. The lone pine tree island standing against the backdrop of the Twelve Bens is practically begging to be photographed. Visit at sunset for the most dramatic views. 
• The Twelve Bens Mountains: These majestic peaks aren't just a backdrop – they're the crown jewels of Connemara. Watching them change colour throughout the day, from misty blue in the morning to purple in the evening light, is like seeing nature's own light show.
• Connemara National Park: A little detour required here but Connemara National Park truly is one of the main attractions in Connemara with over 2,000 hectares of mountains, woodlands, and bogs to explore. The Diamond Hill trail here offers some of the best views in Connemara – on a clear day, you can see all the way to the Atlantic.Cultural and Historic Attractions along the Connemara Greenway.

Derrycare Lough (Courtesy Chaosheng Zhang)

Cultural and Historic Attractions Along (& Around) the Connemara Greenway

Connemara isn't just about natural beauty – it's steeped in history and culture at every turn:

• Menlo Castle: These ruins on the banks of the River Corrib are covered in ivy, creating an almost fairytale-like scene. It's especially atmospheric in the early morning mist.
• Quiet Man Bridge: Film buffs will recognize this spot from the classic movie "The Quiet Man." Even if you haven't seen the film, it's a charming stone bridge that perfectly captures rural Ireland's character.
• Glengowla Mines: This "show mine" is dedicated to the lead and silver mining history of Glengowla and the Oughterard area. Join a guided tour and learn how lead and silver were mined here during the 1800s
• Dan O'Hara Cottage: Step back in time at this restored pre-famine cottage. The storytelling here brings the harsh realities of 19th-century Irish life vividly to life.
• Connemara Heritage & History Centre: A must-visit for understanding the region's past. The demonstrations of traditional farming methods are particularly engaging.
• Kylemore Abbey: This magnificent Victorian castle-turned-abbey looks like it's straight out of a gothic novel. The walled garden is a masterpiece of Victorian engineering, and the Gothic church is a must-see. Today, the abbey and the estate are open to visitors all year round. Clifden Castle: These romantic ruins overlooking the Atlantic tell the story of Clifden's foundation. The walk up to the castle through the old estate gates is almost as impressive as the ruins themselves.
• Alcock and Brown Landing Site: Requires a little bit of a detour off the greenway but is well worth it. Stand where aviation history was made in 1919. The site commemorates the first non-stop transatlantic flight, with a massive white marker visible from miles around.

Kylemore Abbey (Courtesy Fiona Fitzgerald)

Activities Along (and Around) the Connemara Greenway

The Greenway and its surroundings offer plenty of ways to explore the outdoors, whether you prefer a quiet walk, a scenic cycle, or something more adventurous. From well-marked hiking trails to water activities and wildlife spotting, there’s no shortage of things to do along the route.

Outdoor Activities

Cycling:

Even if a bike isn’t your main mode of transportation along the greenway, there are plenty of opportunities for adventure on two wheels

The Derroura Mountain Bike Trail is one of them - a challenging 16km trail that'll test your skills and reward you with incredible views. Even beginners can enjoy the easier sections.

And if you want a more relaxed cycling adventure, you can always rent a bike in Clifden and discover the area at your own page. There are plenty of bike rentals to choose from including Mannion Bike Hire and the Clifden Bike Shop both offering electric bikes as an option.

Hiking:

Connemara is renowned for its selection of beautiful hikes and walking trails - from gentle strolls to challenging climbs. Here are just a few of the options along or near the greenway:

• Roscahill Woods Trail: Perfect for families, with well-marked paths through ancient woodland
• Marconi Loop: A historical walk with coastal views and fascinating telecommunications history.
• Míle Órga Loop: A golden mile of spectacular coastal views
• Pás Mám Éan: An ancient mountain pass with rich history
• Binn Mhór: A challenging climb rewarded with panoramic views

Pás Mám Éan (Courtesy Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark)

Water Activities:

With Connemara's abundance of lakes, rivers, and coastal waters, there's no shortage of ways to make a splash during your Greenway adventure. Some of our favourite water-based activities along or nearby the route include:

• Kayaking on Lough Corrib: Paddle through history on Ireland's second-largest lake. Look out for the lake's 365 islands – one for every day of the year, as locals will tell you.
• Salt Lake Swimming: A sheltered spot, on the shores of Fernwood Farm, perfect for a refreshing dip, with water that's slightly warmer than the Atlantic
• Fishing: Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced angler, local guides can help you find the perfect spot for salmon, trout, or sea fishing out of Cleggan or Clifden

A little further out West, there are plenty of other water based activities like coasteering, surfing, SUP and coastal kayaking. There are plenty of local companies like Connemara Real Adventures that will help you organise your adventure.

Adventure Parks:

Check out Wildlands in Moycullen towards the beginning of the Greenway - An adventure park that combines outdoor activities with conservation education. Activities include Zip ‘n’ Trek, Zip ‘n’ Trek Junior, Fun Walls, Archery, Yoga, Bushcraft, Disc Golf, Ball Sports, Fairy Trails, walks and more! 

There are also plenty of other adventure centres to choose from in the Connemara region, though they are a little further off the greenway path - e.g. Killary Adventure Centre which offers kayaking & sunset cruises on Killary Fjord, plus guided hill walks & an inflatable obstacle course.

Wildlife Observation

One of the true delights of the Connemara Greenway is the chance to witness the region's incredible wildlife. Whether you're an avid birder or simply enjoy watching nature unfold, there's always something magical to discover along the way.

Bird Watching:

The Greenway is home to a variety of bird species throughout the year. In spring and summer, skylarks sing over the bogland, meadow pipits perform display flights, and stonechats perch on gorse bushes. Woodland areas attract chaffinches, robins and wrens. Birds of prey are a common sight, with kestrels hovering over grasslands, sparrowhawks darting between trees, and peregrine falcons nesting along coastal cliffs. Buzzards are starting to make their way westward and are a more regular sight throughout Connemara in the past few years.  Seasonal visitors include redwings and fieldfares in winter, while year-round residents like woodcock, snipe and curlews are often spotted at dawn or dusk.

Land Mammals:

The Greenway's varied landscape supports diverse mammal life. Red deer graze in quieter areas, particularly at dawn and dusk. During autumn, you might hear stags calling during the rut. Otters use the waterways along the trail – look for their slides on muddy banks and footprints near the water's edge. Irish hares are active in open areas, especially in the early morning.  Pine Martins can be seen in the woods around Ballynahinch.

 Red Stag, Screebe, Connemara (Courtesy Felix Sproll_Screebe House)

Marine Mammals:

The coastal sections provide good viewing points for marine mammals. Resident harbour seals are regularly seen at Salt Lake, often resting on rocks at low tide. If you visit Mannin Bay, you might spot dolphins or harbour porpoises, particularly on calm days.

Relaxation and Wellness

After all that activity, you'll need some relaxation. Lucky for you, the region around the Connemara Greenway offers plenty of opportunities for rest and rejuvenation. The area's natural settings provide peaceful spaces to unwind after cycling or walking the trail.

Beaches:

The coastline near the Greenway features several distinct beaches, each with its own character.

• Mannin Bay: has a Coastal Blueway and provides good swimming conditions during summer months. The hardy locals swim here every day of the year.  The water quality is regularly tested, and lifeguards are present during peak season.
• Aillebrack Beach: offers a quieter alternative, with good walking opportunities and views towards Slyne Head . The beach is particularly peaceful during morning hours, making it suitable for meditation or yoga practice.
• Gurteen & Dog's Bay: form a distinctive double beach system. These back-to-back beaches create a tombolo peninsula, with white sand composed of tiny fragments of seashells. The beaches face different directions, offering shelter regardless of wind direction.  They are a must visit on your Connemara journey.
• The Coral Strand: stands out for its unique composition. Unlike typical sandy beaches, its shore consists of coralline algae fragments, giving it a distinctive appearance and texture. The water here is notably clear, making it popular for swimming when conditions allow.
• Omey Island & Beach: becomes accessible at low tide via a sandy causeway. Visitors can walk across to explore the island's beach and historic sites, but should check tide times carefully before crossing!

 Gurteen Beach / "Port na Feadoige" (Courtesy Don MacMonagle)

Spas & Saunas:

Several locations along or nearby the Greenway offer wellness and relaxation services:

• Connemara Sands Hotel: provides traditional treatments with views of the Mannin Bay and the Atlantic. Their facilities include treatment rooms, a relaxation area and a small indoor pool.
• Renew Spa at Clifden Station House: offers a range of services in a central location. This is a practical option for visitors staying in Clifden, with treatments available throughout the year. The spa includes a steam room and jacuzzi facilities.
• The Sauna at Fernwood: The Fernwood sauna is a truly unique experience. Perched on stilts and nestled in the trees on the shore of the Salt Lake - a true sanctuary. The sauna is available for a nominal fee to all our guests staying at Fernwood.

Where to Eat & Drink Along the Connemara Greenway

Exploring the Greenway can work up an appetite and luckily, there are plenty of great spots to stop for a meal, a snack, or a pint along the way. From cozy cafés to traditional Irish pubs, here are some top picks:

Cafés

Perfect for a quick coffee, a homemade treat, or a light lunch, these cafés offer a warm welcome to cyclists, walkers, and explorers alike:

• Mama No Drama Coffee Van (Moycullen): Located in Moycullen, the family-run coffee van, affectionately known as the pink van is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
• Oughterard Bookshop & Café (Oughterard): A family run bookshop & café set in the village of Oughterard. Serving coffee, homemade sandwiches, and baked goods.
• Upstairs Downstairs Cafe (Clifden): A lovely spot in Clifden with great coffee, sandwiches, salads and cakes. You can takeaway or relax and enjoy their upstairs seating area.

Restaurants

For a sit-down meal, Connemara’s local restaurants serve up fresh, locally sourced ingredients, with menus featuring everything from seafood to traditional Irish dishes:

• Powers Thatch (Oughterard): A thatched pub with an excellent restaurant serving fresh fish, steaks, and Irish classics.
• Steam Café & Restaurant (Maam Cross): A relaxed stop with a great selection of fresh seafood and vegetarian options.
• Mitchell’s Restaurant (Clifden): A favorite in Clifden for its seafood-focused menu, offering fresh mussels, lobster, and locally caught fish.

Pubs

No trip through Connemara would be complete without stopping into a local pub. Many offer live music, friendly conversation, and hearty food:

• O’Dowds Bar and Restaurant (Roundstone): A traditional Irish pub perfect for a pint of Guinness and a bite to eat. Located overlooking the harbour in Roundstone village
• Lowry’s Bar (Clifden): Known for its live music and impressive selection of whiskey.  It regularly wins awards for 
• Guys Bar & Snug (Clifden): our 'go to' eatery in Clifden.  They serve really good bar food and source as much of their produce as possible locally.  The atmosphere is really fantastic here. 

Where to Stay Along the Connemara Greenway

Whether you're beginning your journey in Galway, stopping overnight in a scenic village, or ending your trip in Clifden, there are accommodations to suit every style and budget. Some of the more popular places to stay along the route are Galway City, Ougterard and Clifden.

Galway City

Galway city is a great place to start your Greenway adventure, with a mix of boutique hotels, budget-friendly options, and vibrant nightlife. Some great options are:

• The Hardiman: A historic hotel overlooking Eyre Square, perfect for a comfortable stay before setting off.
• The Nest Boutique Hoste:  A stylish and affordable option in Salthill, ideal for budget-conscious travellers.
• The Twelve Hotel (Barna): Located just outside Galway City, this award-winning hotel is known for its excellent food and cozy atmosphere.

Oughterard

A charming village along the Greenway, Oughterard offers peaceful guesthouses and traditional Irish hospitality.

• Currarevagh House: A lakeside country house offering a tranquil escape with stunning views of Lough Corrib.
• Connemara Lake Hotel: A friendly, centrally located hotel with comfortable rooms and an excellent restaurant.
• The Waterfront House: A lovely B&B with lake views and warm hospitality.

Clifden

The gateway to Connemara’s west, Clifden, is a great place to relax at the end of your journey. The town offers everything from eco-friendly retreats to boutique stays.

• Fernwood Farm: Our luxurious, sustainable accommodation surrounded by nature, featuring the unique Fernwood sauna. Choose from the Stilt House (as featured on Dermot Bannon’s Super Spaces), the unique Bubble Dome or the Bothy.
• Abbeyglen Castle Hotel: A charming castle hotel offering a mix of comfort, history, and beautiful views.
• Alcock & Brown Hotel: A centrally located hotel with modern rooms and an excellent bar.

 The Treehouse Dome at Fernwood

No matter where you stop along the Connemara Greenway, you'll find welcoming places to eat, drink, and rest, making your journey through this stunning landscape even more enjoyable.

Want to Relax After Exploring the Connemara Greenway?

After a day of adventure, Fernwood provides the perfect retreat. Nestled along the Clifden section of the Greenway, Fernwood offers unique, luxury accommodations tailored for relaxation. Whether it’s a soak in the farmed Swedish hot tub, a session in our lakeview sauna or simply unwinding amidst nature, Fernwood ensures a rejuvenating unrivalled experience.

Book Your Stay

Ready to explore the Connemara Greenway? Well if you're hoping to find the perfect place to stay in Connemara at the end of your journey, look no further than Fernwood.

With its captivating landscapes and rich cultural heritage, the Connemara Greenway is more than a trail; it’s a journey through the heart of Connemara’s soul. Start planning your adventure today!