Our Favourite Hikes in Connemara

There’s something special about walking in Connemara. Maybe it’s the ever-changing light, the wide open skies, or the feeling that you’ve stepped into a wilder, slower world. Whether you're after a gentle walk with coastal views or a full-on “mountain” climb, the Connemara offers something for everyone.

Here’s our pick of the best hikes in Connemara - grouped by difficulty so you can find the perfect route for your next adventure.

Easy Hikes in Connemara

1. Kylemore Abbey Woodland Trail

Kylemore Abbey is one of the most iconic and peaceful places in the west of Ireland and this gentle trail is a lovely way to explore its grounds. Winding along the shores of Pollacappul Lake, the route offers a mix of woodland paths, mountain views, and glimpses of the Gothic-style abbey reflected in the still water.

 Kylemore Abbey (Courtesy - Chris Hill Photographic)

It’s an easy walk, perfect for families or anyone wanting to stretch their legs without a steep climb. Along the way, you’ll pass through native woodland and can detour to visit the Victorian Walled Garden, Neo-Gothic church, and even stop for tea and a scone at the estate café.

There’s an entry fee for full access to the estate, but it’s well worth it - this is one of those walks that feels as much like a day out as a hike. Go early or late in the day if you’re after a bit of quiet.

Get more info on this route on AllTrails.

2. Connemara Greenway (Clifden Section)

The Connemara Greenway is a semi-completed 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.

At the moment, there are 3 sections open, including a 3.5-kilometre stretch around Clifden, passing the gate of our Fernwood Farm accommodation, offering visitors a chance to explore the area’s unique charm.

Read more about the Connemara Greenway.

Moderate Hikes in Connemara

3. The Sky Road Loop, Clifden

Just over the road from Fernwood Farm, the Sky Road Loop is one of the most scenic drives in Ireland, and it’s even better on foot. This 16 km circular route starts and ends in Clifden, winding around the Kingston Peninsula and offering some of the best coastal views in Connemara. You’ll follow part of the Wild Atlantic Way, passing rolling hills, quiet laneways, and stretches of open sea.

The walk begins in Clifden, with its colourful buildings and a dramatic Twelve Bens backdrop. Early on, you’ll pass the ruins of Clifden Castle, which you can easily detour to explore. Farther along, you’ll come across the John D’Arcy Monument, a tribute to the town’s founder.

The loop splits into two routes - the upper road, which climbs to panoramic viewpoints, and the lower road, closer to the water. The upper route is the more popular of the two, offering incredible views over Clifden Bay, its scattered islands, and out to the Atlantic. There’s a dedicated viewing point at the top, with space to stop and take it all in.

As the trail continues around the northern edge of the peninsula, you’ll pass beaches, quiet fields, and coastal homes before looping back toward town - where a good coffee or pint is never far away. It’s a longer walk, but the terrain is manageable and the views make every step worth it. Great for anyone who wants to mix sea air with a bit of local history.

4. Diamond Hill Loop, Connemara National Park

Just a short drive from Fernwood, Diamond Hill is one of the best-known hikes in the west, and it certainly lives up to the hype. There are a few different ways to approach Diamond Hill, ranging from short and easy to more challenging summit climbs. This particular route sits in the middle - a moderately difficult loop that takes around 2.5 hours to complete at a relaxed pace. The trail is very well maintained, with boardwalks, gravel paths, and stone steps helping you navigate the steeper sections.

 Diamond Hill (Courtesy - Christoph Partsch)

Because it’s such a standout hike, the trail can get busy, especially in the summer months or on sunny weekends, so it’s worth arriving early if you want a quieter experience. There are facilities and a visitor centre at the trailhead, and dogs are welcome as long as they’re kept on a lead.

The views from the top are something else - stretching across Letterfrack, the Atlantic coast, and the patchwork of lakes and hills that make this part of Ireland so special. Just keep an eye on the weather, which can turn quickly up here. Sturdy boots, a waterproof layer, and even a bit of bug spray are good calls.

5. Errisbeg Mountain, Roundstone

This 6 km out-and-back route is a proper Connemara hill walk: raw, unmarked, and full of character. It’s classed as moderately challenging, but the views from the top are spectacular.

There’s no defined trail here, so you’ll need to find your own way across open hillside - a mix of bog, heather, and granite underfoot. It’s a bit of a scramble in places and often muddy, especially after rain, but the payoff comes quickly. As you climb, the views open up behind you: Dog’s Bay, Gurteen Beach, the Twelve Bens, and the scattered islands out in the Atlantic all come into frame.

At the summit, you’ll find a few large boulders - a perfect spot to sit, catch your breath, and take in the wild beauty that makes this part of Ireland so special.

You can park in Roundstone village (just a few minutes' walk from the trailhead) and head up from there. Waterproof layers, solid boots, and a flask of something hot are all highly recommended as is timing your walk for golden hour if you want that extra bit of magic.

Errisbeg is just a 5 minute drive from Fernwood’s Quay House and Coastal Cottage accommodations in Roundstone.

Difficult Hikes in Connemara

6. Benbaun (Binn Bhán)

For those up for a proper mountain challenge, Benbaun is as rewarding as it gets. At 729 metres, it’s the tallest of the Twelve Bens and the highest point in County Galway, offering unbeatable views across the Connemara mountains, valleys, and coastline. It’s not an easy hike - but if you’re looking for wild beauty and a real sense of achievement, this one delivers.

The out-and-back trail is just under 9 km and usually takes around 4 to 5 hours to complete, depending on pace and weather. It starts near Cushkillary, with only a small lay-by for parking, so arriving early is a good idea. The route includes a few steep climbs and a river crossing that can get tricky after heavy rain - not one to tackle in runners or during a stormy spell.

The trail itself is not well marked, so you’ll want to come prepared with a map or GPS. Expect rocky paths, boggy ground in places, and little in the way of signage. But the payoff at the summit is something special - panoramic views stretching across Connemara National Park, the sea in the distance, and the raw, open feeling that only the west of Ireland can offer.

A couple of things to note: dogs aren’t allowed on this trail, and mobile signals can be patchy, so let someone know your route in advance.

If you’re staying at Fernwood, Benbaun makes for an unforgettable day out - just be sure to pack smart, watch the forecast, and give yourself plenty of time. This is Connemara hiking at its most rugged and real.

7. Benlettery and Bengower Loop

If you’re after a wild, off-the-beaten-track mountain adventure, this loop up Benlettery and Bengower (two of the striking peaks in the Twelve Bens) offers one of the most demanding and rewarding hikes in Connemara.

The 6.3 km loop may not sound long on paper, but take it from us - this is a tough route. You’ll be climbing steep slopes, crossing boggy ground, and scrambling over loose rock and scree, with very little in the way of a defined trail. It’s not one for beginners but for experienced hikers with good fitness, navigation skills, and a love for the raw beauty of the west, it’s an unforgettable day out.

The trail starts from a pull-in just off the N59, gradually gaining height as you make your way through open moorland and up the flanks of Benlettery (whose Irish name, Binn Leitri, fittingly means “Peak of the Wet Hillsides”) The climb is steep and unrelenting in places, and you’ll need to watch your footing as you scramble over boulders and loose quartzite.

From the summit, continue along a rugged ridgeline toward Bengower (Binn Gabhar or “Goat’s Peak”), where the views really open up - deep valleys, sparkling loughs, and the coastline stretching off toward the Atlantic. On a clear day, the landscape feels endless.

The descent loops you back around the eastern side of Benlettery. There’s no marked trail, and conditions can be boggy, especially after rain, so a downloaded map or GPS is essential. You may come across grazing sheep, so if you’ve brought your dog, best to keep them on a lead. As always in Connemara, the weather can change in a heartbeat, so bring layers, sturdy boots, and more water than you think you’ll need.

Rest, Recover, and Reconnect

Wherever your boots take you, there’s nothing like coming back to a warm, welcoming home away from home. At Fernwood Farm, our lakeside sauna, quiet trails, and cosy cabins make it easy to relax and recharge - whether you’ve just tackled Diamond Hill or strolled the Greenway.

And if you’re bringing the whole family along, our beautiful seaside accommodation in Roundstone is a great family (and pet) friendly base in one of the most picturesque villages in the region.

(Cover Image Courtesy -  Big Smoke Studio)