The beautiful village of Leenane, snugly situated at the head of Killary Harbour, is often aptly described as the 'Gateway to Connemara'. The roads from Maam, Clifden, and Westport meet at this point. Leenane is a stop on most of our Guided Tours.
On your Guided Tour of Connemara, it is almost impossible not to go through Maam Cross which has a big October Fair where all manner of goods are for sale from ducks, hens, and rabbits to donkeys, ponies, and horses as well as the usual fair day stalls.
Maam is a lovely wooded townland beside some great fishing lakes. Your chauffeur will take you on your Guided Tour through the ancient woods which give the place a magical feel, overshadowed by the Maamturk Mountains with their numerous pre-historic and early historic sites.
This is just a few minutes from Westport and your chauffeur will gladly bring you there on your guided tour. At the foot of Croagh Patrick is the National Famine Memorial - a brilliantly sculpted 'famine ship'. Incorporated within the rigging are depictions of skeletons. The famine touched all parts of Ireland but nowhere were its effects more devastating than in the west.
Westport lies at the south-east corner of Clew Bay, an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean. A visit to the town center is an option when in Connemara on your guided tour. Westport was designed by James Wyatt in 1780, in the Georgian architectural style. Its layout follows a medieval principle of urban design which was introduced by the Normans in the 13th century.
Roundstone is a very popular holiday resort renowned among artists and naturalists for the outstanding beauty of the surrounding mountains and seascapes. It has a traditional craft center and local activities include Connemara Pottery, Connemara Jewellery, and Musical Instrument making. We highly recommend a visit to Roundstone on your Guided Connemara Tour
Make sure that you have your camera charged and plenty of memory as you are about to be guided through one of the most scenic drives in the world! Photo opportunities present themselves at every turn as the Inagh Valley road winds its way through majestic mountains and picturesque lakes.
On your Guided Tour of Connnemara your chauffeur can bring you to Clifden Founded by John D'Arcy (1785-1839) was one of the last towns to be built in Ireland. D'Arcy's vision was to create a thriving commercial center in a resource-rich, but poverty-stricken region.
For centuries Ashford Castle has overlooked the shores of Lough Corrib, as one of Ireland's most magnificent castles and one of the most luxurious resort hotels in the world.
"I called Jim at Ireland West Tours looking specifically for a day touring around Galway to do photography. The minute I mentioned this to Jim, he started talking about light and times of day and I knew I was on to the right person! I trusted Jim with the places he recommended and he did not let me down!"
Jan M., Drogheda, Ireland
"Paul seemed to know just the right amount of time to stop and see things and was very knowledgable and interesting. Even though we had a long day, we wish it lasted longer and felt like we were saying goodbye to a friend when he dropped us off."
Beanie, New York, USA