The 10 Best Hidden Gems Things to do in Connemara, Western Ireland

Real Adventures Connemara in Clifden, Co. Galway - providing outdoor activities including; coasteering kayaking, surfing, hill walking, rock climbing and abseiling for Stags & Hens, families, individuals, groups and school groups.

Take a walk around Clifden in the company of local historian and author Kathleen Villiers-Tuthill, taking in the town’s early industrial sites, the old railway station, the 19th century Bridewell (gaol) and the Catholic and Protestant graveyards. Learn about John D’Arcy, the founder of Clifden. Hear stories of famine, war, religious conflict, riots and political rallies

Buried beneath the Connemara Mountain lies a way of life long abandoned and almost forgotten just waiting for you to explore! Let the team at Glengowla Mines lead you on a journey of discovery of how lead and silver were mined from the roots of the Connemara Mountains in the 1800’s. The constant dripping of water, the ‘miners breath’ and if you are brave enough - a moment of darkness will set the scene! Delve into the depths of Glengowla mines where you can explore the caverns of marble studded with lead and silver. Follow the veins of copper pyrite which will lead you to the ‘miners gold’ - Galena. Marvel at the rare and beautiful crystals of quartz and fluorite. Learn of the working conditions the miners worked under before the mines closed in 1865. A firm favourite with adults and children alike is to pan for gold and gems at our gold panning station and keep any gems you find! Not only will you enjoy guided tours of the mines,

Based in Oughterard, Co. Galway – only 25 minutes north of Galway City at the “Gateway to Connemara”. Our Centre is located on the Rusheeny road, just outside the town of Oughterard, and is nestled between beautiful hills, mountains and the shores of Lough Corrib. We offer a full range of services including trekking, lessons, showjumping leagues, pony camps, breaking and training, livery and stud. For those interested in the native Connemara Pony, our yard has a large selection of Connemara ponies with champion showing, ridden and showjumping stallions at stud and the opportunity to hear about the history and development of this versatile pony from the yards owner, Roger Joyce. Roger is from a long line of Connemara breeders and stallion custodians. He is also an experienced horse and rider trainer and an international Connemara Pony Judge.

contains some of Ireland's most awe-inspiring and dramatic scenery including Killary Fjord. Sheepdog Demonstrations with highly skilled working dogs, feeding the lambs with bottles, Sheep shearing using the hand shears, turf cutting using the traditional method which visitors can try out this ancient method for themselves, walking trails, Great day out for all the family.

Hand-crafted, kiln-formed fused glass, inspired by the moods and colours of the Connemara landscape, the beautiful coastal region in the west of Ireland. Workshop visits and taster-courses available.

Johnny and Annie started creating unique hand crafted jewellery in 1973. Since then the business has developed with the help of their son Jonathan who is carrying on the family tradition and now manages the business. Their full collection of jewellery can be seen at their flagship store in Clifden, where there is a full open plan workshop to see the jewellery being made. They also have a small retail shop at the Cliffs of Moher.