Next we see the magnificent Kylemore Abbey which is an 18th century castle that is now in the good hands of the Benedictine Nuns, who run an excellent boarding school. This is where we have our next long break with ample time for lunch and a visit to the abbey and its beautiful gothic church.

Click on image to visit.

No Tour of Connemara is complete without Visiting Kylemore Abbey.

Moving on to Letterfrack where you have one of Ireland's finest national parks. Our next visit is at Ocean's Alive Aquarium and Maritime Museum. A fascinating and informative exhibition of Connemara marine heritage. This is an additional stop in the low season where you will have a chance to see some of the hidden underwater treasures of our waters and learn a little about the sea as a commercial resource. Enjoy the fresh sea air, the peace, tranquillity and closeness of nature. Connemara shores offer a wide variety of habitats that include vast stretches of clean white sand and pink toned coral beaches as well as wave-lashed rocky areas. Each has its own unique Flora and Fauna.

Clifden, the capital of Connemara, was founded by John D'arcy in 1812. Clifden is an ideal holiday centre. Aviation history was made at Derrygimlagh bog near Clifden when Alcock and Browne crashed landed after their historic transatlantic flight in 1919. The Connemara pony breeders association come together every August to hold the world famous Connemara pony show. As we leave Clifden we see the Clifden Glen holiday homes.