An early autumn sunset off the Errislannan Peninsula Photo by Mark Furniss

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An early autumn sunset off the Errislannan Peninsula Photo by Mark Furniss

Connemara

A Beauty Like No Other

Ireland’s West is a wonder to behold. From the artistry and magic of her centuries-old stone walls that crisscross the rolling green hills to the rocky, untamed shores of the Atlantic, Connemara is a veritable feast for the senses. Let your eyes gaze upon the Twelve Bens framed against the morning sky. Listen as the waters of the wild ocean meet the shores. Let the smell of a peat fire transport you to Ireland’s storied past. Savour the bountiful seafood, caught fresh each day. Let your hands brush along the wild heather on a winding back road.

Connemara’s beauty may become your muse, as it has for countless authors, poets, and artists through the centuries.


A pony grazes before the ruin of Renvyle Castle in the most north-west part of Connemara. Photo by Romona Robbins

A pony grazes before the ruin of Renvyle Castle in the most north-west part of Connemara. Photo by Romona Robbins

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Derrygimlagh Bog is one of the most historically significant sites in Connemara, where aviators Alcock and Brown landed near the Marconi telegraph station in 1919. Photo by Mark Furniss

Derrygimlagh Bog is one of the most historically significant sites in Connemara, where aviators Alcock and Brown landed near the Marconi telegraph station in 1919. Photo by Mark Furniss

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I wanted real adventures to happen to myself. But real adventures, I reflected, do not happen to people who remain at home: they must be sought abroad.

— James Joyce, Dubliners

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A golden sun rises over Roundstone Bog. Photo by Mark Furniss

A golden sun rises over Roundstone Bog. Photo by Mark Furniss

May the Irish hills caress you.

May her lakes and rivers bless you.

May the luck of the Irish enfold you.

May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.

— Irish Blessing

Derryinver Bridge is one of many charming crossings in Ireland’s west. Photo by Romona Robbins

Derryinver Bridge is one of many charming crossings in Ireland’s west. Photo by Romona Robbins

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When the skies are ink above us and the sea runs white with foam

In a cot in Connemara there’s a wife and wee one praying

To the One who walked the waters once, to send us safely home.

—Francis Fahy, ‘The Queen of Connemara’

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River flowing through Ireland West Coast Photo by Trevor Dubber

Photo by Trevor Dubber

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“After a nice hike through the bog I spotted this cottage and went for a closer look. I spotted the old Fordson tractor and knew this would make an interesting focal point to amazing mountains in the background.” Taken at the foothills of Benbaun in Connemara. Photo by Trevor Dubber

“After a nice hike through the bog I spotted this cottage and went for a closer look. I spotted the old Fordson tractor and knew this would make an interesting focal point to amazing mountains in the background.” Taken at the foothills of Benbaun in Connemara. Photo by Trevor Dubber

Ireland is where strange tales begin and happy endings are possible.

— Charles Haughey

The Inagh Valley Road is one of Connemara’s most scenic drives. Photo by Mark Furniss

The Inagh Valley Road is one of Connemara’s most scenic drives. Photo by Mark Furniss

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