On the west side situated betweeen Lough Corrib and the Atlantic Ocean is the magnificent, scenic Connemara. The mountain range of Twelve Bens overlooks the area. Most of the residents in the area speak Irish and their Gaelic culture is still very evident. To the east of the loch is a plain of limestone which is very fertile, it stretches as far as the border of Galway-Roscommon and the Shannon River. South of the lake is Galway City and its suburb of Salthill. It attracts many tourists and leads to the most scenic parts of Galway.

The scenery in Connemara which is in the far west of Galway is one of the most stunning in Ireland. Enjoy a relaxing holiday here by its coastline which is rugged and see the mountains, the Irish bogs and the views by the side of the lake.

Lead crystals, crafted in the Irish tradition are known throughout the world. Pieces of the crystals manufactured here are in evidence in such grand places as the Vatican and the White House. Galway Irish Crystal is evidence of a wonderful heritage of production and is produced on Galway Bay, on its shores. The magnificent surrounding landscape inspires the craftsmen in their work.

In one day climbers are able to hike all of the twelve mountains. The Irish name for the mountains is Na Beanna Beola and the range of mountains is in Connemara. The mountains are small but still tower over the Connemara landscape. One can reach them from the N59. There is also easy access from Letterfrack or Recess.

The Maamturk Mountains are not as famous as their brothers known as The Twelve Bens but are a magnificent part of the landscape of Connemara. The highest peak is 667m and, if the weather is good, the views from the mountains are spectacular. Some devoted runners can run from Maumeen to Leenane in one day.

The ancient woods of the valley give the area a distinct aura of a sense of magic. The Maamturk Mountains dominate the area and many historic and pre-historic sites are in evidence on them. Visitors can enjoy the long walking trail, named the Western Way, which begins at the south of the valley and walk to a very ancient site.

The only fjord in Ireland is reputed be a glacial formation. Its centre has a depth of 45 meters and it is 16 kilometers in length. It is part of the border between Galway and Mayo.

The 2957 hectares which make up Connemara National Park are situated in north Connemara and consist of quartz and schist. It begins at the sea and expands to the stunning Twelve Bens Mountains called Benbaun, Bencullagh, Benbrack and Muckanacht. With fascinating wildlife, the area is covered by bog and vegetation which thrives in wet heath. The heaths and the bogs encourage the vegetation and the mountains are carpeted by heathers, one rare heather is St Dabeoc's Heath Clothe.

This castle has had long standing traditions with Connemara for hundreds of years. Many famous people had connections with it including the Chieftains of the O'Flaherty Clan and The Pirate Queen of Connemara, Grace O'Malley who also lived there and married Donal O'Flaherty in 1546, Dick Martin who founded the RSPCA and His Royal Highness The Maharajah Ranjitsirnji - The Prince of Cricketers.