Joyce Country, Cornamona & Tourmakeady

From Maam Cross the road directly northwards heads inland towards Corr na Móna (Cornamona) and the lush expanse of Joyce Country. It was in this area that the famous John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara story “The Quiet Man” was filmed. The friendly, welcoming Corr na Móna community are always anxious to share their lovely lakeside location on the shores of Lough Corrib, famous for fishing, boating and hillwalking. In a nearby lake island is Caisleán na Circe, one time castle home of the great pirate Queen of Connemara, Grace O’Malley, who lived in the time of Queen Elizabeth 1 of England. An Fháirche (Clonbur) nestles in colourful countryside between Lough Corrib and Lough Mask, enjoying, as it were, the best of both worlds. Further west is An Lionán (Leenane) where John B. Keane’s great story “The Field” was filmed.

Aasleagh falls at Leenane — Aasleigh Falls

Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark

The Joyce Country Geopark in Galway and Mayo, Ireland, presents rocks spanning from Precambrian to Quaternary periods, offering a glimpse into Ireland’s geological history. These rocks, ranging in age from millions to hundreds of million years old, narrate Ireland’s journey through time. From its inception in a young ocean near the South Pole to becoming one landmass, part of a vast mountain range, and eventually moving north to tropical surroundings, the geopark showcases a rich geological tale. It reveals periods of volcanic activity and submersion beneath the sea, all shaped by recent glacier influences. Today’s landscape ties these geological events spanning millions of years and varying climates together.

Oceans Alive Visitor Centre & Seaside Trail

Near Leenane, on the Renvyle Peninsula there is an Oceans Alive Visitor Centre & Seaside Trail, a fascinating and informative exhibition of Connemara’s marine heritage. The centre has many artifacts which were used by the people of the region and provide an insight into the lives of those who lived on these shores in times past.

Derryinver, Letterfrack, Galway
t: +353 (0)95 43473
t: +353 (0)87 6461189
e: [email protected]
w: www.letterfrackwatertours.com

The Partry Mountains sweep down along the shores of Lough Mask, sheltering Tuar Mhic Éadaigh (Tourmakeady) with its woodlands and waterfalls. Pleasure boats are available on Lough Mask, and Tourmakeady has a great Irish Knitwear tradition.

Connemara National Park

Situated on the Gaeltacht border, Connemara’s National Park is a 2000-hectare state owned conservation centre incorporating of mountains, bogs and grasslands with wonderful wildlife. Four of the mountains belong to the Twelve Bens range, including the highest, Benbaun (730 metres). At the centre of the park is the valley of Glanmore where the Polladirk River flows. Traces of ancient settlements can be seen in the park, including 4,000-year-old megalithic tombs and markings of former grazing areas. Facilities include an audio-visual show and a photographic display of Connemara scenery. There are picnic facilities, nature trails and a summer series of walks and illustrated talks.

Letterfrack, Co. Galway.
t:+353 (0)87 2919721 | +353 (0)76 100 2528 | 353 (0) 95 41054.
E-mail:[email protected]
w: https://www.connemaranationalpark.ie/