Walking in Connemara - Ireland's best walking!

Connemara is a walker's paradise, with magnificent landscapes and breathtaking scenery around every corner. Walking trails take in all parts of the region, glistening rivers and lakes, valleys, mountains and forests, so you're certainly in for a treat. Walks available include dramatic mountain walks, bog trotting and island hopping, so go and get those hiking boots and discover the West of Ireland for yourself.

These are some of the most popular walking routes/walking centres in Galway:

The Western Way

The Western Way Galway is Ireland's shortest ''way'' at a distance of 31 miles. The bonus though is that every mile along the route boasts stunning scenery. The route starts at Oughterard following the shore of Lough Corrib to Maam. It then continues along at a low level to the amazing quartzite ranges of the Maum Turks and The Twelve Bens. This route will then take you to the spectacular valley of Killary Harbour and the junction where the Mayo Western Way runs.

Connemara Walking Centre

Why not let the experts guide you through Connemara at The Connemara Walking Centre? At Connemara Walking Centre in Clifden you'll learn about the region's history, archaeology, wildlife and much more as you take in the stunning countryside views. The centre offers half day, full day and weeklong walking tours covering many areas. Some of the walking tours will take you to the Renvyle Peninsula, Roundstone Bog, Kylemore Valley, Maumturk Mountains and the Sky Road.

Connemara Safari

Connemara Safari, also known as the Island Experts, will take you on specialist walking tours, and island hopping tours, to the remote islands of Connemara and the West of Ireland. Each tour has a professional archaeologist that will captivate your imagination and feed your knowledge on the area. Prices also include gourmet picnics, a champagne reception, and for the unpredictable Irish climate they also provide rain gear. You can avail of five day and seven day tours of Connemara.

Connemara Walking Trail

The Connemara Walking trail is a walking trail with a difference; here you will explore Connemara off the beat and track on a 6 day tour. The walks are through rough mountain terrain and will take approximately 4 hours, it can be a strenuous walk but people of average fitness will easily cope.

Connemara Four Seasons Walking Festival

The Connemara Four Seasons Walking Festival is held each year in Clifden. It's a festival that explores and celebrates the natural wild beauty and tranquillity of the Connemara Region. The festival takes place during all four seasons in the year and is scheduled by the Celtic calendar and coincides with the national holidays. Walking trails take in the Twelve Bens, Maumturk Mountains, The spectacular Aran Islands and Inishbofin. There are walks available for different levels of experience and intensity.

Oughterard Walking And Hiking

Oughterard is a small historical town located about 17 miles from Galway along the N59. It's the chief angling town on Lough Corrib and here you'll find an excellent choice of walking and hiking trails to suit people of all levels. The Great Western Way begins in Oughterard, and Lough Corrib, which is the largest lake in Ireland, runs alongside the town. Here you can take in Aughnanure Castle, Inchagoill Island, Kylemore Abbey and much more.

If walking and hiking is your pleasure then Connemara is the place for you. It truly is a walker's paradise with such a diverse range of routes to take. The winding roads of Connemara will take you to places only imagined and it is here you will experience the true Ireland that is rich in history and natural beauty. Connemara, once experienced it is never forgotten.

About the author: Mairead Foley writes for the Ireland travel and accommodation website http://www.GoIreland.com

Visit GoIreland to book Galway hotels and Connemara hotels.