Hill Walking
Hill walking is also a major activity here, on the Maamturks, Mount Gable, the Twelve Bens and even Croagh Patrick, although thorough planning and care are necessary to ensure a safe hike on all of Connemara's mountains.
For the more adventurous, The 12 Bens challenge which takes place in nearby Clifden in June every year is renowned as the toughest mountain walk in Ireland. Orienteering is also popular.
Only 35 minutes from Clonbur is Croagh Patrick which is renowned for its Pilgrimage in honour of Saint Patrick, Ireland's patron saint. It was on the summit of the mountain that Saint Patrick fasted for forty days in 441 AD and the custom has been faithfully handed down from generation to generation since. The tradition of pilgrimage to this holy mountain is older than the saint, and annually on 'Reek Sunday', the last Sunday in July, over 25,000 pilgrims climb the Reek.
Walking & Hiking in Clonbur, Connemara
The Lynch family has been welcoming walkers to Connemara for over half a century and understands the true meaning of old time hospitality. We welcome old and new friends equally and offer keen group rates to walking groups and clubs too. We can provide maps, guides and packed lunches for your day and if the weather is wet, we have a large drying room where we can keep your gear. We endeavour to always make sure your stay is enjoyable, hassle-free and above all, affordable.
Connemara boasts beautiful Mountain, Bog, Lake and Coastal scenery and if you have seen the classic 50's movie, The Quiet Man starring Maureen O'Hara and John Wayne, then no more is needed to be said! Attracted by the easy pace of life here in Clonbur, our guests love exploring the unspoiled Connemara countryside, rambling along the quiet mountain boreens overlooking the lakes, soaking up the stunning Connemara scenery.
While some prefer to ramble as they please, there are also guided walks locally, where the commentary and the walks together serve to enhance and personalise the whole walking experience. Here are some of our local walks and trails to get you started and please come back to us if you would like some more recommendations:
Mountain Trails:
Binn Shléibhe / Mount Gable:
Binn Shléibhe / Mount Gable (1370 feet) is one of the most beautiful and scenic mountain walks in Ireland. It dominates the isthmus between Lough Corrib and Lough Mask and guards one of the major routes into Connemara from the east. The starting point for a walk is approximately 2km from the village:
Sean Bhóthar (Old Road):
Sean Bhóthar is a 10km linear walk that connects Clonbur and Corr na Mona along the foothills of Mount Gable and according to local folklore, it is the route St Patrick took when on pilgrimage to Maméan. The route follows along the side of Binn Shléibhe/Mount Gable with stunning views of Lough Corrib. There is parking at both ends but walking from the hotel is ideal too. When you leave the Sean Bhóthar at the Clonbur end and walk towards the village you will be rewarded with beautiful views of Lough Mask and the Partry Mountains to the north:
Woodland Trails: https://clonburcloghbrack.ie/woodland-trails/ through Clonbur Woods, the largest woodlands in Ireland.
Clonbur – Cong Trail:
This 7.8 km trail can become a 15.6km trail by taking you over to Cong village to explore for a couple of hours and back to Clonbur for an evening of relaxation and dinner:
Clonbur Village and Ballykine Loops:
These 3.6 km and 7km loop trails respectively, take in the village, forest, ruins of Ballykine Castle and Lough Mask:
Big Island and White Island Loops:
These 3.4 km and 7.1km loop trails respectively, take in 2 islands / peninsulas on Lough Mask with a combination of forest and Lough Mask views:
Contact
Address
Fairhill House Hotel
Clonbur
Connemara
Co. Galway
F12 KF22
Phone
+353 (0)94 954 6176