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Where to Stay in Connemara

Where to Stay in Connemara

Connemara County Galway, Ireland Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Traditional Stays

  • Bed & Breakfasts (B&Bs)

    Most common and popular. They offer a personal touch, often with hosts sharing local insights and a hearty full Irish breakfast.

  • Guesthouses

    Similar to B&Bs but typically larger, sometimes including more facilities like small restaurants or lounges.

  • Hotels

    Found from small, family-run establishments to larger, more luxurious options, mainly in Clifden and Galway City.

  • Self-Catering Cottages/Holiday Homes

    Ideal for families, groups, or longer stays. They offer kitchens, living areas, and flexibility, often in scenic locations.

Alternative Stays

  • Hostels

    Limited but available in areas like Letterfrack and Clifden. These cater to budget travelers and hikers, including dorm and private rooms.

  • Camping & Glamping

    A few campsites operate for tents and caravans. Some glamping options are available, with comfortable, pre-erected tents or cabins.

  • House/Pet Sitting

    TrustedHousesitters for unique stays by caring for homes and pets.

  • Vacation Rentals

    Explore private homes and apartments for your stay on Vrbo.

Neighborhood Guide

Different areas offer distinct atmospheres and access to attractions.

Clifden

Highlights
  • Widest range of restaurants, pubs, and shops.
  • Great base for Sky Road, Connemara National Park.
  • Lively atmosphere, especially in evenings.
  • Access to Booking.com, Agoda, IHG Hotels.
Considerations
  • Can be busy during peak season.
  • Accommodation books up quickly.
  • Parking may be limited.
  • Central hub, less remote feeling.

Letterfrack/Kylemore

Highlights
  • Entrance to Connemara National Park.
  • Close to Kylemore Abbey.
  • Ideal for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Quiet, nature-focused environment.
Considerations
  • Fewer dining options than Clifden.
  • Limited nightlife.
  • Can be very busy near the park entrance.
  • Less coastal access.

Roundstone

Highlights
  • Picturesque coastal village.
  • Stunning Dog's Bay and Gurteen Beach.
  • Traditional music scene.
  • Relaxed pace and village ambiance.
Considerations
  • Smaller selection of amenities.
  • Can be crowded during summer.
  • Limited public transport.
  • A bit further from central Connemara attractions.

Other Areas

Oughterard:

Gateway to Connemara from Galway City. Good base for fishing on Lough Corrib and exploring eastern Connemara.

Recess/Maam Valley & The Gaeltacht:

Recess/Maam Valley offers a remote, wild experience with stunning scenery. The Gaeltacht areas (e.g., Spiddal, Carna) provide deep cultural immersion with Irish spoken naturally.

Booking Strategies

Plan your accommodation booking based on the time of year to secure your preferred options.

Advance Booking Recommendations by Season

  • High Season (June-August): Book 3-6 months ahead for popular B&Bs, self-catering properties, and hotels due to very high demand.
  • Shoulder Season (April-May, Sept-Oct): Booking a few weeks to a month ahead is good, especially for specific properties or during weekends.
  • Low Season (November-March): Availability is often closer to travel dates, but book a week or two ahead to secure your preferred choices, as many places operate on reduced capacity.
  • Negotiation for walk-in rates is generally not customary in Ireland; prices are typically fixed.

Trusted Booking Platforms and Policies

  • Booking.com: Offers an extensive selection of hotels, B&Bs, and guesthouses.
  • Airbnb: Useful for finding self-catering cottages and unique local stays.
  • Direct Bookings: Many B&Bs and smaller guesthouses prefer direct bookings via their own websites or by phone, sometimes with better rates or flexible terms.
  • Deposit & Cancellation Policies: Always check policies before booking. These vary significantly between properties and platforms. Many places offer free cancellation up to a certain period before arrival.

Additional Resources

For Hotel Chains:
  • IHG Hotels for international hotel options.
  • Agoda for a wide range of properties.
For Budget Travelers:

Important Note

Availability:

During popular festivals or events, accommodation scarcity can arise, even in shoulder seasons.

Accessibility:

Inquire directly with properties regarding accessibility features, as some older establishments may have limitations.

Local Knowledge:

Many local hosts are a great source of information for things to do and see in the area.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here are typical price ranges and notes for different accommodation categories in Connemara.

Budget & Mid-Range

Budget Stays

Hostels, Basic B&Bs

  • Price: €25 - €70 per night
  • Notes: Often dorms or basic private rooms. Good for solo travelers. Limited options outside Clifden/Letterfrack.
Mid-Range Stays

Guesthouses, Family-run B&Bs

  • Price: €80 - €150 per night
  • Notes: Most common type of accommodation. Expect comfortable rooms and typically a full Irish breakfast. Excellent hospitality often.

Luxury & Specialty

Luxury Stays

Boutique Hotels, Country House Hotels

  • Price: €180 - €350+ per night
  • Notes: Found near Clifden or Cong. These offer high-end amenities, fine dining, and unique experiences in elegant settings.
Family-Friendly & Long-Stay

Self-Catering Cottages, Larger B&Bs

  • Price: €100 - €300+ per unit (cottages often weekly rates)
  • Notes: Cottages offer space and kitchen facilities for extended stays and potential food savings. Larger B&Bs may have family rooms.

Solo & Cultural

  • Solo Traveler

    Hostels facilitate social interaction. Smaller B&Bs offer local insights and quiet comfort.

  • Cultural/Historical

    Look for properties with a strong connection to local heritage, sometimes with unique insights.

Global Booking Platforms

  • Booking.com

    A global platform for a wide selection of hotels, B&Bs, and guesthouses. Visit Booking.com

  • IHG Hotels

    For those preferring hotel chains. Explore IHG Hotels

  • Agoda

    Another option for accommodation bookings, with strength in Asian markets but global reach. Check Agoda

  • Vrbo

    For vacation rentals, great for families and groups. Find rentals on Vrbo

Other Options

Hostelworld

Dedicated to budget travelers, offering dorms and private rooms in hostels.

  • Specializes in hostels.
  • Good for social interaction.
  • Budget-friendly choices.
  • Visit Hostelworld
TrustedHousesitters

An exchange platform for house and pet sitting, providing unique lodging.

Planning Your Stay

Early Booking

For peak season travel, booking well in advance is highly advisable to secure desired locations and types of accommodation.

Flexibility

Consider traveling during shoulder or low seasons for potentially better rates and fewer crowds.