Connemara, Geographic region in County Galway, Ireland.
Connemara is a region in western County Galway with mountains, lakes, peat bogs and a rugged Atlantic coastline dotted with small islands. The landscape alternates between rocky hills, wide stretches of bog and sheltered bays along the shore.
Until the Tudor period Irish clans such as the Ó Flaithbertaigh ruled this territory without influence from the English crown. After the invasions the families lost their power and large parts of the land passed into other hands.
The name comes from the Irish Conmhaícne Mara, meaning descendants of Conmhac by the sea. Many residents still speak Irish daily in the villages and keep traditional music alive at gatherings in the local pubs.
Roads N59 and R336 run through the region and connect towns like Clifden, Roundstone and Letterfrack with regular bus services. The weather changes quickly between rain and sun, so waterproof clothing and several layers are recommended.
The rock in the Twelve Bens area is older than 400 million years and belongs to the oldest formations in Europe. This makes the mountains appear rounder and softer than many other peaks in Ireland.
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