Back to Ireland and our trip last September/early October to the west coast of Ireland. Two things it's worth doing together if you're over this way is hiking in the Connemara National Park and then heading to nearby Kylemore Abbey, both in County Galway and part of the famous Wild Atlantic Way route.
We went for the Upper Diamond Trail, as that's how you get the best views but, be warned, at the point that you leave the Lower Diamond Trail to join the Upper Diamond Trail, it really does become a rather steep climb. Hiking boots are definitely needed! It took us around 2 hours to complete the 7km route, and the steep climb was definitely a strain at times, but made a bit easier as they've made it one way up, one way down, so at least it's more free-flowing. This was a COVID introduction and still seems to be this way, so hopefully they'll keep this one-way system.
But, if they don't, just look at the views when you do make it to the top of Diamond Hill! Which is about 442m tall. And very windy! (Or it was when we were there.) From the top you'll have sweeping views out towards the Atlantic Ocean, plus you'll be able to spot Kylemore Abbey which you'll hopefully visit afterwards. We did, but not before a stop at Veldon's Seafarer for lunch, where we had some epic seafood chowder.
Kylemore Abbey is a rather beautiful spot, with tickets costing €15 for adults (under 16s go for free). Though built in the late 1800s by Mitchell Henry, Kylemore Abbey has been home to a community of Benedictine nuns for the past 102 years.
As well as the abbey and Kylemore Castle, you'll also find a six-acre Victorian walled garden to explore. It's a bit of a distance from where the castle and abbey are, but shuttle buses run back and forth if you don't fancy the walk. But if a walk is what you're after, there's also several trails around the 1,000-acre estate so there's plenty of opportunity to take in the rugged Irish scenery.
Have you ever been to this part of the world? x
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