Located in west county Galway, Connemara National Park is 2,957 hectares of unspoiled natural scenery. The landscape varies between mountains, bogland, heaths and woodland making it an interesting and captivating setting for a scenic drive. The famous Twelve Bens mountain range provides a backdrop to the landscape and provide a wonderful place for hikes or mountain walks.

The wildlife of Connemara is very diverse with heather covering the bogland and purple moor grass which adds vibrant colour to the region. There is an abundance of birdlife in the area too with songbirds and birds of prey seen in the area frequently. The Connemara pony is the most famous animal in the park with a herd of purebred ponies offering the perfect photo opportunity during your visit.

The visitor centre is open daily from 9.00am to 5.30pm and guided nature walks are offered throughout the year.

Named one of National Geographic’s Top 100 island destinations, the Aran islands are an amazing place to visit while on your Wild Atlantic Way adventure. Located at the mouth of Galway Bay, the three islands, Inis Meáin, Inis Oirr and Inis Mór, are home to nearly 1200 people and are one of the last regions where the native Irish language is used every day. Stepping on to the islands is like stepping back in time. The rugged karst landscape, punctuated only with the idiosyncratic stone walls of the west of Ireland, offer breath taking views of untouched scenery. Arguably the best way to see the islands is by cycling, and you can hire bikes when you reach the islands.

On all of the islands, you will discover some of Ireland’s most unspoiled beaches with white sands and stunning cliff faces. The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in the past has taken place on the Aran Islands, due to their spectacular natural scenery.

Several ancient Bronze and Iron Age forts are some of the most popular attractions on the islands such as Dún Aengus and the Black Fort. Some of the first Christian buildings are still preserved on the islands giving amazing insight into the historical importance of the islands.

They are also becoming a popular destination for stags and hen parties as well as corporate getaways and group excursions. The nightlife is second to none with an array of traditional Irish pubs offering the best of Irish music and craic.

The Islands are reached by ferry either from Doolin or Rossaveel. Due to our location in Oranmore, we are only about a one hour drive from Doolin and if you book with Doolin Ferries make sure to use our discount code MaldronOranmore10 to enjoy 10% off the price!

The Burren Nature Sanctuary is a great place to visit for an interesting and engaging family day out. Located less than a half hours’ drive away from the hotel in Cloonasee, Kinvara, the sanctuary is a popular destination for families looking for a day out with a difference. They run a number of different events to teach young children about the unique landscape of the Burren.

• Botany walks
• Fairy woodland walks
• Guided nature walks
• Walk with Emilia the micro pig
• Walk with Frisky the goat

The Sanctuary Café is a major attraction there also, a member of the award winning Burren Food Trail. The menu features all locally produced foods in delicious combinations. They cater for all dietary requirements and younger palates also with a healthy children’s menu available.

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Galway Food Tours is a 2.5 hour culinary walking tour of Galway. It provides a great way of getting a flavour for the talented chefs and the beautiful produce which make Galway one of Ireland’s top gourmet centres. On the tour, your expert guide will bring you to visit the best foodie spots in Galway City. You’ll meet artisanal producers and sample their products while soaking up the atmosphere of the city. Tours operate Wednesday to Sunday and expect to sample the finest cheese, the freshest oysters & sushi, the sweetest treats, hoppy beer, flavoursome coffee and much, much more.