Connemara with Colleen Joyce
If you’re searching for terrific Connemara tours look no further than the tours from a born & bred ‘Galway Girl’.
This article is based on a podcast episode featuring Colleen Joyce, the owner of Colleen Irish Travel. If you prefer to listen to the podcast, you can find the player at the bottom of the page.
Connemara Tours
Intimate tours of Galway’s ‘wild west’ coast with Colleen Irish Travel.
Meet Colleen Joyce
Colleen Joyce has a long family history in tourism and is the owner of Colleen Irish Travel which offers tours along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Colleen in the 3rd generation of her family to be involved in tourism. Her grandfather opened a craft shop in the village of Recess and went on to create the beloved Connemara Marble souvenirs that have become synonymous with the region.
Joyce’s Craft Shop can still be visited. You’ll know you’re there when you see the Connemara Giant.
Colleen was a day student at Kylemore Abbey, which grew her love for her area and tourism. She was the youngest National Badge Guide in Ireland and, just before the pandemic, started Colleen Irish Travel.
What to See & Do in Connemara
Connemara, the westernmost part of County Galway is an area of astounding natural beauty and fascinating history, and the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way.
Beautiful mountains, stunning coast, and long stretches of bogs are only the beginning of what Connemara has to offer the visitor.
Connemara has a variety of castles, including the stunning Kylemore Abbey, two castles associated with pirate queen Grainne O’Malley – Aughnanure Castle and Ballynahinch Castle (which is now a hotel) – and the charming ruin of Clifden Castle.
History blends with the landscape in the bog of Derrigimlach where the first transatlantic flight landed (crashed is a more apt word), and where Marconi established the world’s first permanent transatlantic radio station.
The Connemara Greenway is under development – so if you’re a cyclist be sure to check on that.
Connemara is known for beautiful coastal scenery, fresh seafood, and quite a few ocean activities like fishing, sea kayaking, and beaches.
Tours with Colleen Irish Travel
Most tours with Colleen are full day tours that depart from Connemara.
Book via the Colleen Irish Travel website.
You can also connect with Colleen on Facebook and Twitter.
3 Things You Shouldn’t Miss in Connemara
Derrigimlach is an enjoyable 5km walk surrounded by bogs and mountains. Perfect if you are in Clifden.
Omey Island – a tidal island. Just watch the tide charts! Inishbofin is another lovely island to visit.
For a town/ village experience visit Clifden, Roundstone, or Renvyle.
Colleen recommends ‘at least’ an overnight in Connemara. Take the time to enjoy and soak up the area.
Read More: Clifden-The Capital of Connemara
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Traveling in Ireland Podcast Episode 122
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
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