Hill Walking and Places of Interest
Hill Walking
We are located at the gateway to the Connemara Mountains, which offer beautiful landscapes and breathtaking views. Each mountain range has a unique character of its own.
Maamturk Mountains
This is a chain of mountains connected by a ridge. Every step on your way seems to offer a different view onto lakes below, the sea in the distance and mountains nearby. It is important to take care as there are many dangerous drops.
Maamtrasna Mountains
This is a table-mountain range. The ascend is steep but once you have climbed it, you are faced by a plateau that stretches for miles, containing a scattering of small lakes and bog.
Be careful not to lose directions in this unique landscape, particularly if clouds are suddenly rolling in from the sea.
Croagh Patrick
This mountain is locally known as the 'Reek'. Approaching the mountain from Ballinrobe/Partry, it shows its characteristic pyramid-like shape. This may be the reason why already in pre-christian times it was a place of pilgrimage. Even today, on the last Sunday of July, thousands climb the mountain to celebrate mass on the summit. The view from the top is breathtaking (if the summit is not shrouded by clouds), as all of Clew Bay, as well as Clare Island and Achill Island, can be seen.
Historic & Pre-Historic Sites
There are many places of interest in close proximity to Inishmacatreer, which are steeped in history.
Inchigoill
This is an island on Lough Corrib, which contains the ruins of a very old monastery.
This place provides a mystical atmosphere, as the island is no longer inhabited and the ruins are secluded in the forest inside the island.
Cong Abbey & Ashford Castle
The Abbey is located in the village of Cong. There is an old yew grove on the site of the abbey which gives the place a special sense. You can cross the adjacent river over a small footbridge, which brings you into a forest of tall trees (among which are redwoods). Walk the path along the river and you will come to Ashford Castle. This is a place of magic when you walk in the evening as the dusk sets in.
Stone Circle at Cong
Take the road from Cross to Cong. Turn right at the gates of Ashford Castle and head for Ballinrobe. After a couple of miles you will see one of a number of pre-historic Stone Circles found in the Cong area, not far from the road on your left hand side.
Ballymagibbon Cairn
Take the road from Cross to Cong. 2 Km outside the village of Cross you will find a signpost for the Cairn on your right. Follow a small path and after about 100 meters you will stand in front of a large mount of stones which is Ballymagibbon Cairn.
Things to do in neighbouring towns
Galway
This University town is 45 Km away from Inishmacatreer and only a 40 minute-drive from the island.
Take a scenic walk along River Corrib from the Salmon Weir and the Cathedral down to the Spanish Arch. The old centre of Galway, with its many narrow lanes and historic buildings (e.g. St.Nicolas Church, Lynch's Castle), goes back to medieval times.
It has plenty of shops and pubs, and there is live music every day of the week. There are also several theatres, of which the Druid Theatre is the best known.
Events not to be missed: Arts Festival (last 2 weeks of July)
Film Fleah (Mid July)
Race Week (1st week in August)
Westport
45 Km away from Inishmacatreer the town can be reached within ¾ hour. It is a pleasant small town on Clew Bay with scenic surroundings (e.g. Croagh Patrick, Beach at Old Head).
There are pubs with character and good live music on weekends (e.g. Molloy's for Traditional Music, Heneghan's for Rock'n Roll & Blues).
Each mountain range has a unique character of its own.
