8 Picture Perfect Photo Ops on the Road to Rossaveel
On your way to board the Aran Islands ferry in the picturesque village of Rossaveel, Connemara, Galway on the West Coast of Ireland, make sure you are in absolutely no hurry. There is so much to see on your drive through Connemara and many incredible places to visit, especially if you’re looking to take the perfect photo to sum up your visit or blog about your travels.
The landscape is beautiful and bleak, rugged and captivating, and has National Park status since 1980. It comprises almost 5,000 acres of land, including the Aran Islands.
Connemara is a rugged and captivating place, full of cool and quirky sights perfect for photographing. Check out these 8 cool places to stop and snap en route to board the ferry in Rossaveel.
- The Connemara Landscape
- Kylemore Abbey
- Sky Road
- Connemara Pony
- Clifden Castle
- Trá an Dóilín - Coral Beach
- The Quiet Man Bridge
- Spiddal Craft Village and Café
The Unmistakable Connemara Landscape:
The area is made up of blanket bog and rocky mountains, a distinct atmosphere of wilderness. Purple moor grass adds colour to the year-round scrub and the wild Atlantic weather creates the quintessentially misty rural Irish backdrop. Many birds including birds of prey call the region home, and mammals like goats, badgers, mice, even red deer live here. With beautiful white beaches, craggy coves and miles of mountains, Connemara itself is one big photo op.
Kylemore Abbey and Walled Gardens:
This Benedictine Monastery set on 1,000 acres of lush mountain landscape, formal gardens, woodland and lakeside sets probably the most iconic scene in Connemara. You could spend the day wandering the walled gardens and hearing the romantic history of the building constructed as a wedding present, but if you have a ferry to catch, drive up the driveway, get a glimpse of the magnificent castle and a photograph to prove it!
Sky Road:
Sounds epic? Because it is! Sky Road is around 16 km of incredible panorama and stunning scenery which spans from Clifden, loops around the Kingston Peninsula and back to Clifden again. Except views for days when you take the High Sky Road, and when you reach the top and pull over to snap the scene. If you prefer, take the low road and hug the blue coast instead, it’s equally as awesome. A wonderful route… whatever the weather.
Connemara Pony:
As you drive through Connemara, you'll see the ponies roaming the hillsides and rocky terrain which has enabled them to adapt and survive. Famed for their good nature and versatility, these beautiful creatures are always willing to strike an elegant pose!
Clifden Castle:
If you like ruins, you’ll like Clifden Castle. Built in 1818 in Gothic Revival style, the well appointed castle was home to John D’Arcy, a wealthy landowner and founder of Clifden Town. The castle now lies in ruin, a hauntingly beautiful relic on the Sky Road. Stop to see the formidable castle, with its walls and turrets intact. It’s a great opportunity for an enchanting photograph!
Trá an Dóilín - Coral Beach:
Based in Carraroe and just a 15-minute drive from Rossaveel Ferry Terminal, this Blue Flag beach is famous is for its coral and crystal clear waters - perfect for a swim and a snap before or after your Aran Islands experience.
The Quiet Man bridge:
One of the most iconic locations featured in the famous 1952 movie The Quiet Man staring John Wayne and Maureen O Hara, this stone bridge in the town of Recess is a beautiful place, whether you know the movie or not. Tourists flock to the spot for the perfect shot, why not line up your selfie and join them. Cheese!
Spiddal Craft Village and Café:
Just 20 minutes from Galway City, you'll find Spiddal Craft Village and Cafe, where ten in house artisans design, create and sell their wares. It is a port of call for visitors interested in Irish culture and craft. The colourful row of workshops against the backdrop of Galway Bay make it especially instagrammable.
There are of course many more attractions in Connemara including pubs, restaurants, craft stores and artisan products. It’s a world famous destination after all.
Next time you’re on the way to board an Aran Islands Ferry in Rossaveel, check out some of our suggested stops and snap some shots of Connemara for your album.