Connemara, in the northwest of County Galway, West Ireland stretches from Galway Bay in the south to Killary Harbour in the north. Famously described by Oscar Wilde as ‘a savage beauty’ this region is regarded as one of the most spectacularly wild, rugged and unspoiled pieces of wilderness in the world. Boasting secluded beaches, rocky hills, windswept bogs and innumerable shimmering black lakes, the area is perfect for horse riding, cycling and hiking through the towering Twelve Bens mountains; as well as fishing, golfing and various watersports. Connemara is strewn with some fascinating historic attractions such as the Alcock and Brown Memorial, Kylemore Abbey and the Walled Victorian Gardens, Connemara History & Heritage Centre in Clifden, Glengowla Mines in Oughterard, and the 40,000-acre Connemara National Park.