20 Attractions to Explore Near Maam Valley

This is a rectangular glacial lake and is approximately 2.5 miles long and 0.5 miles wide. A sandy beach is nestled at the edge of the lake and it is ideal for a swim or a picnic lunch on a sunny day. The waters hold a range of fish including wild brown trout and pike. The locality has a number of walks, both for experienced hill walkers and others.

The Quiet Man Bridge is a dry stone bridge, which is best known for having been a favourite filming location for John Wayne. The bridge was made famous in the 1950s classic “The Quiet man” starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. The location of the bridge is clearly signposted. This is a popular spot with visitors and a great place for photo opportunities.

Pearse's Cottage in Rosmuc is the former holiday home of Patrick Pearse leader of the 1916 Rising. Pearse also used the house as a summer school for his pupils from St. Enda's where in taught in Dublin.The interior which was burned during the War of Independence has been reconstructed and an exhibition in the cottage is dedicated to the life and work of Pearse.

The Connemara Giant, known as Conn of the Sea, is said to be protector of Connemara. The statue was created by Joyce’s Craft Shop, located across the road, “for no apparent reason”. It is believed that if you touch the hand of the giant you will be blessed with the knowledge of his ancient tribe.

Letterbreckaun is a 667-metre mountain in County Galway, Ireland. It the second highest peak in the Maumturks range. It is situated is situated in the middle sector of the long north-west to south-east cental spine of the Maumturks mountain range in the Connemara National Park in Galway, Ireland. Letterbreckaun is the 2nd-tallest mountain in the range. A good trekking destination and it also offers beautiful views form here.

Lough Inagh is a glacial lake, located in the stunning Inagh Valley, Recess, Connemara. The Twelve Bens range lies to the west of the lake, with Derryclare 677 metres and Bencorr 711 metres directly overlooking the lake. The lake is popular with fishermen and boats are available locally. The lake gives views directly into the large deep southerly corrie between Derryclare and Bencorr, as well as the smaller corrie between Bencorr and Bencorr North Top.

Devilsmother is a 645-metre-high mountain in Connemara, Ireland. It was located at the head of Killary Harbour, overlooking the Western Way long-distance path. It sits on the border between County Galway and County Mayo. A good trekking destination and also there are so many other options too.

Glengowla Mines is a "show mine" dedicated to the lead and silver mining history of Glengowla and the Oughterard area. The mines, abandoned in 1865 are a unique reminder of the 19th century methods of ore- silver and lead extraction and processing. The mine is noted for it’s rare and beautiful crystals of fluorite and quartz, Pitch pine timbers believed to be brought by emigrant coffin ships are still intact in the mine today.

Derryclare Lough is a lake in Connemara, Ireland. This lake is recognizable by its islet located in the middle, and covered with trees. The lake is a popular scenic location, and extensively photographed, and offers views directly into the Glencoaghan Valley of the Twelve Bens and the peaks of the Glencoaghan Horseshoe.

Derryclare, is the 119th–highest peak in Ireland on the Arderin scale, and the 145th–highest peak on the Vandeleur-Lynam scale. This is a popular viewpoint for visitors to the area and a great place for photo opportunities. The Derryclare Lough on its southern slopes is a scenic location in Connemara, while the Derryclare Wood, on its eastern slopes, contains a Statutory Nature Reserve.

Inchagoill Island, located midway between Cong and Oughterard, is one of the largest of many wooded islets along Lough Corrib. It has spectacular views of the Maumturk range, Joyce Country and the mountains of Connemara. There also stands the ruins of two ancient churches, both of the small Irish type but of far different styles and dates.

Bencorr at 711 metres, is the 82nd–highest peak in Ireland on the Arderin scale, and the 102nd–highest peak on the Vandeleur-Lynam scale. It is the second-tallest mountain of the Twelve Bens range, after Benbaun 729 metres; it lies close to Benbaun, separated only by the third-highest mountain in the range of Bencollaghduff 696 metres (2,283 ft), and the col of Maumina.

The Monks Fishing house is located at the back of the Cong Abbey. It was built on the Cong river so the monks could fish from the river all year around. This ingenious little building has a trap door for a net and a small arch that allows the river to flow underneath it. There was also a rope line connected to the kitchen in the monastery that alerted the monks of a fresh catch.

Discover the ancient form of falconry at the oldest established Falconry School in Ireland - flying hawks is an experience of a lifetime.The school is home to the largest and most diverse collection of Harris's hawks. It gives you the chance to fly our wonderful Hawks around the grounds of Ashford Castle during a one-hour Private Hawk Walk.

Ben Gorm is the most southerly peak in the compact range of hills that form the Ben Gorm group. It is a 700 m high mountain in southwest County Mayo, Ireland, on the northern shore of Killary Harbour. A good trekking destination and also there are so many things to do and it also offers nice views too.

The 12th century Abbey at Cong was built on the site of an earlier 7th century monastery founded by either Domnall, the nephew of an Irish King or St Feichin. At one time, the abbey had 3,000 inhabitants, who were excellent scholars and skilled craftsmen. It is also the location where Rory O’Connor, Ireland’s last High King, died.

Corrib Cruises is a family run passenger boat service on Lough Corrib, County Galway, Ireland, operated by brothers Patrick and David Luskin. It offer lake cruises every day of the year on beautiful Lough Corrib. The morning cruise departs from Ashford Castle and Lisloughrey Pier and is an excellent way to see the many sights along the lakeshore. A commentary is provided throughout the voyage.

Aughnanure Castle was built in the 16th century as a stronghold of the O'Flaherty clan, and is renowned for its unusual double bawn. The castle was built by the O'Flaherty family in the 16th century, one of Connacht's most notable lord families. Aughnanure is one of over 200 tower houses in County Galway, constructed mainly by Gaelic and Anglo-Norman land owning families. The tower lies close to the shores of Lough Corrib, and translates to "the field of the yews" in Irish.

A majestic national park covering some 3,000 hectares of scenic mountains, expansive bogs, glorious grasslands and enchanting woodlands. 500 metres high, Diamond Hill rises above the small village of Letterfrack. This is one of the finest hikes in the country. There are many remnants of human habitation within the park. There is a 19th-century graveyard as well as 4,000-year-old megalithic court tombs. Much of the land was once part of the Kylemore Abbey estate.

Doo Lough is a freshwater lake in the west of Ireland. It is located in southwest County Mayo on the Murrisk peninsula. The lake runs in a narrow northwest to southeast direction, and is overlooked by the long ridge of Ben Lugmore 803-metre, on its southwest shores. The northern end of Doo Lough is the site of a stone Celtic cross which was erected as a memorial to the 1849 Doolough Tragedy.