Cúpla Focal & What to See
Connemara is characterized by its wild and untamed beauty, with a landscape shaped by mountains, lakes, and the Atlantic. The region is dominated by the Twelve Bens mountain range, which provides a dramatic backdrop to the sweeping vistas of Connemara. The SKODA Tour de Conamara takes place in a unique cultural setting with the Gaeltacht area accounting for the area where most of the event takes place. That is why it called Tour de Conamara and not Tour de Connemara!!
The Gaeltacht region of Connemara is one of several areas in Ireland where the Irish language is still spoken as a community language. Here, you’ll find a strong sense of cultural identity and pride in the Irish language, with residents conversing fluently in Gaelic in their daily lives. Visitors to the area have the opportunity to learn basic Irish phrases and immerse themselves in the language through classes, workshops, and cultural events. Try a couple of words at the food stop in Carna, where you are in the heart of the Gaeltacht.
Here are a few phases to try out in Carna or Caiseal
I understand now why they say this is the most scenic sportive in Ireland.
Tuigim anois cén fáth a ndeir siad gurb é seo ceann de na háiteanna is spórtúla agus is áille in Éirinn.
Thank you for the hospitality in Carna and Caiseal
Go raibh maith agaibh as an bhfáilte i gCarna agus i gCaiseal.
How may kilometres to the next food stop?
Cé mhéad ciliméadar go dtí an chéad stad bia eile?
I really should have trained more !
Ba cheart go mbeadh níos mó iarracht déanta agam i ndáiríre
These flapjacks are just what I needed
Ba iad na flapóga (FLAPJACKS) sin go díreach céard a bhí uaim
WHAT TO SEE LOCALLY – Explore more of the area with these top tips;
Camus: Fáinne Exploring the Landscape of An Fáinne Chamuis Big O Camus (connemara.ie)
Ros Muc: Ionad Cultúrtha an Phiarsaigh Pearses Cultural Centre Cottage – Ionad Cultúrtha an Phiarsaigh Teach (icpconamara.ie)
Carna: Immigrants Centre Home | Carna Emigrants (carnaemigrantscentre.com)
Oileán Mhic Dara/ Mac Dara’s Island St. MacDara’s Island & Church near Carna Co. Galway (galwaytourism.ie) Only accessible by boat
Máméan https://www.visitgalway.ie/explore/religious-and-spiritual/religious-architecture/mam-ean/
There are also some fantastic beaches along the route Moyrus Coastal Walk Carna (connemara.ie)