Have you heard of the Renvyle Peninsula in County Galway, Ireland?
It’s not one of the famous destinations that pops up in most guidebooks.
And that’s what makes this gorgeous spot one of the best destinations in Connemara.
Heck, it makes it one of the best destinations in all of Ireland.
Where is this Renvyle Peninsula you speak of?
Renvyle is in the Connemara area of County Galway.
It lies about 84km northwest of Galway City.
And it’s just south of Killary Harbor and County Mayo.
It’s not a big piece of land like the Iveragh Peninsula (the Ring of Kerry), but it packs a lot of WOW!
Often you’ll see the drive referred to as the Connemara Loop.
So what is there to see and do?
My first stop as I drove out the Renvyle Peninsula. Not bad!!
Glassilaun Beach — absolutely stunning beach!
History
Renvyle Castle is located out on the far point of the peninsula. It belonged to the O’Flaherty Clan and was also the home to the Pirate Queen, Grace O’Malley.
I looked for, but couldn’t find, some standing stones on the road to Derryinver. But they exist.
Admittedly, I probably didn’t look that hard.
There is also a portal tomb at Cashleen as well as the Church of the Seven Daughters.
Renvyle House — which is now a hotel — is an historical home that belonged to the influential Blake Family.
I also found a road called the Famine Road. Apparently there are loads of these crisscrossing roads in this part of Ireland. They’re old routes used by those trying to escape the devastation of the famine in the mid-1800’s.
The ruins of Renvyle Castle.
Towns and Villages
There aren’t really any sizable towns on the Renvyle Peninsula.
What you find are more villages such as Tully and Tully Cross.
And being Ireland, you will find some pubs in these villages along with a few hotels and B&B’s and some shops and markets.
There’s just enough of what you need.
But Renvyle is not about the towns, it’s about the great outdoors…
Looking toward Mweelrea in southern County Mayo. Such a gorgeous coastline and magnificent scenery!
Mountains, Hills and Valleys
While the bigger peaks of Connemara are to the East, you will find the beautiful Tully Mountain which stands at 356m.
And you have views East to the 12 Bens and you’ll see Mweelrea in southern County Mayo to the North.
There are hills and valleys dotted with sheep.
Tully Lough is just about right in the middle of the peninsula while Lough Fee is in the northeastern part of the peninsula.
It’s all quite picturesque.
Driving along side Tully Mountain. Spectacular!
Some views looking toward Tully Lough and the mountains of Connemara. Gorgeous!
Lough Fee, mountains and sheep.
The best thing about the Renvyle Peninsula
To me the coastline is the best thing about the Renvyle Peninsula.
There’s some beautiful rugged coastline with cliffs leading down to the aquamarine seas.
Then there are some of the most stunning beaches I’ve laid eyes on.
Whitestrand is a dazzling stretch of sandy gorgeousness.
Lettergesh is a another stunner with mountains directly behind it.
Then there’s Glassilaun which is tucked back single track lanes and is a magnificent crescent shaped beach that looks like it could be in the Caribbean.
So many beaches and so many fabulous overlooks to the sea.
*Sigh*
That’s Renvyle!
Whitestrand — One of the gorgeous beaches of the Renvyle Peninsula.
Lettergesh Beach is backed by the mountains, hills and lots of grazing land. It’s quite beautiful!
The beautiful Lettergesh beach. Another dazzling beach!
While I was at Glassilaun a small bus with school kids pulled up and they all came out to play on the beach on this gorgeous day.
Sports — land and water
And with all this dazzling landscape comes all kinds of outdoor pursuits.
Yes, you can spend time walking the lovely beaches or swimming in the sea — although that water is never that warm. This is Ireland!
Horseback riding on these beaches is also quite popular.
Taking a boat out to do some fishing is also a splendid idea as is taking a walk through the inland hills and even up Tully Mountain.
You may even want to get on a bicycle and bike around the peninsula.
As I was walking along Whitestrand, this group of young people came running across the sand and into the water. I was trying not to laugh as they ran into the chilly sea as I could tell they were cold!
Special Area of Conservation
Much of the Renvyle Peninsula is designated as a Special Area of Conservation.
This means that building and development is restricted.
And that makes Renvyle pretty damn unique and exceptional — not to mention uncrowded and tranquil.
The beaches are clean.
The roads are traffic-free.
And the scenery is amazeballs!
Glassilaun Beach — my favorite! Simply stunning!
Don’t miss Renvyle
If you are headed to County Galway and the Connemara area of Ireland, you cannot miss this beautiful destination.
It’s not a spot you find in a lot of guidebooks.
But the locals know it and will tell you how brilliant it is.
It’s not the destination for tons of sites or busy towns.
Renvyle Peninsula is the place for peace and quiet, walks on beaches, gazing at mountains and taking time to reconnect with nature.
Be sure it’s on your list.
You won’t be disappointed!
Wow. This all looks so amazing. I was in Ireland last year with my feiends, but we didn’t have enough time to go to that area. I really want to return. To this area Thom this article is also very helpful for it.
Ireland is small but has a lot to see and do! And Renvyle is definitely off the beaten track.
I just came back from Ireland two days ago and there’s so much I haven’t seen yet! We stayed only 2 nights in Galway and couldn’t fit the Connemara region in our itinerary. Next time!
I spent 6 days in Connemara and it wasn’t enough!
I watched a film set in Ireland last night and now I have the most urgent wanderlust to go! Lovely post. Thanks!
Ireland is amazing!
Your pics are really amazing, this place looks fabulous, one more destination on my bucketlist.
Thanks for the comment, Julie. It’s really beautiful!