Each year I like to focus on a walk in the area and give very detailed info on the walk. This year it’s my personal favourite , the garran complex . A cluster of 3 peaks over looking the Atlantic Ocean that just happens to be at the back of my house in Lettergesh and I’ll be encouraging all guests to do it as it’s not to difficult and will prove to be the hi light of your Holliday . The gurran can be seen from the connemara national park it’s about 2 miles as the crow flys . But to get to the start of the loop from the lodge you just take the wild Atlantic way north 6 miles ( if you don’t have a car don’t worry we will arrange a free lift for you) park at the famous Lettergesh beach car park . A mile of golden sand that Captured the eye and imagination of Hollywood director john ford for his 1952 classic “the quiet man” .from here the round trip is 3- 4 hours . There is no path so you will need to laminated map that I can give you with all vital info or you can download the “map my walk “app which has very detailed virtual paths of all my walks that don’t have clear paths. You will need hiking boots as the terrain is varied A wind breaker and some snacks are also a good idea.
The first of the 3 peaks is called binn chuanna (581 meters) .This the toughest bit and you will have all the climbing done in the first 60-90 minuets. The views from the top or as it’s locally known ” the standard” are as good if not better than anything else in Ireland . That’s a big statement I know . I always held this opinion quietly to myself given the fact that it’s my back garden I might be somewhat partisan . However the people returning from this walk last summer ( which was sunny every day, not typical) agreed they had seen no better. BBC travel also agrees as a photo of this area is represents connemara in their book “50 unforgettable places to see before you die” by Steve davey. After the first sumit you will be walking clockwise with very little elevation change to Garran 598 m and then a fabulous ridge walk west to Binn fhraoigh 541 m this is a great spot for a picnic as there’s good shelter from the prevailing winds at the summit.
Then you can head back down to the beach and walk along the edge of the Atlantic to complete the experience .
On your way back to the letterfrack lodge there is a beautiful village called tully cross . Paddy coynes pub (my local) is a great spot to stop off for well deserved refreshments . Then back to the lodge for a rest , dinner in the lodge restaurant and the best nights sleep you ever had! A perfect connemara day.
