Kylemore Abbey reflected in the lake, surrounded by lush green hills in Connemara, County Galway, Ireland.

County Galway – Mountains, Bogs, and Atlantic Coastline

Upland ranges, peatland, lakes, and long inlets along Ireland’s central west coast.

County Galway is a coastal county of mountains, blanket bog, lakes, and indented Atlantic shoreline in western Ireland. Walking routes cross Connemara National Park and follow the Western Way and other regional routes, linking places such as Galway City, Oughterard, Clifden, Leenane, and Roundstone across upland ridges, moorland tracks, and coastal ground between Galway Bay and Killary Harbour.

Much of the terrain is mixed and often soft underfoot. Bog tracks, gravel paths, minor roads, open hillside, and shoreline sections allow steady progress, with frequent short climbs and descents across low passes and rounded hills rather than sustained steep ascent. Peat and wet ground are common away from roads and established tracks.

The landscape shifts between areas. Connemara to the west includes the Twelve Bens and Maumturk Mountains with steeper slopes and narrow valleys, while central areas around Lough Corrib and Lough Mask are lower and more agricultural. Toward the south and east, ground becomes gentler around Galway City and the shores of Galway Bay, with flatter coastal routes and estuary walking.

Towns and villages are concentrated along coasts, lakes, and main roads, creating regular access points for shorter walks and longer point-to-point routes, with broader gaps across upland and boggy interiors.

Trails and Routes Through County Galway

Western Way

Long-distance walking route running north–south through Connemara and inland valleys, linking Leenane, Maam Cross, Oughterard, and further south toward Galway.

Connemara National Park Paths

Waymarked trails across foothills, woodland, and open hillside around Letterfrack and the Twelve Bens.

Killary Harbour and Fjord Walks

Coastal and hillside tracks following Ireland’s only fjord with mixed shoreline and upland terrain.

Salthill and Galway Bay Promenade

Level seaside paths along the bay edge west of Galway City providing continuous coastal walking on paved ground.

Walking Character

Granite and quartzite hills
Blanket bog and peatland
Lakes and river valleys
Coastal inlets and fjord shoreline
Bog tracks, gravel paths, and minor roads
Frequent short climbs and uneven ground
Remote upland sections between settlements

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is County Galway located?

County Galway is in western Ireland, extending from Galway Bay north into Connemara and inland toward Mayo and Roscommon.

What defines walking here?

Mountain and bog terrain dominate, with a mix of upland tracks, lakeshore routes, and exposed coastal sections.

Are there long-distance routes here?

Yes. The Western Way runs through the county, and there are extensive waymarked routes within Connemara National Park.

Is the terrain steep?

Some mountain areas include steeper climbs, but many routes are rolling or gently undulating with uneven and wet ground rather than sustained gradients.

When is the best time to visit?

Late spring to early autumn offers longer daylight and drier conditions. Upland and boggy ground can be wet at any time of year, and coastal areas are exposed to wind.