Leenane – at the head of Killary Harbour
A little over a half-hour’s drive south of Westport, the beautiful village of Leenane (“Leenaun” on some signposts), at the head of Killary Harbour, is often aptly described as the Gateway to Connemara. The roads from Maam, Clifden, and Westport meet at this point. The must-visit Aasleagh Falls is just over the border into County Mayo, on the scenic road to Doo Lough and Louisburgh.
Killary Harbour extends around 16km (10 miles) towards the sea from Leenane and with the mountains rising steeply on either side, provides some of the finest scenery in Ireland.
There are two pubs in the village and one just outside of the village on the Westport Road (N59), as well as a couple of shops and a post office.
Hillwalkers have ready access to Mweelrea and the Sheeffry Hills.
The nearby Erriff and Delphi rivers offer fishing opportunities, fished in the past by British princes and most famously by Jack Charlton, the Ireland football manager and honourary Irishman.