Leenane on Killary Harbour

Leenane lies on Killary Harbour. If you are looking for hotels in Leenane, the range of activities and cultural interests may play a part in choosing your destination: a fjord cruise from the village, walking trails in the surrounding area, or connections to film and theatre history. Killary Harbour is 16 kilometres long and one of only three glacial fjords in Ireland.

Boat Trips and Activities on the Fjord

Killary Fjord Boat Tours offers a 90-minute boat trip from Leenane, with uninterrupted views of Killary Fjord. There is a café, a bar and toilets on board. Bookings and timetables may vary, so check them when planning the trip for your stay.

Kayaking on Killary Fjord is also offered by Killary Adventure Company, located five kilometres from Leenane. The activity’s availability may vary. At Killary Sheep Farm, six kilometres from Leenane, visitors can watch sheepdog demonstrations, sheep shearing and traditional turf cutting. There are also walking trails; conditions may vary. Visitors can also bottle-feed orphaned lambs, subject to seasonal conditions. The farm’s arrangements for its activities may vary.

Walking Trails, Festival and Sheep Show

The historic Green Road runs alongside the fjord on Killary Harbour. It is approximately nine kilometres long. Another walking route starts in Oughterard and ends in Leenane; its total length is 53 kilometres. The approximately nine-kilometre Green Road is the shorter route alongside the fjord; the longer route is 53 kilometres long and ends in Leenane.

The Connemara Mountain Walking Festival takes place in Leenane. Transport to and from the walks is included; the festival programme and transport arrangements may change. The Leenane Sheep Show, held annually in September, is devoted to Mountain Blackface sheep. The programme includes a children’s dog show, where young handlers compete for a title. Dates and programme details may change.

Film History and Literature

Leenane was a filming location in 1990 for “The Field,” directed by Jim Sheridan and starring Richard Harris and John Hurt. Another cultural connection is Martin McDonagh’s play “The Beauty Queen of Leenane,” which is set in Leenane. These are two distinct connections to the village: the 1990 filming and the story of the play.

Driving Route and Regional Cuisine

The road from Leenane via Doo Lough to Drummin is part of the Wild Atlantic Way driving route. The Killary Café serves homemade food made with fresh local produce; the menu may change. A stay can therefore include a range of activities, from a drive or walk to cultural and culinary offerings, without requiring a particular itinerary.

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