Lettermore: Island Coast and Gaeltacht Culture

Lettermore combines a rugged coastline with the vibrant language and culture of the Gaeltacht. When looking for a hotel in Lettermore, you can consider whether coastal scenery, the Irish language or nearby trails are most important to you as you plan your trip.

Island Scenery and Coastline

The Lettermore-Lettermullen peninsula consists of a series of small islands connected by the R374. Lettermore Island is one of the largest islands in Kilkieran Bay and Islands SAC. Lettermore’s landscape includes a rugged coastline, sandy beaches and clear waters. Lettermore South, a salt marsh area, lies on the southern shore of Lettermore Island.

Gaeltacht Culture and History

The Irish language, along with the traditions and culture of the Gaeltacht, continues to thrive in Lettermore. Visitors can use and practise their Irish in local shops and cafés. The Connemara pony is especially valued on the barren peninsulas of Lettermore and West Galway. Lettermore’s barren, wild landscape is also a defining part of the destination.

The standing stones known as Liagain in Lettermore may be the remains of a pre-Christian burial site. This interpretation is possible, but not certain.

Activities and Nearby Trails

In Leitir Móir, Spórtlann Naomh Anna offers a sports centre with a sports hall, gym, steam room and sauna, as well as a wide range of fitness classes. The class schedule may change; if you are interested, check before your visit.

Suitable coves and hidden beaches on the Lettermore peninsula offer opportunities for swimming. Check that each cove is suitable before swimming.

In nearby Leitir Mealláin, four linear walking trails start at the Seaweed & Heritage Centre. They range in length from 3 km to 8 km. When planning an outing, you can choose between the trails based on their stated lengths.

Another trail near Ceann Gólaim leads to Golam Head. A Martello tower built in 1804 to defend against a Napoleonic invasion stands there. The walk combines a hike with a historical destination.

Getting There and Trails in the Wider Galway Destination

From Galway, drive west on the R336 to Casla, then take the R374 to Lettermore. The R374 also connects the small islands of the Lettermore-Lettermullen peninsula.

In the wider Galway destination, two trails in Coole Park differ in both length and points of interest: the easy Family Trail is 1.75 km long and passes the site of the former house and through the walled garden to the Autograph Tree. The 4.5 km Seven Woods Trail passes a viewpoint overlooking Coole Lake and extensive wetlands. The Diamond Hill Walk in Connemara National Park offers a different length: the 6.5 km trail leads to the 445 m summit of Diamond Hill.

Discover more destinations: Salthill, Clifden, Inishbofin, Dunmore, Letterfrack, Shantalla, Kylemore, Spiddal

For the wider travel overview: Galway.