WHEN MOUNTAINS MEET THE SEA
Located on the border of County mayo and County Galway, just an hour's drive from Knockranny House Hotel & Spa, Killary Fjord is one of Ireland most's spectacular natural wonders and an ideal addition to your Connemara day trip itinerary.The drive itself is part of the experience.
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It is Ireland's only fjord and offers visistors a rare combination of geological wonder, tranquil scenery, outdoor adventure and some of the country's best salmon.
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We are delighted to offer a 20% discount on your Killary Fjord Cruise Adventure - please enquire at our reception desk during your stay with us
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Plan your day trip with us
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A NATURAL WONDER
Streching 16 kilometres inland from the Atlantic Ocean, Killary Fjord is a glacial fjord formed during the last Ice Age. This glacially carved waterway is 50 metres deep at its centre and remains ice-free all year round. Surrounded by towering mountains on either side, with Mweelrea being Connacht's highest mountain, steep hills, sheltered waters and the ever-changing light of the Atlantic sky make Killary a destination for photographers, walkers and those seeking the quiet drama of the west coast.
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SCENIC DRIVES & OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
The drive itself is part of the experience, carving a dramatic path through the rugged mountains of Connemara, taking you through winding mountain roads, pristine lakes, stone walls and traditional villages like Leenane.
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The charming village of Leenane, located at the mouth of the fjord, famously featured in the film The Field, is a great stop for lunch and offers charming cafes and artisan shops. From here, you can join a Killary Fjord Cruise Tour, visit the Killary Adventure Centre which offers kayaking, gorge walking and ziplining with views over the water. For a quieter experience, you can take a walk along the Famine Trail, a poignant route that runs along the southern shore of the fjord and offers insight into Ireland's 19th-century history and emigration.
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For the more experienced hikers only why not take on the highest mountain in Mayo, Mweelrea, standing at 814m (2,671ft). As it is not an easy climb and quite dangerous at times we would strongly suggest to have an experienced guide by your side (contact +353 086 4466997 or visit www.mountaintrails.ie )
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SALMON IN KILLARY FJORD
Killary is also well-known among anglers for its rich salmon and sea trout populations. The clean oxygen-rich waters of the fjord and its tributaries, such as the Erriff river, provide ideal conditions for migratory fish.
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The Erriff River, just a short drive from Leenane, is one of the premier salmon fisheries in Ireland. Managed by Inland Fisheries Ireland, the river is fly-only and offers both day permits and ghillie services. The nearby Aasleagh Falls is not only a striking scenic spot but also a key location for observing salmon as they make their way upstream to spawn.
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For anglers, the season typically runs from spring to late autumn, with July and August offering the best conditions for salmon fishing. Equipment hire and guiding services are available locally.