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Connemara National Park

connemArA, the wIld a long history behind it, made up of Cel-
heArt oF IrelAnd tic clans at war. It is not cosmopolitan
like Dublin and still preserves the charm
Spiaggia di Ballyconneely here is in Ireland one of the wildest of rural Ireland, made up of ancient pubs
Tplaces in Europe, where the advance and countryside populated by flocks of
of human civilization has surrendered sheep and endless pastures. Its surroun-
to the constraints imposed by nature. dings are fantastic: not even two hours
I’m talking about Connemara, an Irish by car are the majestic Cliffs of Moher,
region disputed between the Atlantic the symbolic cliffs of the country, or the
Ocean, wind and rock. Forget about Burren, a lunar landscape characterized
Dublin and Guinness: this is where you by a moor of rocks that is lost in sight of
have to come to savor the true essence eyes, while off the city you can visit the
of Ireland. Connemara is located in the wild Aran Islands, reachable by boat or
province of Connacht, the westernmost airplane. Once you have rented the car,
and least inhabited as it is more rugged get ready to tackle the narrow streets
and greedy for resources, so much so that of Connemara. I recommend a prudent
even trees are scarce. The lack of trees guide, given the presence of numerous
prompted the monks to build stone mo- hairpin bends and narrow streets, which
nasteries. The use of rock as a building often see the crossing of animals such as
material has allowed these examples of sheep or horses. Roundstone and Bal-
sacred architecture to reach the present lyconneely are two unmissable towns
day. The Connemara is a place out of lost in the countryside. A few kilome-
time, lashed by the salty wind of the Oce- ters away is Ballyconneely, famous for
an that has softened its profile, made by its beaches and its cobalt blue sea. As
hills of a blinding green and rocky lands evening approaches, head to Clifden, a
that paint incredible lunar landscapes: a village where you can experience Irish
perfect trip to do by car, which will re- hospitality. The small town offers many
quire a minimum of 4 days. Dublin is a accommodations in addition to the hi-
couple of hours away. The largest center storic pubs that prepare typical dishes
in the region is Galway: this picturesque of the local tradition. Above all I suggest
town stands on the Atlantic coast and is you try the Lowry’s pub, where you can
a must-see for anyone visiting Ireland. listen to great live music and try craft
A very youthful university city but with beers, and the Guys Bar, a restaurant
that uses only raw materials produced

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