Fáilte Ireland, in partnership with the Connemara and Aran Islands Tourism Network (CAITN), has launched two new self-guided digital trails that celebrate the unique landscape, heritage, and cultural richness of Connemara.
The Connemara Sheep and Wool Trail and the Connemara Film Trail aim to enhance the visitor experience, encourage visitors to stay longer and deliver meaningful benefits to local communities.
The Connemara Sheep and Wool Trail showcases the region’s deep-rooted heritage in wool production. Spanning 14 locations, the trail includes seven primary sites offering immersive, hands-on experiences and seven secondary stops that enrich the journey.
Visitors can explore the evolution of sheep farming and wool processing in Connemara—from age-old techniques to modern sustainable practices—through engaging activities such as sheepdog demonstrations, wool spinning, weaving, and natural dyeing.
Key locations include the Connemara Sheep & Wool Centre in Leenane, Killary Sheep Farm, Joyce Country Sheepdogs, and the Inis Meáin Knitting Company, where the legacy of the Aran jumper continues to inspire and connect the past with the future of the region’s wool industry.
The Connemara Film Trail celebrates the region’s cinematic legacy, guiding visitors through 17 film locations featured in 11 productions.
From the windswept beaches of The Quiet Man to the dramatic cliffs of The Banshees of Inisherin, the trail showcases Connemara’s natural beauty and cultural depth.
It also highlights Galway’s designation as a UNESCO City of Film and the Gaeltacht’s contribution to Irish-language media, including Ros na Rún.
The trail is ideal for off-season and rainy-day exploration, enriched with film trivia, celebrity quotes, and behind-the-scenes insights.
These trails are designed not only to enhance the visitor experience but also to support local businesses and communities.
By encouraging year-round tourism and promoting lesser-known locations, the trails help distribute economic benefits more evenly across the region. Local artisan food producers, craftspeople, farmers, and tourism businesses are showcased throughout the trails.
Miriam Kennedy, Head of Wild Atlantic Way at Fáilte Ireland, said, “These new digital trails are a testament to the power of storytelling through place.”
“By blending immersive content with self-guided exploration, we’re inviting visitors to connect more deeply with Connemara’s landscape, heritage, and people.”
“Whether tracing the threads of wool through generations or stepping into the scenes of iconic films, these trails offer unforgettable experiences that encourage visitors to explore further and stay longer in the region.”
Terence O’Toole & Dominic O’Morain, Co-Chairs of CAITN said, “The Connemara Film Trail is a celebration of the region’s role in global storytelling. It’s a way for visitors to experience the magic of cinema while discovering the warmth and creativity of our communities.”
“The Sheep and Wool Trail is a tribute to generations of craftsmanship and care. It connects visitors with the land, the animals, and the people who have shaped this tradition.”
“It will also be a vital tool for extending the season and supporting rural livelihoods. We’re proud to be part of a project that brings new energy to local tourism and showcases the talent and hospitality of Connemara.”
The trails are the first of a suite of new themed digital trails coming soon for the Connemara & Islands region, and are now available to view on www.connemara.ie
