Here at The Twelve we benefit from being at the edge of Galway city at the gateway to Connemara. Our luxury Boutique Hotel in Barna is surrounded by stunning nature but if you fancy some exploration further afield we have come up with the perfect adventure in 12 hours!
One-Day Itinerary: The Islands & Connemara Adventure
Start: Early morning from The Twelve Hotel, Barna
Theme: Island escape + mountain & coastal marvels
08:00 – Breakfast at The Twelve
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast — The Twelve is known for its artisan breads, local eggs, and organic produce. Grab a takeaway coffee for the road.
08:45 – Depart for Ros a’ Mhíl Ferry Port (Rosaveal)
Drive Time: ~35 minutes
Follow the wild coastal road westward through Inverin and Spiddal, catching spectacular views of Galway Bay and the Aran Islands on a clear morning.
09:30 – Ferry to Inis Mór (Aran Islands)
Ferry Duration: ~40 minutes
Board the Aran Island Ferries to Inis Mór, the largest of the three Aran Islands. Bring walking shoes, or rent a bike upon arrival.
10:30 – Explore Inis Mór by Bike or Minibus Tour
- Visit Dún Aonghasa, the spectacular Iron Age fort perched on cliffs over the Atlantic.
- Stop by the Worm Hole, a natural tidal pool carved into the rock.
- Pop into local craft shops for hand-knit Aran sweaters or handmade soaps.
- Enjoy a coffee or snack in Joe Watty’s Pub or Teach Nan Phaidi.
13:00 – Ferry back to Ros a’ Mhíl
14:00 – Scenic Drive through Connemara (towards Roundstone)
Head south into wild Connemara, past turf bogs, granite mountains, and stone walls. This is postcard Ireland at its finest.
15:30 – Dogs Bay & Gurteen Bay (Roundstone)
Stop for a walk or paddle at Dogs Bay, one of Ireland’s most beautiful beaches with its white shell sand and turquoise waters. Bring a towel if you fancy a swim!
16:00 – Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Gardens
Drive through the Inagh Valley, arriving at Kylemore Abbey. Explore the neo-Gothic castle, stroll the tranquil gardens, and visit the gothic chapel.
*Don’t forget to buy some of the handmade soap from the Benedictine nuns as a lovely keepsake.
18:30 – Return to Barna & Early Dinner at The Pins Bar
Back at The Twelve, unwind with hearty Irish fare or wood-fired pizza at The Pins Bar & Bistro. Enjoy local seafood, craft beers, and a cosy setting after a big day.
20:00 – Traditional Irish Music Session (Wednesday or Sunday)
Settle in as the trad session kicks off. Local musicians bring the pub to life with fiddles, flutes, and lively craic — a warm, authentic finish to your coastal day, before you end it with a nightcap or dessert and retreat to your luxury room and reflect on your perfect 12 hour West of Ireland Adventure on the Wild Atlantic Way!