Leenane the home of adventure

Leenane is a place of contrasts. Situated at the head of Killary harbour, a 16km Fjord, it nestles under the Maamtrasna and Maamturk mountains on the Galway-Mayo border. The area has been inhabited since pre-history, evinced by ancient tombs and the potato ridges climbing the mountains.

Leenane is famous for the stunning and varied beauty of its location. It is this which has been attracting artists, sportsmen, geologists and leisure-seekers for over 150 years. The contrasts of sea and mountains offer vistas alive with colour; the intense green of the hills in summer, the oranges and russets of the autumn mountains, the slate blues of the winter seas. Sheep dot the high hills, roaming wide and free, and salmon can be seen leaping the beautiful Aasleagh falls at the head of the fjord.

 Mountain Walking Festival will be held on May Bank holiday and Food Festival will be held on the 25th & 26th September 2010.

These traditional holiday-makers have been added to in recent years by walkers and adventures seekers. The Killary and Delphi Adventure centres offer the opportunity to try anything from bungee jumping to clay pigeon shooting, water-skiing to orienteering. Both freshwater and sea fishing are catered for by Aasleagh and Delphi fisheries, and sailing and diving are available from Scubadive West. Walkers can follow trails along the Western Way which meander over the Maamturk Mountains and along the side of Killary Harbour.  For Cultural experience, visit the Sheep and Wool Museum or come for the Currach Racing festival in June.

Visitors are well catered for with a variety of accommodation and restaurants locally. From Leenane Hotel to Sleepzone hostel there is a range of accommodation to cater for all budgets and local seafood is available in the cafes and restaurants. Local pubs provide relaxing venues to spend many an evening beside the fire.

Upcoming Events:

• Registration now open for Leenane Mountain Walking Festival 2010. Check out the programme here and register here. For accommodation deals over the walking festival weekend please click here.

• Race Night in An Carraig Bar, March 5th @ 9pm!