A Guide To Connemara Airport

Connemara Airport in Inverin in County Galway is one of several airports in Ireland.

However, few Irish airports act as the gateway to a splendour of scenery as grand as the one in Connemara.

Built in 1992, the airport serves the mighty Aran Islands – Inis Mor, Inis Oirr and Inis Meain.

Some quick need-to-knows about Connemara Airport

Although a visit to Connemara Airport is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.

1. Location

Connemara Airport is located in Inverin, around 38km from Galway City (it takes roughly 40 minutes to drive from A to B).

2. Car Parking

Parking is available on-site for passengers. Now, although we’ve tried, we can’t find information around pricing. It may well be free for passengers, but we’re not 100% sure.

3. Amenities

Again, similar to the parking, info on the amenities is scarce. From what we can tell, there’s a small cafe on-site, but you might be as well off bringing a snack with you!

4. Airline Carriers

Aer Arann Islands operates flights from Connemara Airport to Inis Oirr, Inis Mor and Inis Meain.

What to know about arriving in/leaving from Connemara Airport

If you’re used to flying in/from the likes of Dublin Airport or Shannon Airport, you’re in for a fairly different experience here.

Connemara Airport, similar to Donegal Airport and Kerry Airport, is much smaller and, in our opinion, provides a far more enjoyable experience.

A different airport experience

Regional airports like the one in Connemara are a far different experience than the likes of Belfast Airport.

You require less time in the airport before your flight and there’s a lot less queuing and hanging around.

Check-in

Aer Arann Islands advises that passengers should arrive at check-in a minimum of 30 minutes before their flight departure.

Baggage

You get a 14kg baggage allowance on all flights from Connemara Airport. You also get one piece of cabin baggage per customer.

There’s the usual restrictions about what you can/can’t bring on the flight. More info here.

Special assistance

If you or a member of your party need help, you can get it arranged by letting the airline know at the time of booking (they say they need 48 hours notice).

The history of Connemara Airport

Connemara Airport was opened in 1992 and it connected the mainland of Ireland with the breath-taking Aran Islands.

The airport is operated by Aer Arann Islands, an airline with a long history of providing crucial air services to the islands (there’s also a bustling ferry service that runs from Galway to the Aran Islands).

The short but scenic flight offers an unforgettable experience to visitors and a vital service to locals.

Despite its small size, the airport plays a significant role in the tourism industry of the region.

Things to do near Connemara Airport

One of the beauties of Connemara Airport is that it’s a short spin away from many of the best places to visit in Galway.

Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from Inverin Airport!

1. Aran Islands

These beautiful islands offer an authentic Irish experience with their rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes.

2. Connemara National Park

Connemara National Park is a vast expanse of mountains, bogs, heaths, grasslands and forests, providing excellent hiking opportunities.

3. Kylemore Abbey

Kylemore Abbey is a Benedictine monastery founded in 1920 that looks like something from a fairytale. The tour is highly recommended.

4. Clifden

Known as the “Capital of Connemara,” Clifden is a vibrant town in the heart of Connemara. The Sky Road is one of its main attractions.

5. Diamond Hill

Located within Connemara National Park, Diamond Hill offers a challenging but rewarding climb with panoramic views (when the weather is clear…).