Encircled by mature forestry and set against the backdrop of “The “Black Mountain” or Sliabh Callan is the quant, picturesque village of Connolly.
The village is situated midway between the county town of Ennis and Miltown Malbay on the R474 and is a perfect gateway for those wishing to explore the sights, sounds and activities of West Clare.
There is plenty of walking trails in the area including the short hike to the top of Slieve Callan, West Clare’s highest mountain. On a clear day, you can enjoy panoramic views of Mount Brandon to the south, the Silvermine Mountains in Tipperary to the east, the Burren and the hills of Connemara to the north, and Clare’s Atlantic coastline to the west.
The local Cloontabonniv Bog Walk, which was developed by Connolly Tidy Village and is maintained by Clare Walks Ltd., is a 6km guided looped walk offering an abundance of scenery and wildlife. 300m east of the village is a recently developed picnic area and Fairy Trail with ample car parking provided.
Connolly is located on the Mid Clare Way, which takes walkers on a circular route through rolling countryside and the neighbouring villages of Kilnamona and Inagh. The extended Mid Clare Way takes six-days to complete. The 148km loop boasts remote hills, river valleys and lake shore scenery in abundance and connects with the East Clare Way.
The village also features a local shop and service station, public house, primary school, and church.
