Title: Recess Travel Guide: Best of Recess, County Galway Travel 2025 | Expedia.co.uk [Hotels in Recess](https://expedia.co.uk/Recess-Hotels.d6144766.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Holiday Rentals in Recess](https://expedia.co.uk/Recess-Holiday-Rentals.d6144766.Travel-Guide-HolidayRentals)[Things to do in Recess](https://expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Recess.d6144766.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Recess Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Recess.d6144766.Car-Hire-Guide)[Recess Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Recess.d6144766.Holidays-City-Breaks) # Recess Travel Guide ## Tourist Guide ![Recess](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/d650bbfbdf4683b9605b2a4fac4b6847.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Photo by Emma Spurlock](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/154b88988a49eef2cc47484e9ab7fa2f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) [Photo by Emma Spurlock](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/154b88988a49eef2cc47484e9ab7fa2f.jpg) ![Photo by Jazzinto ](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/713e0cabdca1a1e9a8323b949939459a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) [Photo by Jazzinto](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/713e0cabdca1a1e9a8323b949939459a.jpg) ![Photo by Éric Lecoustre](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/7dbe269ed599f6c18f5cf570ad2372d5.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) [Photo by Éric Lecoustre](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/7dbe269ed599f6c18f5cf570ad2372d5.jpg) ![Photo by Lucy](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/0402a416723747893b06817129a42d58.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) [Photo by Lucy](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/0402a416723747893b06817129a42d58.jpg) ## Visit Recess Things to do #### How romantic to head for a region so far off thebeaten track, its name doesn’t always even show up on maps. That is just one ofthe exotic attractions of [Connemara](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Connemara.d6035156.Holidays-City-Breaks),the western stretch of [CountyGalway](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Galway.d603082.Holidays-City-Breaks) beyond [LoughCorrib](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Lough-Corrib-Oughterard.d6085953.Attraction), where the village of Recessnestles between mountains and lakes in the Republic of Ireland’s wildestcoastal region, perfect for getting away from it all. Beloved of artists, walkers, nature lovers and anyone seeking a sigh-inducing venue for cycling or golfing tours, boating or coastal water sports, Recess is the home to luxury hotels, surprising shops and striking art. But, most importantly, Recess is a gateway to endless miles of beautiful, imposing countryside and beaches with the proven ability to inspire poets and painters alike. ### Recess Landmarks You’ll know when you’ve arrived in Recess thanks to the landmark of the Connemara Giant statue, placed near the main road “for no apparent reason”, although legends suggest that touching the giant’s hand will imbue you with ancient knowledge. Close by is another monument shot through with Irish wit, proclaiming that “on this site in 1897, nothing happened”! The landmarks are the handiwork of the excellent, long-established Joyce’s Craft Shop, which specialises in local artisanal fashion and jewellery, antique books, ornaments and artistic household items. Look out for works using the local green marble. ### A Short Drive from Recess A short drive from Recess by rental car, you can visit Kylemore Abbey in the spectacular [Connemara National Park](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Connemara-National-Park-Letterfrack.d6086201.Attraction). The 19th century castle was formerly home of an industrialist MP, but was adopted as a monastery in the 1920s. You must also see Dan O'Hara's Connemara Heritage and History Centre and the traditional Sheep and Wool Centre at Leenane. Situated close to the peaks of the National Park, Recess is also handy for Galway’s famous stretches of the 1,500-mile Wild Atlantic Way. Here are the big skies and romantic highs of green marble mountains plus, down at sea level, some of the most arresting beaches, rugged rocky landscapes and coastal scenery in all of Europe. ### Sports and Activities in Recess Mountain biking, hill walking and golf are among Connemara’s most popular sports, though a whole new set of possibilities arises on the lakes, where sailing and diving are great fun. Based in [Leeane](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Leenane.d6125881.Holidays-City-Breaks), Killary Adventure Centre offers a fantastic range of outdoor pursuits to adults and kids alike, from kayaking and waterskiing to rock-climbing, bungee jumping and laser games. ### The Heavenly Light of Recess Renowned for the natural beauty of its commanding mountains, its scattered expanses of crystal blue lakes and empty beaches, Connemara’s quality of light sets it apart from any other coastal wilderness. When the scudding clouds cross the sun falling in Ireland’s undiscovered west, that’s when a visitor first tastes the many moods of the landscape. Always emotional, tugging at the heartstrings, the setting alone is enough to take the breath away. ### Enjoy Your Stay in Recess Whether you are visiting Recess to sample Connemara’s natural wonders, for an activity-based break or an unforgettable combination of the two, you’re guaranteed a warm welcome and a wild time in the Republic of Ireland’s untamed west. - Top hotels in Recess ![Lough Inagh Lodge Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/3000000/2050000/2041300/2041281/9ae946ee_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Lough Inagh Lodge Hotel Connemara, Recess, Galway £205 29 Sept - 30 Sept includes taxes & fees Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Recess. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 24-hour room service. Popular attractions Cloonabartan Lough and Derryclare ... 9.6/10 Exceptional! (102 reviews) "Absolutely lovely- the breakfast, staff and accommodation were first rate. Will look at staying there again." Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=29%2F09%2F2025&endDate=30%2F09%2F2025&selected=2041281&PinnedHotelID=2041281&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6144766) ![Ashford Castle](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/80000/77000/76936/b06c0756_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Ashford Castle Ashford Castle, Cong, Co. Mayo £801 12 Oct - 13 Oct includes taxes & fees Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cong. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ... 9.8/10 Exceptional! (485 reviews) "Probably the best place to stay in Ireland. Finest hospitality." Reviewed on 2 Sept 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=12%2F10%2F2025&endDate=13%2F10%2F2025&selected=76936&PinnedHotelID=76936&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6144766) ![The Lodge at Ashford Castle](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/5000000/4590000/4585700/4585612/898a5885_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### The Lodge at Ashford Castle The Quay, Cong, Mayo £161 16 Oct - 17 Oct includes taxes & fees Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Cong. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a golf course. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ... 9.4/10 Exceptional! (389 reviews) "The lodge is beautiful, castle grounds impressive, staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. Dinner at The Dungeon was delicious. Just a wonderful place to stay. Should have booked a few days to try all the available activities." Reviewed on 9 Sept 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=16%2F10%2F2025&endDate=17%2F10%2F2025&selected=4585612&PinnedHotelID=4585612&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6144766) [See all 605 properties in Recess](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=17%2F09%2F2025&endDate=18%2F09%2F2025®ionId=6144766) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply. ## Check Recess hotel availability [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6144766&startDate=2025-09-16&endDate=2025-09-17) [Tonight](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6144766&startDate=2025-09-16&endDate=2025-09-17) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6144766&startDate=2025-09-16&endDate=2025-09-17) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6144766&startDate=2025-09-16&endDate=2025-09-17)[16 Sept - 17 Sept](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6144766&startDate=2025-09-16&endDate=2025-09-17) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6144766&startDate=2025-09-17&endDate=2025-09-18) [Tomorrow night](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6144766&startDate=2025-09-17&endDate=2025-09-18) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6144766&startDate=2025-09-17&endDate=2025-09-18) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6144766&startDate=2025-09-17&endDate=2025-09-18)[17 Sept - 18 Sept](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6144766&startDate=2025-09-17&endDate=2025-09-18) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6144766&startDate=19%2F09%2F2025&endDate=21%2F09%2F2025) [This weekend](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6144766&startDate=19%2F09%2F2025&endDate=21%2F09%2F2025) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6144766&startDate=19%2F09%2F2025&endDate=21%2F09%2F2025) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6144766&startDate=19%2F09%2F2025&endDate=21%2F09%2F2025)[19 Sept - 21 Sept](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6144766&startDate=19%2F09%2F2025&endDate=21%2F09%2F2025) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6144766&startDate=26%2F09%2F2025&endDate=28%2F09%2F2025) [Next weekend](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6144766&startDate=26%2F09%2F2025&endDate=28%2F09%2F2025) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6144766&startDate=26%2F09%2F2025&endDate=28%2F09%2F2025) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6144766&startDate=26%2F09%2F2025&endDate=28%2F09%2F2025)[26 Sept - 28 Sept](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6144766&startDate=26%2F09%2F2025&endDate=28%2F09%2F2025) ### Popular places to visit #### Derryclare Nature Reserve You can take time to visit Derryclare Nature Reserve during your travels to Recess. While in this relaxing area, you can enjoy the restaurants. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Derryclare-Nature-Reserve-Recess.d888721072030298112.Attraction) #### Whitehillock Lough Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Whitehillock Lough during your travels in Recess. While in this relaxing area, you can enjoy the restaurants. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Whitehillock-Lough-Recess.d888719034594713600.Attraction) #### Illion Lough Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Illion Lough during your travels in Recess. While in this relaxing area, you can enjoy the restaurants. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Illion-Lough-Recess.d888719346296500224.Attraction) #### Lough Achuss Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Lough Achuss during your travels in Recess. While in this relaxing area, you can enjoy the restaurants. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Lough-Achuss-Recess.d888719224814784512.Attraction) #### Glendollach Lough Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Glendollach Lough during your travels in Recess. While in this relaxing area, you can enjoy the restaurants. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Glendollach-Lough-Recess.d888719374429786112.Attraction) #### Owengarve Lough Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Owengarve Lough during your travels in Recess. While in this relaxing area, you can enjoy the restaurants. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Owengarve-Lough-Recess.d888719487967506432.Attraction) ### Things to do ![Atlantic Salmon & Sea Trout fishing.Connemara.English/French speaking Ghillie](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/999173/631b422d-f80c-42d7-b659-4ecd28154d0c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Atlantic Salmon & Sea Trout fishing.Connemara.English/French speaking Ghillie £630 per traveller [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/atlantic-salmon-sea-trout-fishingconnemaraenglishfrench-speaking-ghillie.a999173.activity-details) ![Kylemore Abbey](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/675224/598de141-52ce-4f47-a029-3fbcf8e8f468.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Connemara Day Trip Including Leenane Village and Kylemore Abbey from Galway £56 per adult **100%** of travellers recommend [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/connemara-day-trip-including-leenane-village-and-kylemore-abbey-from-galway.a675224.activity-details) ![Pine Island -12 Bens Connemara](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/999320/45f0c2a7-abb2-4653-88e5-f1b9bac71793.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Connemara, Kylemore Abbey and Wild Atlantic Way tour from Galway £62 per adult [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/connemara.a999320.activity-details) ![Wild Red Deer Viewing Safari, Connemara. Guided 3hrs](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/999274/c855b07f-0cc2-46be-8fc5-3d814ecacd3e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Wild Red Deer Viewing Safari, Connemara. Guided 3hrs £303 per traveller [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/wild-red-deer-viewing-safari.a999274.activity-details) ![Connemara Coastal kayaking](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/46316347/572c4dba-2dba-480f-8a89-03b1f78ed55a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Connemara Coastal kayaking £67 per adult [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/connemara-coastal-kayaking.a46316347.activity-details) ![View of Lough na Fooey](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/46323737/ff8c0fba-cf23-4148-8a91-59d101daa54a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Connemara Sheep Farm experience & Kylemore Abbey by Lux Limousine £692 per traveller [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/connemara-sheep-farm-experience-kylemore-abbey-by-lux-limousine.a46323737.activity-details) [See all activities in Recess](https://expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Recess.d6144766.Travel-Guide-Activities) ## Cities near Recess ![Glassillaun](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/0b6c52cc08940fceb3590621af1bbb24.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Glassillaun [](https://expedia.co.uk/Glassillaun.dx6352899) - Cities near Recess [Glassillaun](https://expedia.co.uk/Glassillaun.dx6352899)[Gowla](https://expedia.co.uk/Gowla.dx646104303376588800) ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save on select hotels when you book in the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. 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