The beautiful village of Leenane, snugly situated at the
head of Killary Harbour, is often aptly described as the
'Gateway to Connemara'. The roads from Maam, Clifden, and
Westport meet at this point. Killary Harbour extends ten
miles inland and with the mountains rising steeply on either
side provides what is probably the best scenery in Ireland.
Walkers have access to Mweelrea, Sheefry, Paltry and
Maumturk Mountains.
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Leenane with its surrounds is a haven for geologists due to
a great variety of sedimentary, volcanic and metamorphic
rocks. There is good fishing in the local Erriff and Delphi
rivers. Well known beauty spots include Aasleagh Falls and
Doolough Valley, scene of the tragic famine walk. A film
adaptation of John B. Keane's famous play "The Field",
directed by Jim Sherdian, was made in Leenane in 1989.
Well-known stars taking part included the late Richard
Harris, John Hurt and Tom Berrenger. Visitors can visit many
of the locations used as sets in the film.
In more recent years the famous Kelly Family from Germany
used Leenane as the setting for a singing album. There is
something for everybody with facilities for adventure
sports, cruising on Killary, mountain climbing and fishing.
These, combined with good accommodation and food, make
Leenane an ideal holiday location.
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