One of the advantages of glamping is that packing is considerably easier than it would be for a traditional camping holiday.
There is no tent to squeeze into the car, no sleeping bag to remember and no need to spend your first evening wrestling with tent poles.
However, a little preparation can still help you get even more from your time in Connemara.
If you are getting ready for a stay at Connemara Glamping, here is a practical guide to what you may want to bring.
You Can Leave the Tent at Home
Let’s start with the obvious one.
You do not need to bring camping accommodation.
Our spacious safari-style glamping tents are already set up and waiting for you.
Each sleeps up to six people across three bedrooms and includes king-size beds, hotel-quality duvets and linen, electric blankets and an en-suite bathroom.
Fluffy towels are also provided.
That means much of the bulky equipment associated with traditional camping can stay at home.
Bring Layers
Anyone who knows the west of Ireland knows that the weather can be wonderfully changeable.
A bright morning can give way to a shower before the sunshine returns again.
The easiest approach is therefore to pack layers.
A mixture of T-shirts, warmer tops and a comfortable waterproof jacket means you can adapt throughout the day without carrying too much.
Even during warmer months, an extra layer can be useful when you are beside the Atlantic or spending the evening outside.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
You do not need to be a serious hiker to enjoy exploring Connemara, but comfortable footwear is highly recommended.
The surrounding area offers opportunities to walk country lanes, visit beaches and explore some of the region’s best-known natural attractions.
If you are planning more adventurous days out, including hiking around Diamond Hill or Connemara National Park, suitable walking footwear becomes even more important.
Take a look at our Things to Do page when planning your activities.
A Waterproof Jacket
If there is one item worth keeping within easy reach, it is a waterproof jacket.
Rain is part of the landscape in the west of Ireland and is one of the reasons Connemara looks the way it does.
A good waterproof means a passing shower does not have to interrupt the day’s plans.
Pack it in the car or day bag and continue exploring.
A Small Day Bag
A lightweight backpack or day bag is useful for trips around Connemara.
You can carry drinks, snacks, a camera, waterproof clothing and anything else you might want while exploring without having to take a large bag everywhere.
It is particularly useful if you are planning a walk, a beach visit or a day sightseeing.
Food and Your Favourite Drinks
Our tents include kitchen areas with hot water, an induction hob and fridge/freezer, giving you the flexibility to prepare food during your stay.
You may therefore want to bring some favourite ingredients, breakfast items and snacks.
There are also opportunities to discover local food while you are here.
Our Things to Do guide includes local recommendations and ideas for days out combining sightseeing with places to eat.
Swimwear
Yes, really.
A safe sandy beach is just a short walk from the site, so swimwear may well come in handy if you fancy enjoying the water.
Guests staying in An Cuach or An Spideog should definitely remember theirs, as these tents have their own private wood-fired outdoor baths.
Find out more about the accommodation on our Our Tents page.
A Camera – or Just Your Phone
Connemara is one of those places where you regularly find yourself stopping to look at the view.
Traditional stone walls, Atlantic coastline, mountains, beaches and wide skies provide plenty to photograph.
You can get a taste of the surroundings before you arrive by looking through our gallery.
Something for the Journey
Connemara is made for exploring.
Depending on your plans, you might be travelling along sections of the Wild Atlantic Way, heading towards Roundstone and Clifden or travelling to catch the ferry or flight to the Aran Islands.
Download your favourite music or podcasts before setting off and make the journey part of the holiday.
A Flexible Attitude
Perhaps the most useful thing you can bring to Connemara does not take up any space in your suitcase.
Leave a little flexibility in your plans.
If the sun appears, head for the beach. If conditions are good for walking, explore. If the weather changes, find somewhere for lunch, visit an attraction or simply relax.
Our South Connemara location gives you plenty of options.
What You Don’t Need to Pack
Glamping removes many of the usual camping requirements.
You will not need to bring your own tent, beds, duvets or towels, and you will have your own bathroom and kitchen facilities waiting for you.
If you still have questions before arriving, take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions.
With the practical essentials sorted, all that remains is to decide what you want to discover first.
