Ireland's Only Fjord Just Made Lonely Planet's Must-See List for 2027 — And It's a Queer Traveler's Dream
If you're plotting your next big trip and want somewhere that feels both wildly beautiful and genuinely welcoming, put Killary Fjord on the shortlist. Lonely Planet just named it one of the 25 must-have travel experiences in its Best in Travel 2027 roundup, putting this quiet corner of County Galway alongside heavy-hitters like Scotland's St Cuthbert's Way and Galápagos expedition cruises.
For LGBTQ+ travelers, the pick feels especially fitting. Ireland has been a standout for queer travel since it became the first country to legalize same-sex marriage by popular vote back in 2015, and that same spirit of openness runs through Connemara's small towns and rugged coastline.
What Makes Killary So Special
Killary Harbour is Ireland's only true fjord, a 16-kilometer inlet that cuts inland from the Atlantic through the heart of Connemara, framed the whole way by dramatic mountain slopes. Lonely Planet didn't hold back in its praise, calling it one of the most stunning and emotionally striking spots in the entire country.
The scenery shifts with the seasons — lush green in summer, deep rust and auburn tones by autumn — and the village of Leenaun sits at the fjord's head, ringed by some of the region's most dramatic peaks: Mweelrea, the Maamturks, and the evocatively named Devil's Mother range.
Getting Out on the Water (and Beyond)
This is a place built for slowing down and getting outside:
Boat tours glide past working mussel farms, with a real shot at spotting dolphins along the way
Kayaking and paddleboarding let you experience the fjord at water level
Coasteering, archery, gorge walking, and high ropes are all on offer at the Killary Adventure Centre for anyone craving more adrenaline
The Famine Walk traces the fjord's shoreline past grazing sheep and the haunting ruins of a 19th-century village — a quietly powerful way to connect with the region's history
Nearby, you'll find Kylemore Abbey, Connemara National Park, and the Diamond Hill trail, plus the beaches at Glassilaun and Silver Strand and the colorful streets of Clifden and Roundstone.
Eat, Drink, and Stay Awhile
Killary mussels are a local point of pride — best paired, locals will tell you, with a pint of Guinness. Beyond the food, the area is steeped in traditional music sessions and Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) culture, and the annual Connemara Mountain Walking Festival brings guided hikes led by locals who know every switchback.
Planning Your Trip
Killary Fjord is easy to reach from Galway City or Ireland West Airport Knock, with Shannon Airport offering another solid international gateway. Base yourself in Leenaun or nearby Clifden, and give yourself at least two or three days — this isn't a place to rush.
