The Connemara Sheep and Wool Trail is one of two new self-guided digital projects that highlight the story of sheep and wool in Connemara, from traditional practices to work geared towards a sustainable future.

Fáilte Ireland, in partnership with the Connemara and Aran Islands Tourism Network (CAITN), has launched the self-guided digital trails.

Developed as part of the Connemara Coast and Islands Destination and Experience Development Plan (DEDP), the Connemara Sheep and Wool Trail and the Connemara Film Trail aim to enhance visitors experience, to encourage them to stay longer and deliver meaningful benefits to local communities.

The Connemara Sheep and Wool Trail showcases the region’s deep rooted heritage in wool production.

Spanning 14 locations, the trail includes seven primary sites offering immersive hands-on experiences and seven secondary stops aimed at enriching the journey.

Visitors can explore the evolution of sheep farming and wool processing in Connemara from age-old techniques to modern practices.

They can also participate in engaging activities such as sheepdog demonstrations, wool spinning, weaving, and natural dyeing.

Key locations include the Connemara Sheep and Wool Centre, Leenane; Killary sheep farm; Joyce Country Sheepdogs; and the Inis Meáin knitting company, where the legacy of the Aran jumper continues to inspire and connect the past with the future of the region’s wool industry.

The Connemara Film Trail celebrates the region’s cinematic legacy, guiding visitors through 17 film locations featured in 11 productions.

From the windswept beaches of 'The Quiet Man' to the dramatic cliffs of 'The Banshees of Inisherin', the trail showcases Connemara’s natural beauty and cultural depth.

It also highlights Galway’s designation as a UNESCO City of Film and the Gaeltacht’s contribution to Irish language media, including 'Ros na Rún' on TG4.

The trail is ideal for off-season and rainy day exploration, enriched with film trivia, celebrity quotes, and behind-the-scenes insights. 

By encouraging year-round tourism and promoting lesser known locations, the trails aim to help distribute economic benefits more evenly across the region.

Local artisan food producers, craftspeople, farmers, and tourism businesses are showcased throughout the trails.

Speaking at the launch, Miriam Kennedy, head of Wild Atlantic Way at Fáilte Ireland said that the new digital trails are a testament to the power of storytelling through place.

She said: "By blending immersive content with self-guided exploration, we’re inviting visitors to connect more deeply with Connemara’s landscape, heritage, and people.

Whether tracing the threads of wool through generations or stepping into the scenes of iconic films, these trails offer unforgettable experiences that encourage visitors to explore further and stay longer in the region.”

Terence O’Toole and Dominic O’Morain, co-chairs of CAITN said that the sheep and wool trail is a tribute to generations of craftsmanship and care.

O'Toole said: "It connects visitors with the land, the animals, and the people who have shaped this tradition.

Connemara film trail is, he said, a celebration of the region’s role in global storytelling.

"It’s a way for visitors to experience the magic of cinema while discovering the warmth and creativity of our communities. "

The trails are the first of a suite of new themed digital trails planned for the Connemara and Islands region.