LettermoreAbout Lettermore
Lettermore (Leitir Móir) is an inhabited island off the west coast of County Galway in the Connemara region of western Ireland. It is part of the Connemara island group and is recognised as a Gaeltacht area where Irish is commonly used.
The island is connected to neighbouring islands and the mainland by road links, providing vehicle access. The coastline, small harbours and rural settlement pattern support local fishing, small-scale agriculture and traditional island life.
Settlement on Lettermore reflects long-standing Gaelic culture and coastal livelihoods, with village clusters and stone-built houses typical of Connemara islands. The island is visited for its coastal scenery, local culture and access to wider Connemara landscapes.
Geographically Lettermore sits off the west coast of County Galway within the Connemara district, among a chain of islands and peninsulas that fringe the Atlantic shoreline.
- Gaeltacht status: Part of the Connemara island group in western County Galway and recognised as a Gaeltacht area where Irish is widely spoken.
What to See#
- Leitir Mór village: The main village area and coastal shorelines of the island, where community life, local services and small-scale fishing take place.
- Causeway connections: The road causeway and bridge links that connect the island to neighboring islands and the mainland, providing year-round vehicle access.
Nearby Attractions to Lettermore
Best Time to Visit Lettermore
Summer months are best for pleasant weather and exploring the coastline and nearby islands.
Weather & Climate near Lettermore
Temperate climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 4°C to 18°C. Abundant rainfall (1215 mm/year), wettest in November.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 4° - 9° | 3° | 132 mm | overcast | 92% | 6.2 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.9h |
| February | Acceptable | 4° - 9° | 3° | 85 mm | overcast | 92% | 6.1 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.6h |
| March | Acceptable | 5° - 10° | 4° | 91 mm | overcast | 89% | 6.0 m/s | 0.4 low | 11.7h |
| April | Acceptable | 6° - 12° | 6° | 63 mm | overcast | 85% | 5.1 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 13.8h |
| May | Acceptable | 8° - 15° | 11° | 76 mm | overcast | 82% | 5.0 m/s | 1.2 high | 15.7h |
| June | Good | 10° - 17° | 14° | 71 mm | overcast | 82% | 4.8 m/s | 1.4 high | 16.7h |
| July | Good | 12° - 18° | 15° | 79 mm | overcast | 84% | 4.7 m/s | 1.2 high | 16.2h |
| August | Good | 12° - 18° | 15° | 98 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.6 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 14.6h |
| September | Good | 11° - 17° | 14° | 118 mm | overcast | 87% | 5.2 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Acceptable | 8° - 14° | 11° | 129 mm | overcast | 90% | 5.6 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.4h |
| November | Poor | 6° - 11° | 5° | 137 mm | overcast | 92% | 5.6 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.4h |
| December | Poor | 5° - 10° | 4° | 136 mm | overcast | 93% | 6.0 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.3h |
How to Get to Lettermore
Lettermore is reached by road from Galway city via the N59 and R336, then over the causeway. Public transport options are limited; driving is the most practical option.
Tips for Visiting Lettermore
- If arriving by car, use the Causeway connecting Lettermore (Leitir Móir) to the mainland - it's a scenic route across tidal channels.
- Explore small piers and shoreline paths for seeing traditional fishing boats and saltmarsh life.
- Time visits to low tide if interested in shore foraging or seeing exposed mudflats.