Things To DoGolf
Connemara Championship Links
This Eddie Hackett-designed golf course is set in stunning, rugged countryside. The back nine has been described as the equal of any in the world.
Aillebrack, Ballyconneely
Currently running open competitions every Wednesday & Saturday for January 2012. Competition format 18 holes singles stableford, price €25pp.
Tel:095-23502/23602, Fax: 095-23662 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
North & West Coast Links Golf
West Coast 4, comprising of Connemara Championship Golf Links, Westport Golf Club, Enniscrone Golf Club and Co. Sligo Golf Club, was established in 1988 to promote the member courses on the world market. Three years later the group grew to five clubs with Carne Golf Links and Donegal Golf Club joining and Westport Golf Club resigning from the group. West Coast 4 then became known as West Coast Links. Read more here
North & West Coast Links, 9 An Fuaran, Moycullen, Co. Galway, Ireland
Tel: +353 (0)91 868642 | Fax: +353 (0)91868645 | Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Fishing
Blue Water Charter Fishing
Deep sea angling on one of Ireland's best boats. Groups, individuals, novices and experts all welcome. B&B and great food in Blue Water Fishing's own guesthouse.
John Brittain, Streamstown, Clifden
Tel:095-21073, Fax: 095-21678
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: www.seafishingireland.net
Celtic Queen Sea Angling
We invite you to fish with us in Clifden on probably the best fishing waters in Europe. The scenery in this area is spectacular on land and at sea with a great variety of seabirds and wildlife, including seals and dolphins. Individuals are welcome, but why not get a group together (up to 12 persons) and have us arrange an unforgettable day - Fishing, an Island trip and a Picnic on board!
Contact John Ryan, Sky Road, Clifden, Connemara,Ireland.
Phone: +353-(0)95-21069 Mobile: +353-(0)86-2484674
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it : http://celticqueen-seaangling.itgo.com
Clifden Boat Club
The Clifden Boat Club is a small Boat Club situated on the West Coast of Ieland, just 1.6km outside the picturesque town of Clifden, Connemara.
The committee and members of the club have been working hard to provide fantastic yacht racing and also some great sail training over the years. The team at Clifden Boat Club, having hosted some very successful regattas over the past few years, are looking forward to another exciting and, hopefully, rewarding boating season in 2011.
Keep track of what we are getting up to by checking our news page and our calendar of events for the coming year.
Please feel free to contact any of the current committee for any further information.
Johnny King Fresh Fish Sales
Selling the best crab claws & carb meat in the West! Daily fresh catches from his fast and modern Lochin 40 operating from Cleggan Fishing Village in Connemara. Contact Details: Western Kingfisher Sea Angling Charters, Cleggan, Connemara, Co. Galway. IRL
E-Mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; Telephone: +353 95-44649: Mobile:+353 86-832-8278
Killary Cruises
Killary Cruises welcomes you to the unspoiled splendour of the Killary, Ireland's only Fjord
No visit to Connemara would be complete without a visit to Killary Fjord. The nine mile long inlet boasts some of the finest scenery in the West of Ireland, and because of its sheltered nature, its waters are always calm.
Our purpose built cruise ship, which can accommodate up to 150 passengers, has been designed to offer the maximum of comfort and safety to our guests, and also to offer them uninterrupted views of the spectacular scenery which makes the Killary such a unique place to visit.
Our vessel The Connemara Lady is wheelchair accessible and is very suitable for young and old alike. We also offer a no sea-sickness money back guarantee!
Freefone 1 800 41 51 51: Phone +353 91 566736: E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it : www.killarycruises.com
The Brazen Hussy Charter Boat
To explore the coast and Islands of the West of Ireland, Scuba Dive, Bird Watch, Angling and Mammal Watching.
Description
A spacious and very stable catamaran built 2009. With a large wheel house and flying bridge, plus huge open deck space, the Brazen Hussy very easily earns the title 'State of the Art'.
Catering for all manner of sea going tours of our islands, for historic and ancient religeous remains, wildlife watching and sporting pursuits such as scuba diving and angling.
We also cater to the commercial maritime world for seafloor mapping and survey, recovery and salvage, servicing of buoys, alternative energy projects and wildlife surveys.
General Information
The vessel is available for charter on the west coast of Ireland and her home port is Derryinver north of Clifden town and near Letterfrack and Tully Cross villages in the heart of Connemara.
She may be chartered for a normal 8 hour day or four hour half day or we are happy to discuss other requirements of our clients. Our normal operational area is from Slyne Head at the mouth of Galway Bay to Achill Island at the mouth of Clew Bay, Co. Mayo.
Contact: Shane Bisgood: Phone: +353 86 2795118: Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Connemara Adventure
Choose a guided road or mountain biking tour with full transportation or a simple drop off/ pick up service. Train to specifically improve your overall fitness and performance levels with an MBLA certified instructor, or just rent a bike and go your own way. We encourage you to join us in the spectacular scenery that is wild Connemara and tap into the lifestyle of slow winding trails or fast challenging turns. You choose the adventure that suits your skill level in a safe, fun, healthy environment.
Email: i This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it " data-mce-href="mailto: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it "> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; Phone: 0872767518; www.connemaraadventure.ie
Real Adventures
Real Adventures are excited to announce the launch of a mobile adventure company based in the Clifden and Connemara region. WE will be offering kayaking on Clifden Bay, rock Climbing in Roundstone, surfing in Ballyconneely and hill walking in the Twelve Bens. This is a tourism initiative for 2012 and the foreseeable future, with the aim to add value to the beautiful town of Clifden and utilise exactly what Connemara has to offer.
Guests will be guided by our highly qualified and friendly staff, who have over twelve years experience in the outdoor industry coupled with over ten years working and actively persuing adventure sports within the Connemara region.
View our website www.realadventures.ie and see us on Facebook HERE
Horse Riding
Cleggan Beach Riding Centre
The Cleggan Beach Riding Centre is an approved riding school and is Connemara's most renowned beach trekking centre.
Our facilities include: A variety of beach trekking available; Mountain treks. Our most popular ride is our 3 hour trek accross a huge spectacular beach to Omey Island at low tide; Three resident qualified instructors; Over 30 years experience; Safe, well-schooled horses and ponies suitable for all ages and standards; Enclosed outdoor arena; Ponies produced for shows or sale; Show quality Connemara ponies for sale; Liveries; Tack shop; Short and long treks.
Cleggan Beach Riding Centre, Cleggan, Connemara, Co. Galway, Ireland.
Tel: 095-44746, Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; www.clegganridingcentre.com
Connemara And Coast Trails
The Connemara Trail is not just for riders, but for anyone who enjoys other activities in a peaceful Irish atmosphere. Connemara a vast region where you will meet a man with a very original personaiity : Willie Leahy; the very incamation of an lrish horseman, who will be your guide during a week or more of trekking through the gaelic West.
For beginners and experienced riders alike, Willie Leahy provides the suitable horse and leads you to the discovery of the Connemara / Coast Trails.
Six days or more of exciting and relaxing holidays, where, after you spending four to six hours a day on horseback, you are accommodated in luxurious hotels or guesthouses while the horses graze freely in a nearby field.
Errislannon Manor
Errislannan Manor (The home of Stephanie Brooks) is on the west coast of Ireland four miles south of Clifden. Sheltered by a surrounding wood the Manor overlooks the trout lake and is bounded by Connemara's moors and mountains. It houses the Errislannan Manor Connemara pony stud and riding centre and is the home of the Connemara Branch of the Irish Pony Club. Many children have started riding here and lessons and treks are available daily from 9..30 to 4 p.m. It is also a member of the Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland and the Houses, Castles and Gardens of Ireland. The gardens are open daily (5 euro).
Telephone 095 21134 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Walking & Biking
Alcock & Brown Drive and Walk Tour
Located just 3 miles south of Clifden is the crash landing site of the first transatlantic flight of Alcock and Brown (1919) and the monument to this historic achievement. Also nearby is the site of the first radio transmitter station from which Marconi exchanged the first transatlantic radio messages with a station in Nova Scotia in 1907.
Beach Road Walk
A local favourite, the Beach Road is one of the most peaceful and serene walks in Clifden. Instead of taking a right at the fork toward the Sky Road, take a left, this will lead you down toward Clifden harbour. Follow the road until you reach the Boat Club or take a right a little before to head up onto the Sky Road or go back to Clifden.
Clifden Castle (Walking only, parking not permitted)
Built around 1810 by Clifden’s founder John D’Arcy, it was once his residence. A walk to Clifden Castle is essential. It is approached through a beautiful entrance arch and gothic walls along a winding avenue edged with a series of 5 standing stones (only one is original). Clifden Castle is now a romantic ruin overlooking Clifden Bay.
Connemara National Park
Situated in the West of Ireland in County Galway, Connemara National Park covers some 2,957 hectares of scenic mountains, expanses of bogs, heaths, grasslands and woodlands. Some of the Park's mountains, namely Benbaun, Bencullagh, Benbrack and Muckanaght, are part of the famous Twelve Bens or Beanna Beola range. Connemara National Park was established and opened to the public in 1980.
Much of the present Park lands formed part of the Kylemore Abbey Estate and the Letterfrack Industrial School, the remainder having been owned by private individuals. The southern part of the Park was at one time owned by Richard (Humanity Dick) Martin who helped to form the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals during the early 19th century. The Park lands are now wholly owned by the State and managed solely for National Park purposes.
Connemara National Park, Letterfrack. Co. Galway
Telephone No: +353 95 41323/41054; N.P.W.S. Office: +353 95 60900; Fax No: +353 95 41329
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; Website: www.connemaranationalpark.ie
Connemara Safari
Connemara Safari Walking Holidays would like to introduce you to probably the most relaxing holiday you're ever likely to have. Our Walking Holidays and Island Hopping Tour of the west coast of Ireland is a truly unique experience with sights, sounds and atmosphere to both fascinate and amaze you.
It's an active adventure of both nature and mind, so enthralling it will make you forget about everything else in the world. Bring along a good pair of walking shoes, protective rain gear, buckets & spades and suncream as they may be necessary!
Each tour is led and hosted by Ireland's well known Archaeologist Gerry MacCloskey and Brian Hughes, a native of Connemara. With a little luck you will see wild dolphins, grey seals, gannets or basking sharks between the islands.
Connemara Safari, Sky Road, Clifden, Co. Galway.Tel: (095) 21071 or Freephone 1850 777 200. Fax: (095) 21797
Connemara Walking Centre
Archaeological and heritage walks, tours for groups and private bookings.
Michael Gibbons, Island House, Market Street, Clifden
Tel:095 21379, Fax:
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Cycle Routes
Route 1: Sky Road Loop
16 Kilometres: 1+ hours
Overlooking Clifden Bay to the South and Streamstown Bay to the North, this route rises more than 150 m above sea level and has spectacular views of the Atlantic, the islands of Inishturk and Turbot and Clifden town. You will also see the ruin of Clifden Castle, former home of John D'Arcy who founded the town at the start of the 19th century. The terrain is relatively flat towards the end of the peninsula. Follow the coastline of the tranquil Streamstown Bay back towards the main road.
Route 2: Errislannan Loop
14 Kilometres: 1+ hours
This is a short loop. From Bridge Street pause to view the Owenglen Cascade where salmon can be seen leaping upstream. Continue on up a steady hill while enjoying fine views of Clifden Bay. A signpost indicating the Alcock & Brown monument is your signal to turn. The monument offers a magnificent panoramic vantage point. Water and stone are the themes of this circuit; the rocky landscape is typical of Connemara.
Route 3: Cleggan Loop
33 Kilometres: 2+ hours
Route 3 is a longer trip north to the rocky Connemara coast around Cleggan, following the fringes of Streamstown Bay. The route passes Omey Island and you can opt to visit this small but beautiful island on foot when the tide is out. Near the charming fishing village of Cleggan you can climb to the top of Cleggan Head where you can admire the views of the village below as well as Inishbofin, Inishturk, Clare Island and the imposing Twelve Bens mountain range. There is an option to catch the ferry at the pier in Cleggan to the island of Inishbofin. From Cleggan a mountain road climbs more gradually through a forested area before a speedy descent back down to the town.
Route 4: Ballyconneely and Roundstone Loop
40 Kilometres: 3 hours
Route 4 is a longer trip. On this route you can take in the lovely natural wilderness of Derrygimlagh and Roundstone bogs. You will see the site of the crash-landing of the first transatlantic flight by Alcock & Brown in 1919, as well as the old Marconi transatlantic wireless station. Further on towards Ballyconneely, Coral Strand makes a lovely photo stop. At Roundstone, one of the oldest fishing villages in Ireland, you can experience the local fishermens' catch of the day direct from its busy harbour. Nearby you can visit the stunning beaches of Gurteen and Dog's Bay with their pristine white sands and azure waters. On the coast road there are fine views and generally gentle gradients.
Clifden Station House Museum
The ground floor exhibits the history of the Connemara Pony, while the upper gallery houses the local history section. All information is presented on storyboards and supported by quality artefacts & memorabilia.
Pat Lyne (Curator), Clifden Station House Courtyard, Clifden
Tel:095-21494, Fax:
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Clifden Station House Theatre
The Station House Theatre is a multi purpose venue which comprises of: Music Venue; Theatre; Cinema; Arts & Exhibition Space; Conference & Events Venue.
Hosting live performances from local, national and international acts and offers a range of styles including Music, Drama, Comedy & Dance. The Theatre houses the West of Ireland's first Digital Cinema with Dolby surround sound allowing us to show new release movies as well as classic films and documentaries of local interest in a total cinema environment.
Restored within the Original Railway Station Goods Store, the theatre is a 200 tiered seating facility. The Station House Theatre is the latest addition to what the Clifden Station House Courtyard has to offer.
Tel 095 30303; Email
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Connemara Pony Breeders Association
Niamh Philbin, Clifden Showgrounds, Clifden
Tel:095-21863, Fax: 09521005
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: www.cpbs.ie
Connemara Smokehouse Tours
In our Smokehouse Tour, you'll watch Graham/Nicholas fillet and traditionally prepare the salmon, then hand-slice and pack the finished product. Also, you will learn about the various smoking methods and enjoy a tasting of our fantastic Smoked Salmon. We are sure you will then want to buy some to take home, eat some while you are here on holiday, or send to friends and family as a gift. It's educational, fun and delicious, if you are in our area, please do drop in and check us out. Visitors are Welcome all year round to come in for a chat and purchase any of our products. Group Tours by appointment only from September - May. Summer Tours are available too from June, July & August on Wednesdays at 3 pm. Tour takes approx. 1 hour
Graham Roberts, Aillebrack, Ballyconneely, Co. Galway
Tel: 095-23739, Fax: 095-23001
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: www.smokehouse.ie
Dan O'Hara Homestead- Connemara Heritage & History Centre
Take a stroll through Connemara's colourful past at this award winning centre situtated on a located 5 miles from Clifden on the Galway road.
Audio Visual & History Presentation on Connemara through the Ages, Crannog, Clochaun, Ringfort and the restored Prefamine Cottage & Farm of Dan O' Hara.
Guided Tours available for groups. Restaurant and Craft Shop. Open Daily 9am to 6pm. April to October. Off season by request.
Bed and Breakfast also available. All rooms ensuite with Hospitality Tray, T.V. Telephone, Hair Dryer and WIFI access. Complimentary admission for guests staying in the B&B to the Heritage Centre. Special rates available for stays of 2 nights or more.
'Is leath den fhéile fáilte chaoin- Half of hospitality is in the welcome'
Martin & Nora Walsh
Tel 095 21808 Fax 095 22098 Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; www.connemaraheritage.com
Dartfield House Museum & Heritage Centre
Dartfield has lots of horses! It is the only museum in the world dedicated to Irish horses, Connemara Ponies and Irish dogs.
Our historic museum also features all aspects of Irish country life from 1800 – 1900. After your visit relax in our café and browse in our gift and saddlery shop. Dartfield museum is a purpose built facility, one of Ireland's premier tourist attractions. Originally opened to pay tribute to the unique Irish horse breeds the museum has now expanded and now encompasses the history of rural Ireland.
Dartfield is the vision of legendry Irish horseman Willie Leahy who also leads the Connemara and Coast trails. He is Field master of the Galway Blazers Hunt and is the largest breeder of Connemara ponies in the world. Dartfield is set in 350 acres of parkland and visitors are welcome to explore our walking trails and see the farm animals. The museum has facilities for the disabled and is an ideal venue for coach parties, school tours and provides a convenient stop on one of Ireland's arterial roads.
We have horse riding available by the hour, half or full day, to suit all levels of ability.
PH: 091 843968 FAX: 091 843969
Derryinver Standing Stones
On the N59 towards Letterfrack, turn left at village entrance down the hill to Derryherbert. Take first turn left, across the blanket bog. Looking left, on the ridge-line of the nearby hillock, you can see the Bronze Age stone alignment on the horizon. This is locally known as the Fairy Fingers; a ritual site aligned with the winter solstice.
Dog’s Bay Stroll
Just off the Clifden to Roundstone road, Dog’s Bay, famous for its foraminiferal sands, is a stunning beach. The dunes have recently been the focus of intensive efforts to stem coastal erosion by planting grass – visitors are requested to respect the signs restricting access to the dunes. Gurteen Bay lies at the eastern side of the tombolo.
Inishbofin Ferry
Several sailings daily to Inishbofin from Cleggan. Only all year round ferry service to Inishbofin. Owned and operated by traditional Island seafaring family
No visit to Connemara is complete without a visit to Inishbofin Island, one of the most westerly Islands off the Irish coastline.
Departures daily from Cleggan 11.30am. Depart Inishbofin 4pm daily.
Tel: 353 95 45819 or +353 86 1718829: www.inishbofinislanddiscovery.com
Kylemore Abbey
Kylemore Abbey, located in the Kylemore Pass in Connemara, Co. Galway, has been home to the Irish Benedictine nuns since 1920. The Benedictine nuns bought the house in 1920, having fled their convent in war-torn Belgium in 1914, where they ran a boarding school for girls for over 300 years. They re-established the school here and it is still very much alive today.
Set in the heart of Connemara, Kylemore Abbey shares its woodlands, lakes and rivers with a large variety of birds and animals. A trip to the West of Ireland is not complete without experiencing the beauty and tranquility of Kylemore Abbey and Gardens. Facilities at Kylemore include a visitor centre, an exhibition housed in the main reception rooms of the house and a video which takes the visitor through the history of the house and its occupants. The Visitor Centre and exhibition, Gothic Church and Craft shop are open all year.
Kylemore Abbey, Kylemore, Connemara, Co Galway, Ireland.
T: +353 (0) 95 52000 | F: +353 (0) 95 52069 | E: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it | W: www.kylemoreabbeytourism.ie
Marconi Site
On October 17, 1907, a defining event in world communication occurred on a bog outside of Clifden, Connemara, Co. Galway, Ireland. The first commercial transatlantic message was transmitted from Guglielmo Marconi's Station in Clifden, to his North American complex in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada. View the remains of the station, which is currently being being addressed with traditional archaeological and historical research coupled with a topographic and geophysical survey of the site.
Further information on this story can be found here
Roundstone Events
Visit our web site, Roundstone Events, where you can learn all about all our events taking place at Farrell's Field in Roundstone this summer. We have an exceptional Showground; a dedicated and hard-working committee; and a list of honest, impartial Judges who do not personally know the competitors or ponies. We also have many eminent sponsors without whom these events would not be possible. So many thanks to all that continue to support us so well and so generously.
Roundstone Events will be staging more events at the Farrell's Field Showground in the near future, so watch this space for dates, times and details of upcoming concerts, shows and more.
Paddy "Yank" McDonagh, Roundstone Events Chairman, 1 Fuschia Lane. Roundstone. Co. Galway, Ireland
Tel: 00 353 86-346-9372; 00 353 95-35833; Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Roundstone Musical Instruments
On an old Franciscan Monastery in Roundstone, developed by the Industrial Development Authority , Malachy Kearns, better known as Malachy Bodhrán amongst folk musicians, works at his craft of making Ireland's oldest product the Bodhrán (Bow-Rawn).
In the hands of a skilled player the Bodhrán can be a subtle and exciting instrument - striking the skin in a variety of ways, one hand tucked in behind the skin, pressing and moving to vary the colour and intensity of the sound. The side of the beater is also used to good effect on the wooden rim. Genuine Goatskin is a natural 'live' material, expands and contracts slightly with changing temperatures, it has an infinite variety of subtle 'veining' and it's rich lustre becomes more beautiful with age.
Roundstone Musical Instruments Ltd. Malachy Kearns, IDA Craft Centre,Roundstone, Co. Galway. Ireland.
Tel:+35395+-35808 Fax:+35395+-35980 E-Mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Url: www.bodhran.ie
Seaside And Country Memories, Derryinver, Letterfrack
Formerly known as Oceans Alive Seaside Visitor Centre. A hauntingly beautiful coastline etched out by the ebb and flow of countless tides ,temperate but fickle weather patterns carried ashore on salt-laden westerly winds; succulent seafood from clean, unpolluted waters; a colourful and sometimes tragic past in which humans pitted their wits against a merciless and unpredictable sea; a rich array of flora and fauna both below and above tide levels - all are part of the precious heritage that we celebrate at oceans alive.
Whatever your area of interest - natural history and ecology, commerce, history,folklore, or simply recreation - in all seasons and all types of weather Oceans Alive offers a truly memorable experience for the entire family.
Local Maritime History; Sealife Exhibits; Seaside Park & Picnic Areas; Pets Corner; Children's Playground; Craft Shop; Scenic & Wildlife Cruises; Sea Angling; Special Events
Tel:(095) 43473 Fax: (095) 43911
The Sky Road Tour
Justifiably famous for the views it affords, the Sky Road route takes you up among the hills overlooking Clifden Bay and its offshore islands, Inishturk and Turbot Island. Follow the signposts from Market Square and on the way, be sure to climb Monument Hill. At the summit you will find a stone memorial to the town's founder, John D'Arcy.