What's in Store?

Take time to enjoy Connemara’s wide variety of shopping experiences

Retail is the human heartbeat of any place that we visit, the level where we get to see its faces and personalities living day-to-day in a community. Few places reward interaction with local business quite like Connemara. Here, business owners lead from the front, whether that’s the shop till, the showroom floor, or the deli counter, and often with deeply engrained family lineages backing them up.

In the West, a simple stroll through a shop door can result in not only finding that something special for you or your loved ones but also a conversation or local insight that you probably never envisaged. Besides these enriching experiences during your stay, there is the sheer quality of goods on offer – hand-picked by a savvy commercial community that has both an eye on championing local products as well as a finger on the pulse of broader consumer tastes and standards.

All Things Connemara

With more than 150 local crafts and artisan producers under its roof, everything from ceramics to socks, candles to cosmetics, this shop on Clifden’s Market Street is a go-to for anyone wishing to take in the full array of Connemara’s colours and textures. Browse in-store with the help of its friendly staff, peruse its range of rental bikes, or shop online.

Locate: Clifden map #22, advert page 23.

Page 20. Saving is spending needlessly postponed.

WEAR THE WEEKEND

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Books at One, Letterfrack

By bringing together books, coffee, and wine, this cosy cultural experience snuggled into a converted former Quaker forge has been one of the great retail stories of Letterfrack. A broad and perfectly balanced range of new releases, classics, children’s, and second-hand titles are available, as well as local artisan food produce such as local honey, chutney, and scented candles.

Locate: Connemara map #24, advert page 22.

Brigit's Garden

A green and serene gift shop that lies outside of Galway City near Rosscahill. The store at Brigit's Garden’s Celtic oasis comprises of local handcrafts and literature, natural skincare and aromatherapy products, artisan foods, and lots of nature-based toys for children. Central to their ethos is the sourcing of ethical products that are manufactured with sustainability and environmentalism in mind.

Locate: Connemara map #26, advert page 9.

Clifden Bike Shop

When it comes to getting a real flavour for a place, two wheels always beats four. Based on Market Street, this outfit specialises in getting you in the saddle with its range of regular trek bikes and electric bikes. All the equipment, accessories, safety gear, and route information you could need is here, as well as servicing, repairs, and complimentary refills for tyre air and water bottles.

Locate: Clifden map #22, advert page 4 & 13.

Féile an tSratháin, an Cheathtú Rua

HEHIRS

OF CLIFDEN

ANTIHISTAMINES • PRESCRIPTIONS • TOILETRIES INSECT REPELLENT • FIRST AID SUPPLIES

Main Street, Clifden Tel 095 21273 Special Offers on Facebook – 'Moran's totalhealth Pharmacy'

Clifden Bookshop

Dubbed one of Ireland’s best bookshops by the Irish Independent newspaper, Clifden Bookshop has an uncanny ability to have something for every type of reader all in one cosy space. Established in 1997 and run by tireless bibliophiles Máire and Nicole, this is for anyone who loves to lose time browsing shelves of fiction, non-fiction, children/ YA, maps, gifts, stationary, and art materials.

Locate: Clifden map #28, advert page 15.

New & Vintage Fashion, Jewellery, Children’s Toys Market Street, Clifden @lovevintageclifden hello@lovevintage.ie www.lovevintage.ie

Connemara Golf Links Pro Shop

You don’t have to be a golfer to enter the Pro Shop. In fact, those seeking stylish and protective outdoor clothing to help fend off the Connemara weather would do well to investigate its range that includes Footjoy, Ping, Oscar Jacobson, and other leading brands of apparel. Golfers in search of a memento from this world-renowned links course, meanwhile, will be well catered for.

Locate: Connemara map #37 page 13.

Clifden Opticians

Ever since 2004, this family-owned opticians has prided itself on the highest levels of personalised service and attention for every single client that crosses its doorway. Behind the scenes, meanwhile, it ensures that not only the leading innovations in optometric care are available but also the latest international styles in eyewear, including Gucci, Prada, Oakley, Maui Jim, and more.

Locate: Clifden map #29, advert page 12.

Coffee Cottage

Sea-salt fudge, local honey, seaweed skincare, jams, chutneys, oils, handmade jewellery, gift hampers, and artwork – if you stroll into Coffee Cottage in search of Galway roasted coffee or its quirky menu of delicious treats, there’s every chance you might just leave with more than you imagined. This pantry of local goodies by the harbour in Roundstone is open daily from 9am.

Locate: Connemara map #35, advert page 19.

Connemara Hamper Delicatessen

A foodie landmark of Clifden, one crammed with the best of artisan Irish produce (farmhouse cheeses, smoked meats and fish, artisan breads, wine, condiments, confectionary), excellent takeaway coffee, freshly prepared delicatessen fare, and ready-made meals. Should a minor addiction develop during your stay – a likely outcome – an online shop will deliver to wherever you live.

Locate: Clifden map #38 page 17.

Connemara Sheep & Wool Centre

This family-owned gift shop based in Leenane village by the mighty Killary Fjord celebrates the long and proud heritage of sheep farming in the West. There is something for every budget here, from sheepskin rugs, knitwear and hand-woven blankets to jewellery, books, and gift items. Woolcraft demonstrations run throughout the day as part of the tour, with a great café on site too.

Locate: Connemara map #68 page 8.

Connemara Blue Art Glass

The work of this family of artists has garnered a reputation worldwide for elegant bowls, wall panels, tealight holders, tree decorations, and coasters, all done to its signature playful fusedglass techniques, handcrafted and fired on-site by these masters of the art. If you’re looking for the home of glassmaking in Connemara, look for the bright pink shopfront on Clifden Square.

Connemara Smokehouse

This family-run business has been in the game for almost half a century. In that time, it has mastered the age-old art of smoking fresh salmon, tuna, herring, and mackerel from the Atlantic, going on to become a household name and Ireland’s first Food Économusée. Regular tastings of Smoked Salmon, Peppered Smoked Mackerel, and more are held at its waterside Factory Shop.

OPEN WEDNESDAY – SATURDAY 11-5 in the Station House Courtyard, Clifden

087 826 9356 info@provenance-interior.ie

BOOK NOW - WWW.BENLETTERY.IE EMAIL STAY@BENLETTERY.IE PHONE +353 (0)85 206 2262

Hehir's of Clifden

You could never accuse Hehir’s of being narrow in scope. Clifden’s most diverse lifestyle shop has attire for everyone – casual or formal, from schools old and new, and with footwear and outerwear also on the bill. Many of the handpicked brands to be found at this Market Street outlet are exclusive to the region, with a tight and impossibly warm shop-floor team ready to assist you through them.

Locate: Clifden map #81, page 20.

LETTERFRACK Open all days in August 10 am 5 pm

www.booksatone.ie Eircode: H91 N8PK

located behind the ATU Furniture College in Letterfrack

Love Vintage

A real family affair, this, with a mother and her three children all bringing something special to the table as part of a Connemara retail heritage that stretches back a century. Look within to find new and vintage silks, linens, and cashmere in fantastical colours, fab jewellery, quirky faux fur coats, knitwear, and a new in-store children's section. Another option is to shop online at lovevintage.ie.

Locate: Clifden map #51, advert page 21.

Intersport Gannon's

Casual walkers, trekkers, sea-swimmers, all the way to team-sports players – if your idea of a good time involves getting up off the couch then Gannon’s is where you should set your coordinates during your stay. Footwear, team jerseys, and fitness accessories are among the huge array of items found in-store and online (gannons.ie), with staff on-hand to help find just what you need.

Locate: Clifden map #45, page 21.

Millars Connemara

Founded back in 1900 by Robert Millar, Millars is a retail centrepiece of Clifden’s Main Street to the point that it is hard to imagine the place without it. Through its doors, there is a real feeling of tradition and style visibly interweaving, right across its luxuriant ranges of clothing, giftware, accessories, and interiors. On top of this, its staff couldn’t be more helpful.

Locate: Clifden map #55, advert page 5.

Kylemore Abbey Craft & Design

Almost as famous as the lakeside Abbey itself is this tasteful and extensive gift shop where items handmade by the Benedictine nuns (chocolate, soaps, conserves, pottery) sit alongside the best national and international brands like Barbour and Dubary, Magee and Newbridge Silverware, and the very best in local crafts from around Connemara. Put simply, you might find it rather difficult to leave.

Locate: Connemara map #49, page 2.

Moran's totalhealth Pharmacy

Don’t be fooled by its small size – more than a century of dispensing cures and remedies has made this another family-run Clifden institution, one that understands the importance of sensitive customer care. Manager Declan Moran MPSI is the third generation to run the pharmacy since 1911, making Moran’s intrinsic to the health and wellbeing of the town and county.

Locate: Clifden map #58, advert page 21.

Lamplight Wine Store

This recent arrival to Clifden was an instant hit thanks to its friendly wine bar and excellent cuisine. It has also, however, become the town’s unofficial wine hub through its boutique shop and broad selection, from classic French-style wines to small biodynamic Austrian producers. All palates and budgets are accommodated – their online store even has a personal sommelier service.

Oceanskin Clinic

Your skin is every bit as unique as your fingerprint – that’s the mantra from this new facial clinic in Oughterard that doesn’t believe in quick fixes or one-treatment-fits-all approaches. Welcoming you with bespoke care and attention is Rachel Powell, who has brought to the village her years of experience as a qualified beauty and skincare therapist in both Ireland and the UK.

kavanagh's MARKET SQUARE, CLIFDEN UNDERGROUND CARPARK AVAILABLE SuperValu O’Dalaigh Family Jewellers

Johnny and Annie began creating jewellery in 1973 and never looked back. Since then, their son Jonathan has come on board, growing the business into one of the most unique jewellery shops in the country. For gift options for someone special, or simply to stop by to watch jewellery being brought to life in the open-plan workshop, this is worth finding time for.

Locate: Clifden map #61, advert page 7

Ohh! By Gum

The Best Boutique in Ireland according to the Irish Times newspaper and a firm favourite with locals and visitors seeking sustainably sourced clothing and gifts for all ages. Stepping inside is akin to a walk-in treasure trove, with brands from all over Europe and UK that promote ethical lifestyle choices. Nestled beside the old Clifden railway station in the Station House Courtyard, it’s open Mon-Sun.

Locate: Clifden map #62, advert page 13.

Pottery Studio

Travel north from Clifden on the N59 Westport Road. After 2km, you come to a sign to your right for Alan's Pottery Studio. Pull in and become acquainted with the finest handmade domestic stoneware and ceramics and the man creating them. Courses are also available if you want to try your hand. Visitors to the wheelchair-accessible showroom are welcome from 12pm until 6pm.

Locate: Clifden map #20, advert page 9.

Provenance - Interiors

Town and country are the meeting point for this interior design studio that specialises in fabrics and soft furnishings with an Irish feel. As part of its design service, owners Rosie and Sadhbh work with indigenous materials and Irish craftspeople to help locate just the right tone and feel for a client’s home. Drop into their shop in the Station House Courtyard to say hello.

Locate: Clifden map #65, advert page 22.

Standún

Family-run for three generations, Standún has been ‘The Home of the Aran Sweater’ since 1946, and more recently, The Wall Street Journal voted it Best Quality and Value Aran Sweater. Besides Irish knitwear, clothing, gifts, and jewellery are on display at both their Spiddal and Oughterard outlets. Visitors to its online store (standun.com), meanwhile, can avail of favourable shipping rates.

. Locate: Connemara map #69, advert page 11.

Supervalu Clifden

The best local produce - Connemara Smokehouse salmon, Bridewell beer, Jimmy's Homemade Ice Cream, you name it - sits proudly alongside more familiar brands in this family-owned supermarket. Every possible base has been covered here - freshly baked breads, a fresh meat and seafood counter, an excellent selection of wines and spirits, takeaway coffee, and a hot counter for food on-the-go.

Locate: Clifden map #70, advert page 23.

They say time is a healer, in-between times however, shopping is a close second. Page 23

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