FREE VISITOR INFORMATION ACTIVITIES AND THINGS TO DO RESTAURANTs aNd PUBS
EVENTS AND ENTERTAINMENT LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE FESTIVAL previews
EXPERT LOCAL ADVICE GREAT WALK IDEAS SHOPPING AND SPECIAL OFFERS
ISSUE 1, VOL 14 march 29 - may 9
FREE
WHAT’S ON Connemara
®
MARCONI R E S T AU R A N T Open Daily 6–9:15pm Taste the Season at Connemara's Only Sunset Seaview Restaurant
Early Bird Menu Available
FOYLE’S HOTEL
2.5 km from Clifden on the Road to Ballyconneely
Special Accommodation Rates Available Daily Please inquire MAIN STREET, CLIFDEN TELEPHONE: 095-21801
Kitchen Garden Local Lobster Cocktail Bar
www.foyleshotel.com
tel: 095 21384 visit ardaghhotel.com
What’s On is published in Connemara and is designed to help you get the most out of your stay. It's packed with local information and insight, hidden gems and
Live Music
Page 3
Connemara. Stroll along one of its many
Events & Festivals
Page 4-5
unspoilt beaches, take in the view from the
Activities & Attractions
Page 6-9
Clifden Map
Page 10
Connemara Map
Page 11
Cycle Routes & Beaches
Page 11
Drives & Day Tours
Page 12
Places to Visit
Page 13
What’s On the Menu?
Page 14-15
What's in Store?
Page 16-18
Walk – Omey Island
Page 19
Useful Information
Page 20
Local Fishing
Page 20
plenty of things to do in wild, beautiful
top of a mountain, eat in one of our many fine restaurants, or find yourself dancing to the sounds of traditional Irish music! It's impossible to fit everything into these 20 pages, but you can find more information on connemara.net or indeed, pop into All Things Connemara, our visitor information centre located on Market
Welcome
Contents
Street, Clifden – we'll be more than happy to give you our best local advice! Whatever your reasons for coming here, we
to Connemara
wish you a fantastic holiday, and we hope
Welcome to Connemara and thank you for picking up a copy of What's On. We take enormous pride in having welcomed thousands of visitors to our special little corner of the West ever since our first issue in 2005.
around Connemara. Take a deep breath of
you find What’s On useful in your journey fresh, salty Connemara air and immerse yourself in this special place – it might just be a journey you will never forget!
Jonathan Powell & Amanda Burke Editors Say hello: jonathan@whatson.ie
POOL SPA JACUZZI SAUNA GYM STEAM ROOM Aqua Aerobics • Box Fit Circuit Training • Kettlebells
Cover photo: 'Spiddal Coast' courtesy of Mick Bourke. facebook.com/MickBourkePhotography What's On ® is a registered trademark in Ireland. Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents presented in this guide, neither What's On ® nor its publishers can be held liable for any loss, damage or injury arising from the reliance upon the contents of this guide.
Station House
MUSEUM
Drop-In Classes • Day Passes Available
Only €10 per session Clifden Station House LEISURE CENTRE Call 095 30433 for more information. 2
Learn all about the local history Alcock & Brown – Clifden Railway – Millars Mill Connemara Ponies – John D'Arcy – Marconi Open Daily T: 095 21494 connemara-pony.net
Live Music
Saturday 7pm Irish & Contemporary Music with High Time
E.J. King's Bar
Saturday 10pm Traditional and Energetic Irish Music with The Holmes Brothers
Monday to Friday 7:30pm & 10:30pm Traditional Music Session
Sunday 7pm The Carey Family – Trad Irish and Lively Evening Session
Saturday 7:30pm Trad Music Session
Maol Reidh Hotel Tullycross Weekends Live Music – see Facebook for details
Mullarkey's Bar Friday Nights Unwind Live and Listen
Saturday 10:30pm Michael Carey Rock Band
Sunday, 10pm Michael Carey – Mix of Irish Ballads and Contemporary Music
Saturday Nights Feast your Hunger on Live Music
Sundays 7:30pm & 10:30pm Trad Session
Macdara's Bar
Guy's Bar & Snug
Good Friday 10pm Country and Western Night
May Bank Holiday Weekend Thursday, Friday, Saturday Sunday Holidays are Made for Music
Monday to Sunday 7pm An Evening of Music and Song with Resident Musicians John Durning & Lol Hardiman
Saturday 6pm Traditional Irish Music
Sands Bar Connemara Sands Hotel, Ballyconneely
Saturday 10pm Disco and Late Bar Saturday 31st March Music with Matt Keane
Lowry's Bar
Mannion's Bar
Monday and Wednesday 10 pm Irish & Contemporary Music with High Time
Every Evening 6:30pm Trad Irish Music and Song Session Visiting musicians welcome
Tuesday 10pm Lowry's Famous Trad Irish Session, Musicians Welcome Thursday 10pm Lanseol – Irish Contemporary Music with a Celtic Twist Friday 10pm Traditional Irish music & Ballads
Secluded within the white, sandy shores of Mannin Bay, there is no better place to become immersed in the local culture.
Connemara Sands BEACH
HOTEL
SPA
BALLYCONNEELY CALL 095-23030
Visit connemarasands-hotel.com
Saturday Nights Live Music
Sweeney's Strand Bar Claddaghduff Weekends Live Music
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday Peter Carey & Friends
The Signal Bar Clifden Station House Hotel
Tuesday, Friday & Sunday All Ireland Champion Banjo Player Tom Mullen & Friends
Friday, Saturday and Sundays Live Irish Music, Song & Ballads
Enjoy world class hospitality in the heart of Connemara and the Wild Atlantic Way.
Erriseask
Seaweed
Savour our seriously good food prepared by our world class team of chefs.
Restore your mind and body with our Voya organic seaweed treatments.
Restaurant
Baths and Spa
3
M I LLARS
CONNEMARA FASHION HOMEWARE GIFTS
A Unique Shopping Experience in Luxurious Surroundings Exceptional Customer Service Exclusive Irish Design Knitwear and Fashion Collections, Accessories, Giftware, Occasional Furniture and many more hidden gems! Main Street, Clifden tel: 095 21038 email: millarsconnemara@gmail.com web: millarsconnemara.ie Find us on Facebook Open 7 days
© Saoirse O'Rourke
Events & festivals Connemara National Park Easter Events
Clifden Trad Fest Kylemore Abbey Easter Sunday Family Fun 1st April 12pm-4pm
Guided Walk – Sat March 31 – 11am Afternoon Talk – Sat March 31 – 3:30pm 'The Pine Marten in Connemara' by Brian Hughes
Guided Tree Walk – Sun April 1, 2:30pm Guided Walk of Derrigimlagh Bog Mon April 2, 11am Meet at Derrigimlagh Discovery Point car park.
Afternoon Talk – Mon April 2, 3:30pm 'Wildflowers of Connemara' by Breandan O’Scanaill For all activities walking shoes / boots and rainwear are recommended. Children must be accompanied by a guardian. All events are free of charge. Check the website connemaranationalpark.ie for further information.
DESIGN PLATFORM Fashion & Interiors
Open Mon-Sat 10-6 and Sun 12-5
Visit facebook.com/DesignPlatform
4
Station House Courtyard, Clifden, Co Galway T: 095 21526
Join the Easter Bunny and friends for a great afternoon of family fun in the Walled Garden. Hop along to the Tea House to pick up your list of clues and make you way around following our funny and creative trail, who knows what you will find this year? Each child who completes the trail will get a chocolate bunny to bring home. Lots of fun for everyone! Children under 10 go free and the usual entry fee to the estate applies for adults.
5th - 8th April Hosted by Clifden Comhaltas, Clifden Trad Fest gives visitors to the area a chance to see some of the country’s finest traditional musicians, singers and dancers perform and play in sessions. Thursday will see a Tune Composition Competition, Saturday morning there will be a variety of music workshops with top quality tutors as well as a family day with a busking competition, afternoon entertainment on the gig rig and a 5k run. Saturday night will see a headline act take to the gig rig. The Clifden Trad Fest Session Trail will take place throughout the weekend from Friday to Sunday. As always at the Clifden Trad Fest, public events are free and everyone is welcome to come along and experience what will be a great weekend of music, song and dance.
HEHIRS of Clifden
FASHION KNITWEAR FOOTWEAR You never know what you might find! Open Mon-Sat 9:30-7:30, Sun 11-6
Market St, Clifden, Co. Galway tel: 095-21282 visit www.hehirs.com Find us on
Kylemore Abbey Food Village 13th April 11am-4pm Join in on the fun at Kylemore Abbey for a celebration of Galway's food and food producers as part of County Galway's title of European Region of Gastronomy 2018. Explore Kylemore Abbey's food heritage with an open air food market featuring bread making, fish smoking, lamb on a spit, butter and jam making, chocolate tasting, crafts and more. No ticket required for the Open Air Market and usual ticket prices apply for the estate visit. Meet the Connemara Bee Keepers and enjoy live music. Food writers Sally and John McKenna will also be there on the day.
Bay Coast Food Festival Renvyle Peninsula & Killary Fjord, 9th - 15th April To celebrate County Galway’s designation as a European Region of Gastronomy, the 'Bay Coast Wild Atlantic Way Food Festival' presents a week long festival of gastronomy and culture. Events are themed around local natural resources, the culture and the people of County Galway. Special guests include John and Sally McKenna and Aisling Rock, European Young Chef of the Year 2017.
‘Hehirs of Clifden’
Connemarathon 22nd April Spectators are invited to come support the weary runners and walkers at the Connemarathon. The 'park & ride' facility departs Clifden Station House Hotel at 11am. A selection of food stalls and vendors will be at the finish area. Cost: €10 return per adult and €5 per child. Please arrive 15 minutes early and don't forget to bring warm waterproof clothing. Visit connemarathon.com for more information.
Inishbofin Walking Festival 27th - 29th April Enjoy a weekend of walking amid stunning Atlantic coast scenery, crystal clear waters, green coast award winning beaches surrounded by rich natural and cultural heritage, all in the company of expert guides. Visit inishbofin. com for further information. See page 20 for ferry timetable. Read more about Inishbofin on page 13.
Wild Atlantic Way Cycle Sportif 28th April Galway to Clifden
Connemara Mussel Festival May 4th - 6th Come to the 13th Connemara Mussel Festival held in Tully Cross on the Renvyle Peninsula. Enjoy a weekend packed full of events and activities for everyone, with delicious Killary Mussels served throughout the festival, of course! Visit connemaramusselfestival.com for further information.
Connemara Mountain Walking Festival 4th - 7 th May
Visit renvyle.com for full programme of events.
28th April Night Rider Sportif
Stunning guided walks to suit all abilities. The programme includes Mweelrea, Connacht's highest mountain, Benbaun, Galway's highest mountain, Maumtrasna, the Sheeffry Mountains and a sunset walk in the National Park. Local farmers are involved in guiding the walks, sharing their vast knowledge, folklore and history of the land.
Bridewell Brewery Tours
5th May Connemara Adventure Challenge Details on connemara.net
For more details see leenanevillage.com and please book online to guarantee your place.
30th April Clifden to Westport Please visit connemara.net for details.
Gaelforce Events
9th 12th 11th April The 9th at 7pm, 12th at 4pm & 11th at 3pm & 4pm. Entry €10. Places are limited, please contact www.bridewellbrewery.ie to reserve.
Connemara National Park 4th - 6th May Various free events available, visit connemaranationalpark.ie for details.
Inishbofin Arts Festival 4th - 6th May Visit inishbofin.com/events for further information. See page 20 for ferry times. 5
Activities
& attractions Omey Tidal Island Connemara National Park
When you first see the Park, watched over by the towering presence of Diamond Hill, you will be impressed by its stunning beauty. The Visitor Centre is located close to Letterfrack Village (see #95 on map page 11). Enjoy the picnic area, children's playground and tea room, visit the exhibition on Connemara’s landscape, audiovisual show and Connemara ponies. Admission is free and the grounds are open all day, all year. Special events are organised throughout the year. For more information on forthcoming events visit connemaranationalpark.ie. Self-guided walks include various nature trails and hill walks. Allow at least half a day to explore the Park, especially if you are planning on following the Upper Diamond Hill walk (3.7km). It will lead you all the way to the summit, where you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Twelve Bens, Partry and the Sheffrey mountains. Looking east you will see Kylemore Valley. On a clear day you will even see the Aran Islands to the south and Croagh Patrick to the north. Take the opportunity to observe the rich biodiversity of the Park; you might also meet a family of feral goats along the way! Don't forget to bring appropriate footwear and rainwear, bottled water, and maybe a little snack to eat at the top.
Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden Kylemore Abbey was originally built as a Castle in 1867 as a romantic gift, the Abbey and surrounding mountains and lakes are steeped in history, myth and legend. It became home to a community of Benedictine Nuns in 1920 and has been renowned as a place of spirituality and education ever since. Experience the Victorian atmosphere of the restored rooms of the Abbey and Gothic Church. Explore the magic of the 6 acre Victorian Walled Garden. With Guided Mountain Hikes, Nature Trails, Woodland Walks, Children's Play Trail, Café, Tea House and an excellent Craft and Design Shop, this is the ideal destination for a family day out. Map #51, advert above the map.
Hill-Walking & Walking The most accessible and safest way to discover hillwalking in Connemara is to climb Diamond Hill in the Connemara National Park, thanks to its excellent wood and cut stone path (read more above). The Ballynahinch Estate is another great place to go for a more casual walk in tranquil woodlands and along peaceful rivers and lakes (read more on page 9). There are also a number of beautiful islands dotted along the Connemara coast. A day trip to Inishbofin, a magical island which can only be described as a walkers paradise, is an experience that will stay with you forever. Read more about Inishbofin on page 13. 6
Omey is located on the Aughrus Peninsula (see map #6) and is only accessible at low tide, by car or on foot, by crossing acres of firm sandy beach. Follow the direction poles in the sand on your way across, but make sure you check the tide timetable beforehand (see sailing.ie/tides/galway). Close to the north coast lie the ruins of Feichin's Church, unearthed twenty years ago after spending three centuries buried in the sand. The church is surrounded by the remains of a village that was wiped out during the Famine. No visit to Omey is complete without a hearty lunch at Sweeney's Strand Bar in Claddaghduff (map #21) while gazing back across the strand at Omey Island.
Derrigimlagh Bog Site You can hire a bike in Connemara’s largest town, Clifden, and set out on one of the area’s cycle routes which brings you through the townland of Derrigimlagh on quiet country roads. Your journey will take you by the blanket bog, a stunning mosaic of tiny lakes and peat, where you can stop and view two sites of international historical significance. First, you’ll pass the scattered remnants of the world’s first permanent transatlantic radio station. It was built more than a century ago by Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi and transmitted the first transatlantic radio signal in 1907. At its peak, the station employed several hundred people who helped transmit news across the ocean. It burned to the ground during the Irish War of Independence, but you can still view the vast site where many foundations of the buildings and workers’ houses remain. Nearby you’ll also come across a white memorial in the shape of an aeroplane wing, which pays tribute to John Alcock and Arthur Whitten Brown. In 1919, Alcock and Brown were the first pilots to fly non-stop across the Atlantic, before they crash-landed (safely) in Derrigimlagh Bog.
Beaches Some of Ireland’s most beautiful beaches are located around the rugged coastline of Connemara, with many and varied options for exploring, beachcombing, swimming, walking and more. In this part of the world, you will never find yourself too far away from the great Atlantic Ocean and a beach visit should certainly be a part of your Connemara experience. The Coral Strand, located next to the main road near Ballyconneely, is easy to access and unusual for its golden coral sand. Mannin’s clear blue waters and sandy dunes make it a family favourite for many. Heading towards Roundstone, Dog's Bay, a Green Coast awarded beach, will take your breath away as you drive along, but don't forget to keep left! Glassilaun, overlooked by the dramatic Mweelrea mountain, highest peak in Connemara, is popular with water sports enthusiasts and is another absolutely idyllic place. Many more secluded spots are around every corner and at the end of many roads, just waiting to be discovered. And don’t despair if the temperatures aren’t too high – a good dose of Connemara sea air at any time of year will replenish the body and soothe the soul in typical Connemara fashion. See beach listing on Connemara map.
One of the best in Clifden!
TRADITONAL IRISH MUSIC FIRESIDE SESSION See page 3 for our music schedule
O'Dalaigh Jewellers
UNIQUE IN IRELAND Handmade on the Premises
Wedding & Engagement Rings Specialists
Connemara Marble Jewellery
Claddagh Rings
Open Plan In-store Workshop where the jewellery is made
Contemporary Collections
Finest Collection in Ireland
Main Street, Clifden (# 83 on Map p. 10) Tel: 095 22119 celticimpresssions.com
Discover the secrets of a craft that is thousands of years old. Wander in and watch Jonathan, one of the skilled members of the O'Dalaigh family, crafting unique jewellery on the premises of the family shop, which is located in the heart of Clifden. Influenced by the Golden Age of Celtic jewellery and artefacts throughout Ireland and Europe, they also produce a contemporary organic-like designer range. See advert above.
Monument Hill From Clifden, follow the signposts and stroll up the Sky Road. Shortly after Abbeyglen Castle Hotel, you will notice a sign pointing to the John D’Arcy Monument to your left. A short climb to the summit of Monument Hill will reward you with a beautiful view of Clifden Bay, Clifden Town and the surrounding area. John D’Arcy founded Clifden in 1812, when he was just twenty-six. In 1804, he had inherited an estate covering 17,000 acres on the west coast of Connemara. When he died in 1839, Clifden was thriving, but the growth came to an end when the Great Famine started in 1845, affecting all classes and ultimately causing the ruin of the D’Arcy family.
The Ballynahinch Estate Venture to the majestic Ballynahinch Estate and explore its enchanting woodlands. With over 6km of walking trails along the Ballynahinch River and Lake, there are walks to suit all abilities. The trails twist along the water’s edge underneath ancient oak and beech trees, dwarfing the myriad of life on the woodland floor. Relax on the benches and soak in the abundance of nature whilst watching salmon and trout leaping in the Owenmore River. The Railway Loop follows the path of the old Galway to Clifden railway line before returning along the river to offer one of Ireland’s most sublime views of Ballynahinch Castle, with Ben Lettery ever-present in the distance. Map #60.
Long / Short Beach Rides Beginners to Advanced
Email: info@inishbofinislanddiscovery.com
GUYS BAR & SNUG Main Street, Clifden T: 095-21130 visit guysbarclifden.com
The Connemara Championship Golf Links is nestled between the scenic splendour of the Twelve Bens mountain range and the rugged Atlantic Ocean. This beautiful isolated links course, founded in 1973 and designed by Eddie Hackett, lies to the West of Clifden along the Wild Atlantic Way signature discovery point of Derrigimlagh Bog and Mannin Bay Blue way. From the testing dog leg opening hole to the breathtaking back 9, the course is a test for all levels. The Club offers fantastic facilities with a modern clubhouse bar, coffee shop and restaurant, a Pro Shop, practice range and putting green. Golf carts, rental clubs and tuition available. Map #42, advert page 11.
Glass-Making Workshops Perfect for the whole family, a Connemara Blue Glass-Making Workshop is a fascinating and creative rainy-day activity. You’ll experience working with this beautiful material and take away your very own little piece of Connemara – made by you! Starting from as little as €25, workshops are for everyone aged 8 and over. Group discounts are available. Booking is essential – see advert page 11 for contact details. Ben and the team will look forward to welcoming you. See map #24.
Cleggan Beach Riding Centre The fabulous 2,5 to 3 hour trek to Omey Island across Omey beach is a wonderful experience. The centre also offers shorter beach rides of 90 minutes, 1 hour and half hour sessions for small children. Lessons are available up to competition standard. Top show and dressage Connemara Ponies are for sale and can be seen at the centre. For trekking they have a wide range of well schooled Connemara Ponies, Irish Sport Horses and Irish Cobs to suit all ages and standards. The times of the treks are governed by the tide, so it is wise to book in advance. Map #91, advert below.
Cleggan Beach
For Full Timetable - see page 20
Call or Text: 095-45819 / 086-1718829
COSY SETTING • FINE WINES • FREE WI-FI OVEN-BAKED PIZZAS • GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS
Connemara Golf Links
Jewellery Making
Several Sailings Daily on the Mailboat to Inishbofin from Cleggan, Connemara
SUMMER SEAFOOD MENU
RIDING CENTRE
€5 OFF per person on
presentation of this advert (only one copy is needed)
Horses / Ponies to suit Adults and Children Cleggan, Co. Galway T: 095 44746 W: clegganridingcentre.com E: jcaz@eircom.net 7
Advert approved.
Alan Gaillard Ceramics and Felt Art Studio
Traditional Smoked Salmon Saumon Fumé
EAT
Visitors Welcome Tours and Tastings
DRINK
Share the Roberts family's incredible passion for handmade quality food Read more below
SLEEP
Visitors Welcome, Open 7 Days Feltwork demonstrations by appointment.
Buy our products online at smokehouse.ie
TELEPHONE 095-22786 WEB alangaillard.com
Tel: 095 23739 Email: info@smokehouse.ie
2km north of Clifden on N59 Westport Rd, See Clifden Map.
RELAX
Bunowen Pier, Aillebrack, Ballyconneely, Clifden, Co.Galway
Connemara Smokehouse
Maol Reidh Hotel Tullycross, Renvyle, Co.Galway t: +353 (95) 43844 e: info@maolreidh.com www.maolreidhhotel.com
Manor Connemara P0nies
Ireland's first Food Économusée, this family-run business offers regular tastings of the best quality traditional smoked salmon. Visitors are welcome to the factory shop at anytime. Private tours available all year (booking essential). Tours include filleting and slicing demonstrations along with explanation of salting and smoking techniques, followed by a tasting of smoked salmon on Irish stoneground bread. Visites disponibles en français. Open Mon-Fri 9am-1pm & 2pm-5pm (closed weekends). Connemara Smokehouse products available in some local shops. Map #34, advert above.
are extremely happy to talk to anyone interested in the Connemara Pony breed. Their stable, yard and arena is nestled amidst some of the most stunning views of Connemaras’ mountains, lakes and seascapes and this provides the Connemara Pony enthusiast a unique opportunity to view award-winning ponies in their natural environment, grazing contentedly by lakeshore and seashore in Ardbear, Clifden. Manor Connemara Ponies are committed to breeding from the oldest and strongest of bloodlines, producing winning show and performance stock, from the highest quality brood mares. Advert page 13.
The Station House Museum
Woollen Art Demonstrations Visit Alan and Sandra only 2km northwards on the main N59 Westport Road where you can see the finest hand-made high-fired domestic stoneware and ceramics and Sandra’s beautiful landscapes, wet and needle felted from wool and silk in colours inspired by the wonderful Connemara scenery. Visitors are welcome from 10am until 6pm. Wool felting demonstrations on Wednesdays (booking essential, maximum 4 persons). Try-it-yourself sessions occasionally available, strictly by appointment. There is ample parking and the showroom is wheelchair accessible. The views over Streamstown from the studios are breathtaking. Map #88, advert above.
Sands Seaweed Baths & Spa Relax your mind and body – immerse yourself in the restorative power of the ocean at the Connemara Sands luxury spa with a Voya organic seaweed bath. Voya are the world's first producer of certified organic seaweed based skincare products. A wide range of treatments are available. Open 7 days 10am–6pm except Friday 10am–8pm. By appointment only, please call 09323030. Map #94, advert page 3.
Located on the site of the old Clifden Railway Station in the charming Station House Courtyard, the town's museum provides visitors with a history of Clifden, the Connemara Pony, the Galway to Clifden railway line, Millars Mill and Alcock and Brown. There is also a photographic exhibition on the Marconi wireless station. Open daily. Map #14. advert page 2.
The Point Pony Trekking The Point Pony Trekking & Horse Riding Centre is AIRE approved and situated right next to the most dazzling sandy beaches, beside the Connemara Golf Links. Discover the most spectacular coastal scenery in the area on horseback. All treks are accompanied by qualified staff and both beginners and experienced riders are welcome. Daily treks: 1 hour €35/pp and 2 hours €60/pp. Longer treks on request. Special offers for families of 4 or more, see thepointponytrekkingcentre.com. Safety hats and boots available free of charge. From Clifden drive south to Ballyconneely village (9km), after Keogh's turn right and follow the signs to The Point Pony Trekking and Horse Riding (6km). Closed Sundays. Map #68, advert below.
The Point Pony Trekking and Horse Riding Centre
Beginners and advanced riders welcome We speak English, French, Dutch and German A.I.R.E. approved
Closed on Sundays
Discover Connemara's most stunning beaches and coastline on horseback
Ballyconneely, Co. Galway (beside beaches & Connemara Golf Links) T: 095 23685 / 087 246 8294 thepointponytrekkingcentre.com 8
Local Crafts Made in Connemara Book Your Activities Local Information MARKET STREET, CLIFDEN CALL: +353 (0)95 22630
EMAIL: shop@allthingsconnemara.ie VISIT: www.allthingsconnemara.ie
Advert approved. 1 quay house.qxp_Layout
21/05/2016 3:44 p.m. Page 1
“The most romantic place to stay in Ireland”
Life is... riding a bicycle.
Cosmopolitan Magazine
4 Star Guesthouse
The Quay House Tel: 095 21369
www.thequayhouse.com
Regular & Electric
BIKE HIRE
www.clifdenbikeshop.ie
CLIFDEN
Bike Shop
Cycling
The Beach Road A local favourite, this is one of the most peaceful and serene walks in Clifden. From the centre of town, take a left at the fork just after the Bank of Ireland. This will lead you downhill towards a children's playground and then Clifden Quay, where you can view wildlife in the bay through the permanent binoculars. Follow the road for about 2 km until you reach Clifden Beach and the Clifden Boat Club. Enjoy refreshments at The Boardwalk Café and witness great yacht racing and sail training over the summer months.
Clifden Castle Built in the Gothic Revival style circa 1818 by Clifden’s founder John D’Arcy, this ruined manor house was once his residence. From Clifden, walk about 2km up along the Sky Road until you reach the gateway arch to your left. (Walking only – parking not permitted.) Stroll along a muddy, winding trail edged with a series of five standing stones (only one is original). Soon you will be led downhill and turning right to discover a magnificent view of Clifden Bay and Clifden Castle. The Castle's original features include a rounded tower, a square tower and an entry tower with two round turrets. The estate also has a large medieval style gateway and an enclosed farmyard.
The Western Way A long-distance walking trail (55km) of spectacular scenery. Begining in Oughterard, heading north towards Maum through the Inagh Valley, and reaching Killary Harbour near Leenane. You can join this waymarked trail at various points for an excellent introduction to the beautiful and scenic wilderness of Connemara. The terrain consists of quiet roads, bog roads, open moorland, forestry tracks, mountain paths and timber bog bridges. See website thewesternway.ie for more information.
Clifden Bike Shop at All Things Connemara
Market St, Clifden, Connemara, Co. Galway +353 (0)95 22630
Clifden Bike Shop at All Things Connemara (map #90, advert above) offers regular and electric bike hire, free helmet, lock, a map of Clifden Cycle Hubs and a complimentary bottle of water (with the advert above). Use the Connemara map on page 11 to follow one of the 5 suggested cycle routes, or make your own! Cycling is one of the best ways to enjoy the Connemara landscape – just remember to bring snacks and plan your route in advance!
The Sky Road You can walk, cycle or drive up the Sky Road. Justifiably famous for the views it affords, the Sky Road takes you up among the hills overlooking Clifden Bay and its offshore islands, Inishturk and Turbot Island. Follow the signposts from Market Square, passing D'Arcy's monument on your left. Further along, the road separates but keep right along the high road which climbs to a height of over 150 metres. When you reach the highest point you will see a car park and viewing area on the left (5.5km from Clifden). This is one of the most impressive panoramic vistas around Clifden, so don't forget your camera, and expect to be blown away! Photo © Robert Riddell
Diamond's Equestrian Centre Located in Tully on the beautiful Renvyle Peninsula, Diamond's Equestrian Centre has something to offer both the novice and the accomplished rider. The staff are qualified and experienced, horses and ponies are well schooled and a wide range of treks are available. Choose from the 1 hour, 2 hour or half day ride through rugged and breathtaking Connemara landscape – beach, mountain and turf terrain. Picnic lunch rides are available. Children are welcome. Approved hats are provided as well as a selection of boots. Open every day. Changing facilities on-site. Map #41, advert below.
DIAMOND’S EQUESTRIAN CENTRE
Ride through the Renvyle Peninsula on the Wild Atlantic Way Majestic Scenery – Beach Rides – Old Castle Trek All Levels Catered For – Stud Tour Available – Visitors Welcome Connemara Performance Stallions at Stud Competition / Performance Ponies Available for Sale Renvyle, Connemara - booking advisable - t:095 43486 / 086 8195334 visit theconnemarapony.ie
DiamondsEquineRenvyle 9
Cinema
Be a part of history at the Original
All Aboard the Clifden Station House
Clifden Railway Line Station Masters House
Clifden Station House Theatre
Bar and Restaurant
Now Showing Monster Family Early Man For more info, see below:
For full schedule, see
Lunch and Dinner Menus
clifdenstationhouse.com/theatre or facebook.com/theatre
Daily Specials Available
Food Served from 12–9pm t: 095-21699 e: info@clifdenstationhouse.com w: clifdenstationhouse.com
Clifden Map
Fuel / Gas Station Clifden Station House Museum
advertisers index
Alan Gaillard Stoneware & Felt Art.....................88 All Things Connemara ............................................ 90 Aran Woollen Store.....................................................25 Clifden Bike Shop....................................................... 90 Clifden Opticians.........................................................26 Clifden Station House Bar & Restaurant........... 19 Connemara Blue...........................................................24 Design Platform......................................................20 E.J. King's Bar and Restaurant...............................75 Foyle's Hotel..................................................................65 Guy’s Bar.........................................................................67 Hehirs of Clifden.........................................................92 Intersport Gannons....................................................37 Jasmine Garden Restaurant.....................................17 Lowry’s Sweater and Gift Shop..............................35 Love Vintage..................................................................73 Lowry’s Bar.................................................................... 61 Macdara's Bar and Restaurant...............................57
Mannion's Bar...............................................16 Marconi Restaurant..................................65 Mitchell's Restaurant...............................70 Millars Connemara....................................93 Mullarkey’s Bar........................................... 62 O’Dalaigh Jewellers................................... 83 Stanley’s.......................................................... 11 Station House Cinema..............................46 Station House Museum.............................14 Station House Leisure Centre...............66 SuperValu.......................................................12 The Beauty Clinic....................................... 10 The Clifden Bookshop..............................64 The Quay House Guesthouse.................59 Walsh's Bakery............................................ 77 Whistlestop Gifts......................................113
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Public Library Police Station Dial 999 or Tel: 353+(0)95-21021 Fire Service Diall 999 Bus Stop
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Visitor Information
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Dr. Ciaran McLoughlin
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Clifden Medical Practice
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Clifden District Hospital Tel: 095-21301
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Doctor's Surgery
Clifden Dental Practice Tel: 095-22731
88 2 km on right to
Doctor's Surgery
Riverside
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to Dooneen
Clifden Opticians MULTIPAIR OFFER – Buy Complete Glasses Get a Second Pair Free * Monday–Friday 10am–6pm, Saturday 10am–4pm *Terms and conditions apply - see instore for details
Clifden Opticians, Bridge Street, Clifden, Co Galway 10
T: 095 30995
E: info@clifdenopticians.ie
W: clifdenopticians.ie
A BEAUTIFUL 1,000 ACRE ESTATE f 6 Acre Victorian Walled Garden Restored Rooms in the Abbey Gothic Church History Talks and Guided Tours
Hearty Breakfasts, Handcrafted Breads, Yummy Cakes and Sandwiches, and so many Pastries!
COFFEE HOUSE DELI
Established 1953
Woodland and Lakehore Walks Café and Tea House Craft and Design Shop
f T: +353 (0)95 52001 E: info@kylemoreabbey.com W: www.kylemoreabbey.com
Market Street, Clifden 095-21283 walshsbakery.ie
Connemara Map
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The Sheffrey Hills
Inishbofin
8 Tully Tullycross 41 40 89
28 63
Cleggan
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21 Omey Island
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Inagh Valley
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R345
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Maam Cross
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Oughterard
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Cashel
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Bunowen Pier
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R341
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The Maumturk Mountains Recess
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Ballyconneely
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Leenaun
Clonbur
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Partry Mountains
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The Twelve Bens
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Ardagh Hotel & Restaurant................................................... 97 Ballynahinch Castle.................................................................60 Cleggan Beach Riding Centre................................................91 Connemara Golf Links, Ballyconneely............................. 42 Connemara National Park, Letterfrack........................... 95 N84 to Castlebar Connemara Sands Hotel & Spa, Ballyconneely.............. 94 Connemara Smokehouse, Ballyconneely......................... 34 Cong Diamond's Equestrian Centre, Tully, Renvyle.................41 Inishbofin Island Discovery Ferry, Cleggan................... 28 Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden...................51 N84 Maol Reidh Hotel, Tullycross................................................40 O’Dowd’s Seafood Bar, Roundstone................................... 96 Oliver’s Bar & Restaurant, Cleggan.................................... 63 Paddy Coyne's Pub, Tullycross............................................. 89 Sweeney's Strand Bar & Shop, Claddaghduff..................21 Headford The Owenmore Restaurant, Ballynahinch.....................60 N84 The Point Pony Trekking, Ballyconneely........................ 68
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CLIFDEN
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advertisers index
95 Letterfrack
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Errislannan
to Westport
7 Kylemore Abbey 51
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to Louisburg
beach listing Coral Strand................................................................................... 1 N59 Mannin.............................................................................................2 Dog's Bay, Roundstone...............................................................3 Gurteen, Roundstone..................................................................4 Aillebrack, Ballyconneely.........................................................5 Omey Strand...................................................................................6 N59 Glassilaun, Renvyle.....................................................................7 White Strand, Renvyle...............................................................8
R336
Roundstone
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R340
Screebe
4 R340
Carna
Rosmuc
Kilkerrin
R336
Moycullen
Cycle routes
N84
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to Tuam
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Loop 1: Sky Road 17 km
Tiernee
Loop 2: Errislannan 14 km Loop 3: Cleggan / Chaddaghuff 33 km
Costelloe Carraroe
Loop 4: Roundstone / Ballyconnely 40 km
Rossaveel Inverin R336
GALWAY CITY R336
Spiddal
R336
Barna
Loop 5: North Connemara 57 km See Connemara.net for Google map of each route
Beaches
Site of Alcock and Brown Transatlantic Flight
Site of Marconi Station
Ballyconneely t: 095 23502 w: connemaragolflinks.com
CONNEMARA CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF LINKS
Special offer: 9 holes with club hire for €60
practice range & green • visitors & families welcome golf lessons available • pro shop, bar & coffee shop 11
drives & day tours Roundstone & Ballyconneely From Clifden, take the R341 towards Ballyconneely and turn left at Ballinaboy bridge, driving along the Bog Road that crosses the famous Roundstone Bog Conservation Area. Turn right towards Roundstone and follow the coast road. Before entering the village, why not turn left at the bridge and spend a little while on the island of Inishnee? Then, continue driving along the coast until you reach Roundstone, one of Ireland's first purpose built fishing villages. A Franciscan monastery was founded there in the 1830s, but all that remains now is the gateway entrance and church bell tower. Relax and enjoy a meal or a drink at O'Dowd's before returning to Clifden via Ballyconneely. There are many pristine beaches in the area and the west of the village is home to the Connemara Smokehouse, The Point Pony Trekking and Horse Riding Centre and the Connemara Championship Golf Links. At the foot of Doon Hill, you will also find Bunowen Castle, which can be admired from the road. Returning back you will find the vast, sandy shores of Mannin (see #2 on map), home of Connemara Sands Hotel and Spa and further on, the famous Derrigimlagh bog site where Marconi and Alcock & Brown made transatlantic history. Photo: Gurteen and Dog's Bay
Claddaghduff, Omey Island & Cleggan From Clifden, take the N59 towards Westport, and at approximately 5km outside the town turn left towards Claddaghduff. A couple of miles further along Streamstown Bay you will see the ruins of Doon Castle on your left. Omey Island is next, accessible by car or on foot at low water, by crossing acres of firm sandy beach. Follow the direction poles in the sand on your way across, but make sure you check the tide timetable on page 15 beforehand! Omey has a wealth of antiquities. 'Teampaill Féichín' can be found on the northern side of the island, a medieval church built on a 7th century Christian settlement that was covered in sand until 1981. St Féichín’s well can also be found to the west, just above a rocky inlet. Returning to the mainland, continue towards Claddaghduff, stopping for a meal or some refreshments at Sweeney's Strand Bar, or continuing on towards the working fishing village of Cleggan, home to Oliver's Seafood Bar and Cleggan Beach Riding Centre. From Cleggan Pier you can take the ferry to Inishbofin – see ferry timetable on page 20. Then, either take the bog road back to Clifden or continue to Moyard via Ballynakill, and then turn right on your way back to Clifden. Photo: Inishbofin 12
Inagh Valley & Kylemore On a clear day, go for a drive through the majestic Inagh Valley. Leaving Clifden on the N59 heading east past Ballynahinch Lough to your right, you will see the ruins of the ‘castle on the lake’ which once served as a prison to those who had ill-treated animals. Further on you will also see the picturesque Derryclare Lake to your left. There is a small car park where you can stop-off. This is probably one of the most photographed scenes in Ireland! Driving in the same direction for another 3.5km, turn left onto the R344, which will finally take you through the Inagh Valley. Meandering past Lough Inagh, the Twelve Bens are to your left, with the Maumturk mountain range to your right. This is a stunningly beautiful scenic route, taking you past turf stacks, sheep and glorious countryside, until you emerge at the other end of the valley. Here you can either turn left to return to Clifden and visit Kylemore Abbey and Garden on the way, or turn right to extend your tour further towards Leenane and Killary Harbour. Photo: Derryclare Lake
Renvyle Peninsula & Leenane Dominated by Tully Mountain, the Renvyle Peninsula offers panoramic sea views you will never forget and a slice of the old Irish way of life. Take the N59 towards Westport. The peninsula is signposted left at the Quaker village of Letterfrack. The village of Tully Cross is home to Paddy Coynes and Maol Reidh Hotel where you can stop for some refreshments. Then on to Tully where the famed Diamond's Equestrian Centre presides. Continue towards the end of the peninsula to see the ruins of Renvyle Castle. There are stunning views across Ballynakill Bay and, on a clear day, you can see the conical mountain of Croagh Patrick, County Mayo. Returning to Tully Cross, take the left turn by the church and follow the elevated coast road towards Little Killary Bay. Shortly after, turn left to stop off at the glorious sandy beach of Glassilaun. Continue along Lough Fee until you reach the N59, where you can either turn right to return to Clifden, or left towards Leenane. Photo: Glassilaun Leenane is a quaint village located at the head of the spectacular Killary Fjord and boasts one of the finest views in the country. The rugged countryside is completely unspoilt. The majestic mountains of Ben Gorm and Mweelrea bound the calm waters of the Killary, and the Maumturk, Sheffrey and Twelve Bens mountain ranges perfectly frame the view. In the heart of Leenane you will find a museum and cultural centre, shops and bars, and you might hear tales of when Hollywood came to the locality to film ‘The Field’, starring the legendary Richard Harris. Photo: Killary Harbour
After a great time exploring Omey, visit
Island of the White Cow
Sweeney's Strand
Inishbofin Community Centre & Tourist Office
Bar & Shop, Claddaghduff
Enjoy Spectacular Views of Omey Island call: +353 95 45895 visit www.inishbofin.com
places to visit Ballyconneely
A traditional holiday favourite for domestic and international visitors, Ballyconneely is home to the Connemara Golf Links, one of the finest golf courses in Ireland. A culinary delight awaits food and fishing enthusiasts at the multi-award-winning Connemara Smokehouse, where a warm welcome is always assured. The Point Pony Trekking and Horse Riding Centre offers idyllic seaside treks along some of Ballyconneely’s many beautiful beaches. If you're feeling hungry or fancy a cocktail, Connemara Sands Bar and Restaurant in Mannin offer fantastic lunch and dinner menus and is an ideal place to round off your day in style.
Cleggan The fishing village of Cleggan is located on the northern side of the Aughrus Peninsula, at the head of Cleggan Bay. The pier is the site of much fishing and boating activity and is also the ferry port for Inishbofin Island. A lively music scene can be experienced in the village, as well as the freshest fish and seafood – try Oliver's! A number of beautiful beaches dot the coastline between Cleggan and Claddaghduff all the way around the peninsula, including Sallerna, Rossadillisk and Omey. Pony trekking is also a popular activity. Letterfrack
was founded in the mid 19th century and occupies a special place in Connemara’s cultural activity. Home to the Connemara National Park, the village is overlooked by Diamond Hill, one of the region’s most popular climbs. Letterfrack is also home to the Connemara Community Radio (broadcasting on 87.8 and 106.1 FM). Annual festivals include Bog Week (May/June) and Sea Week (October). A lively musical tradition exists in the village, with regular music sessions taking place throughout the year.
Bar Food Served All Day Tel: 095 44673 visit www.sweeneysbarcladdaghduff.com
Clifden is a vibrant town on the very edge of Europe. It has a population of over 2000 but the hinterland which it serves as the administrative and economic centre has almost 10,000 inhabitants. The town known as the 'Capital of Connemara' boasts a thriving tourism industry, as its unique and picturesque setting between the Twelve Bens and the Atlantic Ocean attracts thousands of visitors annually. The town skyline is dominated by the twin spires of the two churches, St Joseph’s and Christ Church. Clifden has come a long way since its embryonic days in 1812. Today it represents all that is good about life in the west of Ireland: good food, good friends and good craic. Roundstone Perched on the edge of the Atlantic on Connemara’s west coast lies Roundstone, a charming harbour village which is very popular with visitors, has been the inspiration of many books and has served as the location for some high-profile Hollywood movies. Strolling through the town you will find some fantastic craft shops, cafés, bars and restaurants and a farmers market every Sunday in summer. Take time to relax in O'Dowd's, Connemara's oldest pub. Look out for your chance to beat an Irish traditional drum, the bodhrán. South of the village you will also find the breathtaking crescent-shaped beaches of Gurteen and Dog’s Bay. Inishbofin
For a taste of island life, take a boat trip to Inishbofin, 8km long by 3km wide, population 200. The 'Island of the White Cow' is located 10km west of Cleggan, 30 minutes by ferry. It has a rich history, stunning Atlantic coast scenery, great traditional music, spectacular walks and Green Coast Award beaches with crystal clear waters. Three looped walks, the Middlequarter Loop, Westquarter Loop and Cloonamore Loop afford awe-inspiring views of the island’s cliffs, sea stacks and seal colonies. Inishbofin ferry tickets can be bought onboard. Ferry departs regularly from Cleggan. See ferry timetable on page 20 and advert page 7.
Producing Champions in the Heart of Connemara
Siobhán English Photography
Ardbear, Clifden, Co. Galway Tel: 087 758 9710 Find us on Facebook Email: noel@manorponies.ie www.manorconnemaraponies.ie
‘Commited to breeding from the oldest and stronest bloodlines’
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Some of the Best Chinese, Malaysian and Thai Food You Will Ever Taste.
MANNION’S BAR Great Irish Food & Traditional Music
Serving Local Seafood in a Traditional Bar Atmosphere One of Clifden's Oldest Pubs – Serving Local Seafood
Jasmine Garden RESTAURANT & TAKE AWAY
Market St, Clifden See our menu on connemara.net
Opening hours: 4:30pm to 10:30pm t: 095 21174
Mannion’s Bar, Market Street, Tel: 095-21780 Market Street, Clifden Tel:Clifden. 095 21780
What's On the menu? Ardagh Hotel & Restaurant
Dining at The Ardagh Restaurant, Connemara's only sunset sea view restaurant, truly is an exceptional experience. The ever changing menu reflects the freshest seasonal produce grown organically on the hotel grounds. There is ample opportunity for relaxation and quiet conversations around the hotel – and feel frtee to join your hosts at the bar after dinner for a bit of chat while listening to the grand piano. The Ardagh is located on the Wild Atlantic Way just 2.5 km south of Clifden on the Ballyconneely Road. Map #97, advert page 2.
Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
insists upon using the best of local produce, prepared by Head Chef Pete Durkan and his team who appreciate the larder at their disposal; foraged seaweeds, chanterelles and garlic from the surrounding woods, the freshest fish and magnificent hill lamb together with many more carefully sourced ingredients allow them to deliver some of the best food on the West Coast. Classic and uncomplicated, yet skilfully created menus present the clean flavours of Connemara in perfect balance and harmony in the elegant restaurant overlooking the river. Map #60, advert below.
Bridewell Brewery
is Clifden’s craft brewery. Enjoy their beers on tap in local bars, restaurants and hotels. See bridewellbrewery.ie for local tap listings. Bridewell Blond has a Pilsner malt base and a balanced noble hop character influenced by Belgian Blonds. Bridewell Red is dry and light-bodied with roasted barley character and a twist of Belgian Dubbel. The brewers are Harry Joyce, a native of Clifden, and his wife Barbara-Anne McCabe. Committed to innovative brewing with the best, natural ingredients. #drinklocal #irishcraftbeer
Clifden Station House Bar & Restaurant
Our Executive Chef has been cooking up a storm in the kitchen and with the great, friendly hospitality of our staff, it is no wonder we are winning awards. We use nothing but the finest, freshest ingredients and keep a focus on local produce to ensure quality of a high standard. Choose any dish from a mouthwatering menu, which is carefully put together with an emphasis on giving the guest more choice of quality local dishes. Food is served daily from 12 until 9pm with lunch and dinner menus available as well as daily specials. Map #19, advert page 10.
Connemara Golf Links serve the finest
locally sourced food to give golfers and visitors a true taste of Connemara culture. Try one of the homemade desserts in the Coffee Shop while gazing at some of the most spectacular views of the course and the Atlantic Ocean. If you are planning on playing a round or just enjoying a drive through the beautiful Ballyconneely area, pop in for breakfast, lunch or dinner. A full children’s menu is available. There is also free Wi-Fi so you can keep in touch with friends and family! Map #42, advert page 11.
Connemara Sands' Erriseask Restaurant
Ballyconneely is a great opportunity to taste exemplary modern Irish cuisine prepared by renowned chefs Stefan Matz and Sinead Quinn. The cocktail bar oozes funky New England style. Open 6:30pm to 9pm. Children are permitted in the restaurant and half portions are offered at half price. The Sands Bar, serving 7 days from 1pm to 9pm, combines style and comfort in a truly 'Irish pub' experience. Specialising in local and artisan produce, seafood, local craft beers, whiskies, gins and wonderful Irish hospitality. Map #94, advert page 3.
E.J.King's Bar and Restaurant
Established over 100 years ago, E.J.'s is situated in the heart of Clifden and offers a range of dining experiences. Well-known for its selection of fresh fish and seafood, the restaurant overlooks Clifden’s Market Square and is open from 6pm, offering a 2-course menu for €22.50 and 3-courses for €24.95. E.J.’s bar food menu is available all day. E.J.'s is one of Clifden’s premier live music venues 7 nights a week with two music sessions from 6:30–8:30pm and 10 till late. 'Great Food, Great Guinness, Great Music – Tripadvisor 2016'. Map #75, advert page 15.
Guy's Bar & Snug
Relax in a warm and cosy setting where old and new traditions meet. Guy's extensive menu includes summer seafood specials, Traditional Fish and Chips, Beef and Guinness Stew, burgers, vegetarian and gluten-free options, all homemade from locally sourced suppliers where possible. Savour fine wines, exclusive herbal teas and excellent coffee and take-away oven baked pizzas. Enjoy the traditional music sessions in the evenings (see the schedule on page 3). You can also visit guysbarclifden.com to view their menus. Map #67, advert page 7.
afternoon tea at Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Enjoy traditional afternoon tea overlooking the river from 1:30pm - 4pm every Saturday & Sunday €25pp, €40pp with a glass of champagne
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Booking essential – to reserve your table call 095 31006 www.ballynahinchcastle.com
Mitchell's Restaurant
WINNER OF BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT IN IRELAND 2015 & RECOMMENDED BY THE MICHELIN GUIDE
Lunch Menu until 5:30pm Special Value Menu every evening (excludes Saturdays & Bank Holidays)
Open Daily 12pm-10pm
Serving the Freshest of Fish Landed Daily
Market St, Clifden, Co. Galway Telephone 095-21867 Jasmine Garden Restaurant & Take Away This family run
business has been serving delicious, mouth- watering Asian food to Connemara since 2001. They offer some of the best Chinese, Malaysian and Thai food you will ever taste. You can opt to dine in the newly refurbished restaurant, or simply take it away. Seafood Aromatic Duck and Spicy Rendang Curry are the flavour of the month. Drop by today, and your visit to Connemara will be well and truly rewarded. Map #17, advert opposite.
Kylemore Abbey
Mitchell's Café offers a range of home-cooked meals in a stunning setting. Try a traditional Irish dish using ingredients from the Victorian Walled Garden and recipes bestowed by the Benedictine nuns. The Tea House, located by the Walled Garden, is another haven where you can relax while taking in the breathtaking views of the Connemara National Park. An additional take out Café runs throughout the summer offering delicious picnic basket essentials to enjoy at your leisure as you explore the estate. Map #51, advert page 11.
Mannion's Bar
Run continuously by the family since 1930, Mannion’s Bar and restaurant serves quality food daily from 12-9pm, specialising in locally sourced seafood. Try the chowder, Connemara smoked salmon, traditional beer battered fish and chips or Killary mussels. If fish is not your dish, Mannion’s are also famous for Connemara lamb Irish stew, beef and Guinness stew and fresh 100% Irish beef or lamb burgers. Large groups and families catered for with a children’s menu available. Extensive lunch menu and pizza menu. Free Wi-Fi. Live traditional music from 7pm. Reservations accepted. Map #16, advert opposite.
Macdara's Bar & Restaurant Clifden’s
newest bar and restaurant opened in March, serving an exciting menu put together by head chef Stuart Lindley. Overlooking Clifden Bay, serving locally produced food and a great pint of Guinness, it’s a perfect sport to unwind after a day exploring Connemara. Stuart brings a wealth of experience to the restaurant, having cooked alongside Connemara’s best, as well as celebrity chef Kevin Dundon. The crew promise the fine food will be accompanied by music, tasty beverages and tons of mighty craic! Map #57, advert opposite.
Maol Reidh Hotel
Guests can treat themselves to sumptuous cuisine at the Íasc Restaurant (meaning 'fish' in Irish), where the chef prepares local seafood, organic vegetables and tender Connemara lamb. The menu is accompanied by a carefully selected wine list. After dinner, guests can head to the Courtyard Bar, where they can relax by a peat fire, enjoy a pint of beer, and chat with locals. The Maol Reidh Hotel is set in one of the most tranquil, picturesque locations in Connemara. Map #40, advert page 8.
Marconi Restaurant
Located in Foyle's Hotel on Main Street in the heart of Clifden Town, the Marconi is a charming family-run restaurant managed personally by the Foyles for over a century. The focus is on fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced locally where possible, specialising in seafood and traditional Irish favourites. The Marconi is set in distinctive surroundings, full of artefacts covering the history of Connemara and the hotel. Expect a professional, friendly service and creative cooking offered at a fair price and in a relaxed ambience. Map #65, advert page 2.
Mitchell's Restaurant
Winner of the Best Seafood Restaurant in Ireland 2015. Since 1991, Mitchell's Restaurant have prided themselves on using the very best local produce. Fish is literally brought to their doorstep by the local fishermen on a daily basis. The restaurant is housed over two floors in a charming turn of the century building and open fires contribute to a cosy ambience that enhances any dining experience. While seafood is their specialty, the menu also features sumptuous meat and vegetarian dishes. Map #70, advert above.
O'Dowd's Seafood Restaurant, Bar & Café Established in 1840,
O'Dowd's is the oldest pub in all of Connemara, family-run for four generations. Enjoy a great pint of Guinness in this historic setting or outside overlooking Roundstone Harbour. Unmissable fresh local seafood – try their famous seafood chowder! Bar food is served from 12noon to 9:30pm and the restaurant opens from 5pm to 9:30pm. Next door is O'Dowd's Café, open 9:30am to 6pm and serving freshly-made dishes to take away or eat in. Wi-Fi available. Map #96, advert page 13.
Oliver's Seafood Bar
overlooks the harbour in Cleggan Fishing Village. Food is served all day and Oliver's is renowned for the quality of their fresh fish and local dishes. There is something for every budget. Lunch time (12:30 to 3pm daily) favourites include Fish & Chips, fabulous home-made seafood chowder, Irish stew, steamed mussels and crabmeat. A more extensive menu, including local Connemara lamb and steak, is available for dinner (from 6pm to 10pm). Oliver's is a great place to have a meal while exploring the area. Map #63, advert page 20.
Paddy Coyne's Pub
in Tullycross has been on the go since 1811 and takes pride in serving local produced food in a welcoming atmosphere. Winner of the Restaurant Associations Pub of the Year Galway 2017, Yes Chef Best Gastropub 2017 and Best Casual Dining 2016, specialities include Killary mussels, Renvyle scallops, Cleggan crab, Clare Island salmon, locally smoked fish, Leenane lamb and our own gardengrown salads and vegetables. Not forgetting a large selection of local and international beers, Irish whiskies and gins, and extensive wine menu. All served amid spontaneous music and drama, and constant chat! Map #89, advert below.
Sweeney's Strand Bar is a pub with a view and
not just a pub; a filling station, post office and mini-market. Overlooking the beautiful Omey Strand in Claddaghduff, this family-run business is the perfect place to relax and refuel after exploring Omey Island. In the bar, you can enjoy a range of fresh homemade lunches, from smoked salmon to locally caught crab served on homemade brown bread. Delicious soups, chowders, paninis and wraps all feature on the menu. Food is available to go. The bar is also an info point for tide times for Omey. Map #21, advert page 13.
Walsh's Bakery, Coffee House & Deli
Enjoy the view of Clifden Harbour from the Coffee House at Walsh’s Bakery with a hearty breakfast to start the day, infused with flavoursome loose tea or roasted coffee, or a handcrafted sandwich on freshly baked breads. Don't forget our delicious desserts and so many wonderful, scrumptious hand-crafted pastries and cakes! So fresh they’re famous. Walsh’s Bakery Coffee House, Market Street, Clifden. 095-21283. Open Monday to Saturday from 8.30am. walshsbakery.ie Map #77, advert page 11.
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What's in store?
Clifden Opticians Clifden Opticians believe in providing the highest level of personalised service and vision care to each and every patient, striving to offer the options that will enhance not only their vision but their sense of style and fashion as well. At Clifden Optician you will travel the world with the latest styles including Ana Hickmann, Tom Ford, Caroline Herrera, Stella McCartney, Oakley, Maui Jim and more. Map #26, advert p. 10.
golf_issue3.qxp_Layout 1 30/03/2017 7:52 p.m. Page 1
Alan Gaillard Pottery Visit this eco-friendly, wind-powered studio in Clifden. Using all natural raw materials for his glazes, Alan produces wonderful domestic tableware, unique hand-built pieces, lamp-bases and commissions. His most popular glazes include copper red, dolomite and iron, sometimes with splashes of cobalt blue. Other work features Japanese-style glazes that incorporate locally sourced marble, with a brushed Galway hooker sailing boat motif; and beautiful bog-oak forms with hand-built ceramic bases. All his tableware is oven, microwave and dishwasher proof. See map #88 and advert page 8.
CONNEMARA
27 Hole Championship Golf Pro shop, Bar Glass & Coffee Shop – Gree Connemara Blue Art
CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF LINKS
All Things Connemara From their base on Market Street in Clifden, browse more than 140 local crafts and artisan products. From here you can book local activities with some at a discounted rate and get friendly advice on local activities and attractions. This shop promotes and showcases Connemara’s beautiful heritage and community by supporting local businesses. Open 7 days a week. Map #90, advert page 8.
Aran Woollen Store
SPeCiAL oFFeR: C9 HoLeS WiTH CLu
Connemara Blue is the home of glass-making in Connemara. Located in Clifden town centre – look for the pink shop – the work of Connemara Blue’s including trolley – brand new Titelist AP1 glass artists is now known worldwide. Elegant vessels and bowls, beautiful wall panels, eyecatching suncatchers and pretty-but-practical drinks coasters are popular visitors’ favourites. Everything is hand-crafted on the premises and fired in their own fusing kilns. The artists are happy to show you around their workshop and chat about the process of creating with glass. Map #24, advert page 11.
irons
Connemara Golf Links Pro Shop may not spring to mind as a shopping destination but this Pro shop carries a wide range of stylish yet functional clothing for golfers and non golfers alike. There you will find a great selection of ladies Footjoy apparel, ideal for outdoor activities. All clothing comes with the world famous Connemara Golf Links logo, which makes an ideal gift. Wide range of hats, baseball caps, socks and rain wear from leading brands such as Footjoy, Ping, Daily Sport, Proquip and Oscar Jacobson. Map #42, advert page 11.
Practice Range & Putting Green – Golf Lessons Available by appointment – Visitors & families welc
In the heart of Clifden on Market Street is the Aran Woollen Store. Inside you will find the most amazing Irish woven garments, sweaters and accessories made from luxurious yarns such as Cashmere, supersoft Merino, Mohair, Alpaca as well as original Irish designs in fabulous shades of Donegal Tweed yarns that are made right here in Ireland for you to enjoy – a store not to be missed! Tax free shopping is available and they also ship worlwide for your convenience. Open 7 days. Map #25, advert opposite.
Connemara Championship Golf Links, Ballyconneely, ClifdenSmokehouse T: 095 23502 W: connemara Connemara
Clifden Bookshop Since its inception in 1997, the Clifden Bookshop has proven a haven for visiting and local booklovers alike. Run by Máire and Nicole, it boasts a comprehensive range of titles in store and was named Bookshop of the Year in 2013. It includes an excellent range of History, Local Authors, Irish Literature, Best Sellers, Memoirs, Maps and Guide Books, making it an absolute must for visitors to make the most of their trip to Connemara. There is also a wide selection of Teenage and Children’s titles, Gifts, Greeting Cards and Stationery, Artist’s Materials, Book and Gift Vouchers. Map #64, advert page 12.
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Ireland’s first Food Économusée, this family-run business offers regular tastings of the best quality traditional smoked salmon. Connemara Smokehouse uses only the freshest and finest natural ingredients and follows traditional smoking methods handed down through generations. Visitors are welcome, and a wide range of products are available at the Factory Shop, including Smoked Salmon, Honey Roast Smoked Tuna, and Peppered Smoked Mackerel. Open Mon-Fri 9am-1pm and 2pm-5pm. Map #34, advert p. 8.
Design Platform Design Platform Fashion & Interiors is located in the centre of the Clifden Station House Hotel Courtyard and is celebrating 20 years in business this summer, having opened its doors in 1998. A bright, airy and spacious shop, Design Platform offers the customer a relaxing shopping experience with exceptional customer service. All of the collections offered – including fashion, accessories and beautiful home interiors – are very carefully chosen and are always worth taking a look. Map #20, advert page 4.
Beautiful Irish Knitwear in Luxurious Soft Yarns Knitwear Specialists Expert Advice Tax Free Shopping We Ship Worldwide MARKET STREET, CLIFDEN, CO. GALWAY VISIT US ON FACEBOOK.COM/ARANWOOLLENSTORE WE ARE OPEN 7 DAYS
Hehirs of Clifden We are a lifestyle store in the heart of Connemara, stocking traditional and contemporary fashion, footwear and knitwear. Our brands are handpicked by us and exclusive to the region. Stockists of Weird Fish, Fisherman Out Of Ireland, Salsa Jeans, Amy Huberman Footwear, Jose Saenz Footwear, Marco Tozzi, SOliver, 6th Sense Menswear, Benetti Menswear, Carl Gross Menswear, Tommy Bowe Clothing, YaYa, Peruzzi, Skunkfunk, Naya, and many more. We pride ourselves in our commitment to a personal shopping experience with you the shopper, leaving us with a smile and happy memories. Hehirs of Clifden – You never know what you might find! Map#92, advert page 5.
Intersport Gannon's Your one-stop shop in Connemara for all your outdoor and sporting needs, Intersport Gannon’s is a familyowned business now in its 17th year in Clifden. We aim to supply the best products for athletes at all stages and the outdoor explorer of Connemara. We strive to provide excellent customer care and high quality labels such as North Face, Helly Hansen, Asics, Nike Under, Amour, Pro Touch and Energetics to name a few. Spring to Fall, we have it all. Intersport Gannon’s – bringing sport to the people. Map #37, advert page 18.
Kylemore Abbey Gift Shop At Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden, there is so much for all the family to enjoy. Visit the restored rooms of the Abbey and learn about its history and tales of tragedy and romance. Explore the six-acre Victorian Walled Garden with its magnificent restored buildings. Discover woodland walks, lakeshore walks, nature trails and children’s play trail throughout the 1,000 acre estate. And why not finish your visit with a spot of shopping at our lovely craft and design shop. Map #51, advert page 11.
Love Vintage Indulge in the exotic with a trip to Love Vintage, where you’ll find new and vintage silks, linens and cashmere in fantastical colours. The jewellery, a lot handmade here in Connemara, uses silver, wood and fabric to capture our local birds, dolphins and trees. A family business, owner Carolanne is proudly following in the footsteps of her parents and great grandparents, who ran shops in the town. Her children are now involved, too, with James’s handcrafted pieces made from local wood and driftwood, and daughters Emma and Hannah creating jewellery and prints. They’d love you to come and see! Map #73, advert page 16.
Lowry's Sweater & Gift Shop Lowry’s Sweater and Gift Shop is one of Clifden’s family establishments offering an extensive range of the finest Irish merchandise. Traditional style sweaters and accessories, grandfather shirts, T-shirts, retro hoodies, hats, caps, the official Guinness-branded clothing range and souvenir gifts including Thomas Joseph sheep themed gifts and the ever popular Wacky Woolly range. Map #35, advert below.
Millars Connemara Millars has been trading in Clifden for well over a Century. Steeped in tradition and style, Millars was founded in 1900 by Robert Millar and first opened on Market Street, before relocating to today's landmark building on Main Street. Since then the shop has grown and evolved into a unique shopping experience in luxurious surroundings. The store houses many exclusive collections which include clothing, giftware, accessories and interiors. Current brands include famous Irish and international labels such as Oska, Crea, Dubarry, Mc Nutt and John Hanly. Map #93, advert page 4.
LOWRY'S SWEATER & GIFT SHOP Market Street, Clifden, Co. Galway Telephone: 353 95 21139 Website: www.lowrys.ie
knitwear
SALE NOW ON
THE
BEAUTY CLINIC AIMEE CALLAN Proprietor
Unit 2, Bridge St., Clifden, Co. Galway T: 095 21820 FACIALS | MAKE-UP DELUXE PEDICURE AND MANICURE LASH LIFT HD BROWS
Traditional Style Sweaters & Accessories - Souvenir Gifts - T-Shirts - Knitwear
NAIL EXTENSIONS 17
L A V E L L E
FINE ART
A R T
CERAMICS
G A L L E R Y
SCULPTURE
DESIGN
Main Street, Clifden t: 095 21882 shop online lavelleartgallery.ie
What's in store? continued
O’Dalaigh Family Jewellers Back in 1973 Johnny and Annie started creating their first pieces of jewellery. Today along with their son Jonathan they have created one of the most unique jewellery shops in the country where you can see the jewellery being made in their open plan workshop. If you are looking for a special gift or a unique set of wedding rings then this is one place you won't want to miss, even if it's just to browse their amazing collections. Map #83, advert page 7. See also Jewellery Making on page 7.
Stanley's Established in 1824, Stanley's Clifden has evolved as a shop offering a wide range of products and services to its customers. The sixth-generation family business is a firm part of the Clifden community, stocking a vast array of high-quality casual clothing, outdoor clothing, Irish tweed jackets, knitwear, caps, scarves, rugs and fishing tackle, along with a large footwear selection. You're spoilt for choice! Stanley's prides itself on having high-quality fashion labels including: Magee, Barbour, Saint James and Ireland's Eye. If you're visiting Connemara, Stanley's is a must-stop shopping destination. Map #11, advert page 20.
Sweeney's Strand Bar & Shop Located in Claddaghduff, this is more than your typical local corner shop with friendly service. It is a well stocked grocery shop, an off licence and a petrol station, as well as Claddaghduff's Post Office. At Sweeney's, you will find a choice of food to-go and everything else you might need for your picnic on Omey as well as information about the island and the tides that govern it. If you happen to be returning from Omey, Sweeney's is a great place to unwind after a refreshing walk accross the island! Map #21, advert page 13.
The Beauty Clinic Enjoy a relaxed treatment with a high standard of beauty therapy. The Beauty Clinic specialise in a a full range of cosmetic treatments such as intimate waxing, threading, HD brows, shellac manicures, gel nail extensions, deluxe pedicures, spray tanning, eyelash extensions and make up application for all occasions. Alternative therapies are also offered such as Skinician Facials, Chemical peels, Indian head massage, Hopi Ear candling and energy healing therapy. Walk ins welcome. Map #10, advert page 17.
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Supervalu Clifden Supervalu Clifden is part of the Kavanagh Group, a family owned business striving to source as much of their fresh products locally as they can. Supervalu Clifden’s fruit and vegetable department contains a large range of exotics and organics, with regular promotions to encourage experimentation with new recipes. The bakery range includes instore prepared scones, fruit cake, lemon drizzle cake and a large variety of soda breads. Supervalu Clifden’s hot food counter is also selling freshly prepared instore daily hot meals for lunches or take home ready cooked meal. A great new range of gourmet sandwiches and rolls are proving very popular along with excellent Frank and Honest tea/coffee. Customers are offered a huge and varied range of cheeses, olives, salads and meats. The awardwinning cheese counter was ranked 5th in the country. Locally supplied lobster and crab are available daily, and professionally trained staff are ready to serve at the fully stocked Butcher and Fish counters. Customers are really enjoying the convenience of the Prepared By Butcher and Fishmonger ranges. These are value for money meals prepared daily instore ready to go straight into the oven when you get home. The off-licence has regular offers including many wines at half price, and there is a large selection of Irish produced spirits. Map #12, advert opposite.
Walsh's Bakery The Walsh family in Clifden have been creating craft breads, cakes and pastries in their renowned bakery located on Market Street for over six decades. The Cake Shop and Deli offer a wonderful selection of freshly baked goods, luscious hams cooked in-house, wonderful varieties of flavoured coffees from freshly ground coffee beans and a lovely selection of gift items. Open Monday to Saturday from 8:30am. Map#77, advert page 11.
Whistlestop Gifts & Interiors Whistlestop, Market Street, Clifden offers beautiful accessories for your home as well as original gifts, garden products, soft furnishings, ceramics, glassware, baby gifts and jewellery. Whistlestop specialise in Irish-made products, including luxurious scented candles by Max Benjamin and Julie Clark, handmade soaps by Scents of Galway and The Handmade Soap Company, Danu porcelain, and paintings and crafts by local artists. In stock you will find an extensive selection of tableware, organic baby clothing and everything you need to make your house a home. Looking for a unique gift for that special hard-to-buy-for someone? The staff at Whistlestop Gifts & Interiors will be delighted to help! Map #113, advert page 16.
Call in and Enjoy a Freshly Brewed Frank & Honest Gourmet Coffee Made from only the finest Arabica coffee beans
Compliment your coffee with a pastry freshly baked in store
kavanagh's
SuperValu Real Food, Real People
MARKET SQUARE, CLIFDEN – UNDERGROUND CARPARK AVAILABLE
Walk Omey Island Omey is a tidal island, accessible on foot 2 hours before low water to 2 hours before high water – check tides on sailing.ie/tides/galway. Length of the walk: 5.6km. [When you return to the mainland, head towards Claddaghduff where you can stop off at Sweeney's Strand Bar for a hearty, well deserved Irish lunch – see map #21. And if you need advice before exploring Omey, this is also the place to go!] There is no better place for a leisurely, interesting and invigorating walk than St Feichin’s sacred island. Omey island is a magical place only 600 metres offshore, nestled beneath the projecting prow of the Aughrus peninsula and sheltered from the worst of the Atlantic swells by the islands of An Cruach, (Cruach), Ard Oilean (High Island) and Oilean na mBráthar (Friar Island). It is composed almost entirely of intrusive granites covered by wind-blown sandy soils. In the mid 19th century the island supported a large population of over 400 people who lived of the rich fishing around the island and from cattle raised on the fertile, lime-rich soils. The walk starts at either the car park at Claddaghduff Church or on the edge of Omey Strand, where there is also a car park. Leave your cars and bikes behind and step out across the strand following, for the first 300 metres, the line of signposts in the sand – Connemara’s only subsea road. The island, one mile square, is stretched out in front. We will return on the road ahead of us, but for now will strike out to the right and head across 600 metres of sand towards the north-east edge of the island and the beautiful graveyard built on a former monastic site associated with Brendan the Navigator. The site serves as the last resting place for the people of Omey and the surrounding mainland. Following the beach and keeping the low, black rocks on your left, you are heading now along the northern edge of the island. Don’t be tempted to venture inland as the rocky shoreline edged with sand cliffs is particularly beautiful. A series of eroding midden site, ancient
rubbish heaps, cascade onto the beach as you go. The most obvious sign to look for is groups of fine cracked stone at your feet. You pass a tiny stream and up onto a small but prominent round-topped hill called Crocán na Mban. The site was an early Christian period monastic site. The route westerly from here is a clear, huge panorama: westward to the cliff-bound island of Ard Oilean (High Island), where a spectacularly preserved monastic site survives relatively intact. A short detour inland just past the last fence on your left brings you to the buried medieval church of Temple Feichin, which was built in a hollow to protect it from raiders and, no doubt, the stormy prevailing winds. In the 19th century a substantial village existed here, orbiting the church. The ruined house can be traced on the ground and in the sand cliffs around the church. Like many settlements, the island was devastated by the famine. The walk to the north-west tip of Omey is on a grazing sward, soft in places. You are heading south now, along the beach and rocky shore. Within ten minutes a ‘U’-shaped bay cut inland, above which St Feichin’s Holy Well is perched. Cures for sores and skin blisters were said to be found here and newborn children were dipped into the well in order to protect them for the rest of their days. Crossing another stream draining Fahy Lough, which takes up one third of the interior of the island – home to swans, ducks, brown trout and the occasional pair of otters. At low tide a buried buoy is visible, an indication of an earlier climactic regime when sea levels were lower and Omey was connected to the mainland by a land bridge. Meeting a paved road for the first time, return eastward, overlooking the lake – another panorama unfolds: Inishturk and Turbot to the south and Streamstown Bay with the Twelve Bens forming a magnificent backdrop. The road brings you back to the beach, passing a series of small farms now largely abandoned, although some are fortunately reused as holiday homes. Text courtesy of archaeologist Michael Gibbons. Photo: Temple Feichin
Cleggan Fishing Village
OLIVER’S SEAFOOD BAR
Stockists of High Quality Irish Knitwear
Fresh Local Seafood
Including Irelands eye,
aran woolen mills and aran crafts other brands in store are
L OC AL LY SOURC E D FIS H AN D MEAT DIS HES
magee, barbour, foxford, john hanley
Best 50 Places for Seafood along the Wild Atlantic Way Irish Times Magazine Best 50 Places to Eat, Play and Stay along Ireland's Coastline
Cleggan, Co. Galway t: 095-44640
MARKET STREET, CLIFDEN, CO. GALWAY TELEPHONE: 095 21039 VISIT STANLEYS.IE
e: oliverscleggan@gmail.com w: oliversonclegganpier.ie
Bus ferry & taxi
Useful info
Bus Eireann Schedule
) 091 562000 or 1850-836-611
Departing Clifden to Galway (Clifden Library) Weekdays: 8:15, 9:30, 13:00, 15:00 and 17:00 Sundays: 16:15
Citylink Schedule ) 091 564164 Departing Clifden to Galway (Clifden Library) Daily: 7:00, 9:15, 12:00, 13:15, 15:15 and 18:30 Ferry to Inishbofin Island
Tickets available on the boat. Adult return €20, child 3-5yrs €5, 5 yrs+ €10, student €13.
Departing Cleggan
ATMs and Banks
Sweeney Oil - ATM Clifden map #81 SuperValu - ATM Clifden map #12 Bank of Ireland Clifden map #56 AIB Bank Clifden map #98
Monday 10am-12:30 and 1:30pm-5pm Tues-Thurs-Fri 10am-12:30 and 1:30pm-4pm Wednesday 10:30am-12:30 and 1:30pm-4pm
Topaz, Clifden, Mon-Sun 7am-11pm Map #80 Sweeney Oil, Clifden, open Mon-Sat 7am-11pm and Sunday 8am-11pm Map #81 Sweeney's Claddaghduff ) 095 44673 Map #21 Ferron's, Roundstone ) 095 35838 Joyce's, Recess ) 095 34658 Keogh's, Ballyconneely ) 095 23522 Kylemore Service Station, 24hrs ) 095 41019 Rogans Filling Station, Tullycross ) 095 43485
Garda Station - Police
Post Office See symbol on Clifden map
Banks Opening Hours
Located near Clifden Business Park ) 095 22500 See symbol on Clifden map Call 112 or 999 for Emergencies
Health See surgery symbols on Clifden map
Clifden Medical Practice ) 095 22272 #27 Clifden Opticians ) 095 30995 #26 Roundstone Health Centre ) 095 35851 Dr. Ciaran MacLoughlin ) 095 21141 #29 Dr. Alex Michel ) 095 43465 Tully, Renvyle Clifden Dental Practice ) 095 22731
Laundry Service Not self-service
Hillview Launderette Clifden map #99 Shamrock Dry Cleaners / Washeteria map #55 Ferron's, Roundstone 3pm collections Mon-Fri
Library Opening Hours See map symbol Mon, Wed 2:30pm-6pm and 6:30pm-8:30pm Tues, Thurs 10:30am-1pm and 2:30pm-6pm Fri 10:30am-1pm, 2:30pm-6pm, 6:30pm-8pm Sat 10:30am-1pm and 2pm-5pm
Parking See symbols on Clifden map
Public car park behind Clifden Tourist Office St. Joseph’s Church car park, 9am-6pm daily € Parking in town, pay-and-display meters € SuperValu underground car park € 20
Petrol Stations
Mon, Wed, Thurs Tuesday Friday Sat & Sun
11:30am 11:30am 11:30am 11:30am
2pm* 6:45pm 2pm* 7:30pm 2pm** 7:30pm 2pm** 6:45pm
Departing Inishbofin Mon, Tues 8:15am 1pm* 5pm Wed, Thurs 9am 1pm* 5pm Friday 8:15am 1pm** 5pm Saturday 9am 1pm** 5pm Sun 10am 1pm** 5pm * Everyday from 1/06/18 – 31/08/18 ** weekends in May & September (Fri, Sat, Sun)
** Easter weekend (incl. Bank Holiday Mon) Bank Holiday Mon depart Inishbofin 10am. Sailing times may change / be cancelled without notice.
Mon-Fri 9:30am-5:30pm / Sat 9:30am-1pm Postal services available in most villages
Bus from Clifden to Cleggan
Public Toilets
Taxi Service to and from Clifden
Supervalu public toilets For customers use only Outside Coach Park on Galway Road next to Fire Station See fireman symbol on Clifden map
Take-Away Locate venues on Clifden map
Guy's Bar ) 095 21130 Map #67, advert page 7 Jasmine Garden ) 095 21174 Map #17, advert p. 14
Tides Times
See www.sailing.ie/tides/galway
Tourist Information
Failte Ireland Tourist Information Office ) 095 21163 See symbol on Clifden map All Things Connemara, Market Street, Clifden ) 095 22630 Map #90
Western Veterinary Clinic
) 095 22209 Located in Clifden Business Park
Citylink Daily: 10:00, 13:30, 17:30 & 19:00
AAA Sky Taxi ) 085 1133033 Atlantic Taxi ) 087 4335955 Noel King (Roundstone) ) 087 9582398 Chris O'Neill ) 095 21444 / 086 8593939 Robert's Taxi ) 087 4161796 Sky Taxi ) 095 22299 / 087 6664048 The Taxi Company ) 095 30000
Local fishing Fishing Permits available 10am-11am daily (Sundays 11am-12pm) at Stanley's in Clifden (see map #11) and daily (9am-9pm) at All Things Connemara (map #90)
Trout Fishing Daily rate: €10 Weekly: €30 No charge for children under 16 on the lakes.
Salmon Fishing Requires a state licence Owenglen River daily rate: €25 / weekly: €80
h
For Emergencies, Dial 112 or 999 Clifden Hospital ) 095 21301
Find out more about the Clifden Trout and Salmon Anglers Association on All Things Connemara website: www.allthingsconnemara.ie/freshwater-fishing-angling