What's On Connemara, Issue 10, Volume 11, 2015 by Destination Connemara

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WHAT’S ON CONNEMARA ISSUE 10 VOL 11 SEPT 24 - OCT 7 2015

FREE VISITOR INFORMATION Restaurants Shopping maps

Things To Do Places to stay Events and Music

Attractions Specials Offers Entertainment

Pl ac e y o u r

om e Hol i d aoyuH r ha nd s

Join us for a night of authentic Irish Music! Recommended by Lonely Planet

‘A place of traditional pleasures, famous for its Céilí Music Sessions.’

URGENTLY REQUIRED Good quality self-catering holiday homes in Connemara If you are interested in renting please call Yvonne

Tel: 087 7758579 www.connemaralettings.ie

CONTENTS

Page 3

Live performances

Page 4-5

Events and Festivals

Page 6-9

Activities and Attractions

Page 10

Clifden Map

maps Reference numbers

Page 11

Connemara Map

Cycle Routes

Page 12

Drives and Day Tours

Page 13

Places to Visit

Page 14

Walk – Killary

Page 15

Tides Timetable Aqua Info

Page 16-17 What's On the Menu? Page 18-19 Shopping - What's On Offer Page 20

Useful Information

Cover Photo Renvyle Beach © Mick Bourke www.facebook.com/MickBourkePhotography

publishers info What's on is published by Destination Connemara. Tel: 091 442479 Web: destinationconnemara.ie What's On ® is a registered trademark in Ireland.

Wholesome Pub Food Served Daily Connemara Smoked Salmon a Speciality visit lowrysbar.ie Music Schedule Mon-Sat 10pm-Late, Sun 7-9:30pm Market Street, Clifden Tel 095-21347 Welcome to Connemara and thank you for picking up a copy of What's On. What’s On is a free visitor guide and is published fortnightly from May to October. It is distributed to over 100 locations around Connemara and Galway. More than 12,000 copies are in circulation each month throughout the season.

THE 'CONNEMARA' APP

For over ten years now, What's On has provided thousands of visitors with up-to-date information, helping them discover the very best of Connemara and get the most out of their stay. In this guide you will find plenty of things to do in wild, beautiful Connemara. You could stroll along one of its many unspoilt beaches, take in the view from the top of a mountain, eat in one of our many great restaurants, or dance with the locals to the sound of traditional Irish music! Take a deep breath of fresh, salty Connemara air and immerse yourself in this special place – it might just be a journey you will never forget! It's impossible to fit everything about Connemara into these 20 pages, so you can find more information online at connemara.net or download one of our free Connemara smartphone apps (see QR codes right). Just search for ‘Connemara’ in the App Store or in the Google Play Store.

Nominated for best Tourism App at the TechGate Annual Awards 2014 Our free Connemara App is packed full of information on activities and things to do, events, shopping, bars, restaurants, and much more. Build your itinerary with the handy "My Trip" feature. Download it today from the App Store or Google Play.

Whatever your reasons for coming here, we wish you a fantastic holiday, and we hope you find What’s On useful in your journey around Connemara. Noel Mannion, Editor. Say Hello: noel@whatson.ie

Disclaimer Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents presented in this guide, neither What's On ® nor Destination Connemara can be held liable for any loss or damage arising from the reliance upon the contents of this guide.

Clifden Station House Leisure Centre’s Holiday Memberships let you enjoy all the pleasures of our award winning Leisure Centre while on holiday in Connemara

• 18 metre pool • Paddling Pool • Swedish Steam Room • Sauna • Jacuzzi

CALL 095 21699

Family pass admits 2 adults + 3 children. 2

PREMIUM WHISKEY BAR

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Open 7 Days Mon-Sat 10-6 Sun 12-5

Ohh! By Gum, The Courtyard, Clifden Station House / Ohh! By Gum UpTown, Market Street, Clifden facebook.com/ohhbygum Tel: 095 21334

LIVE PERFORMANCES Locate venues on the clifden and connemara maps. corresponding numbers are listed on each map. Note: 'Trad' means traditional Irish music.

CONNEMARA GOLF LINKS SUNDAY 27TH 4-6PM The Great Matt Keane in the Club House Bar (free event)

E.J. KING'S BAR

SAT AND SUN 10:30PM Disco with DJ Fiddler

LOWRY'S BAR MONDAY 10PM-LATE Trad Irish music and ballads with Feichín and Michael

TUESDAY 10PM-LATE Lowry's Famous Trad Irish Music Tuesday Night Session

WEDNESDAY 10PM-LATE

MON TO SUN 7-9PM Early trad Irish music session

MON TO SUN 9:30PM-LATE Late trad Irish music session

FRI 25 4:30PM AND SAT 26 3PM TH

Jazz with Les Follies

FRIDAY 25TH 8-10PM Yule and McQ

SATURDAY 26TH 10PM The Michael Carey Band

GUY'S BAR & SNUG MON TO THURS 7-9PM Irish ballads and songs

FRI AND SAT 9PM Irish ballads and songs

GRIFFIN'S BAR SUN, MON, TUES AND THURS 7PM Trad with the Hernons

MONDAY TO SATURDAY 9PM Traditional Irish Music

FRIDAY 11PM Disco with DJ Aidan Kenny

Irish music and ballads with local legends Peter and Liam

THURSDAY 10PM-LATE Lanseól - Irish and contemporary music with a Celtic twist

FRIDAY 10PM-LATE Irish music and ballads with Richie, Liam and friends

SATURDAY 10PM-LATE Irish music and ballads

SUNDAY 7PM / 10PM Upbeat mix of Irish, Country and trad music wit the Carey's followed by high energy Irish and contemporary music with a Celtic twist at 10pm

MANNION'S BAR MON AND WED 6:30-8PM & 8:30-10PM Irish music and ballads with Peter Carey and John Gerard Walsh

sessions end on 27th September)

THURSDAY 24TH 2PM

THURS & SAT 6:30-8PM / THURS 8:30-10PM Irish music and ballads with Peter Carey and Aidan Curran

'Ireland's Weather: A Journey Through Time', Talk by RTE's Evelyn Cusack, entry €10

FRIDAY 25TH 1PM

THURSDAY 24TH 4:30PM Reading by acclaimed poet Rita Ann Higgins, entry €10

Jazz with Les Follies

FRI 25 AND SAT 26 8:30-10PM TH

THURSDAY 24TH 10PM

Traditional Music Session and Irish Dancing with Marie Walsh and Friends

Comedy with Après Match, €20

FRIDAY 25TH 12NOON Talk: St. Teresa of Avila, entry €5

MULLARKEY'S BAR

FRIDAY 25TH 5PM

THURSDAY 24TH 10PM Pol Huellou from Brittany (flute, sanza, vocals) and Giles Le Bigot (guitar) with Jean Marc Lecoq (accordion), €8

FRIDAY 25TH 11PM

Des Kavanagh's book launch, €5

SATURDAY 26TH 9AM 'Handbook of the Irish Revival' Talk by Fiach MacConghail and P.J. Mathews, entry €10

Rock and Blues with Rob Strong and Band, entry €8

SATURDAY 26TH 11AM

SATURDAY 26TH 10:30PM

SATURDAY 26TH 2:30PM

Gypsy, Klezmer and Balkan songs and dances with the Balkan Alien Sound, entry €10

SATURDAY 26TH 4PM

Honouring Gearóid O'Tuathaigh, €10 John Moriarty Memorial Lecture, €10 Book launch: John Sheahan's poetry Fiddle Dreams, €10

SUNDAY 27TH 12:30PM 'One for the Road', traditional final Clifden Arts Festival concert with Mick Conneely, Mary Bergin and Tony Linnane, €5

THE CENTRAL BAR

SATURDAY 3RD 10:30PM

THE SANDS BAR CONNEMARA SANDS HOTEL

Live music with Mescalito

FRI, SAT AND SUN 9:30PM Traditional music and folk songs

SATURDAY 8:30PM

STATION HOUSE HOTEL

Live music – easy listening across all genres

FRIDAY 25TH 10PM The Johnny Cash Tribute Band, €10

THE SIGNAL BAR CLIFDEN STATION HOUSE

TUES, FRI, SUN 6:30-8PM / TUES, SUN 8:30PM

STATION HOUSE THEATRE

Trad music and ballads with Paddy Newman and All Ireland Banjo Player Tom Mullen (8:30pm Sunday

THURSDAY 24TH 12NOON

Live Irish music, song and ballads

The Muse and Mister Joyce, a play for voices by Eamon Grennan, €10

Jazz with Les Follies

KING’S PAPER SHOP MAIN ST, CLIFDEN T: 095 21119 OPEN 7 DAYS

FRI, SAT AND SUN 9:30PM SATURDAY 26TH 9PM

to se lectio n ! Comerin e s e id w our ve y

Excellent Range of Souvenirs

Greeting Cards • Postcards • Gifts

Try our beautifully fresh popcorn and refreshing slushies! Delicious Ice Cream Cones All you Need for Fun on the Beach

10% OFF SOUVENIRS with this advert

KITCHENWARE • BEDDING • GIFTS • SOUVENIRS BEAUTIFUL NEW FURNITURE RANGE GARDEN PRODUCTS AND MUCH MORE ! Siobhan's House, Home & More, Market St, Clifden T: 095 30640 3

New Season Barbour range has arrived at Stanleys. The collection

includes Mens and womens wax and quilt jackets along with an extensive range of footwear, shirts and sweaters. Other labels include Bugatti, Magee, St. James, Carraig Donn, Ireland's Eye and Dubarry.

Market Street, Clifden Tel: 095 21039

EVENTS & FESTIVALS

clifden arts Festival

www.stanleys.ie

The Lavelle Art Gallery Main Street, Clifden, Co. Galway

The Field 25th anniversary festival

LEENANE VILLAGE

17th - 27th september

fri 25th - sun 27th sept

The annual Clifden Arts Festival is a wonderful celebration of the arts including concerts, poetry readings, comedy, theatre, dance, traditional music, lectures, and so much more. See opposite page for an array of highlights, including some free family friendly events such as 'Fun on the Streets', which will feature two of Ireland’s top street acts, Jim Solo and Babcock and Bobbins.

It was 25 years ago that the village of Leenane took centre stage in Jim Sheridan's movie, The Field. Many people from the village took their place in front of the camera alongside Sean Bean, John Hurt, Brenda Fricker, Tom Berenger and of course, the oscar nominated Richard Harris. To celebrate the anniversary, Leenane Village is planning a series of events this September. A few highlights are listed below – visit leenanevillage.com/thefield to view the full programme of events and keep a close eye on the village Facebook page for updates.

Children will be amazed to watch Jim Solo juggle with fire on an eight foot unicycle, or balancing on an eight foot ladder! LUXe will also make a series of new and once-off ceremonial landscape performances on the ancient processional road at the mouth of nearby Killary Harbour around dusk (Thursday 24th September, 7-8pm), and in the Clifden Ball Alley, Clifden Harbour (Friday 25th September, 7-8pm). And as always, the Grand Parade will beautifully round up the Clifden Arts Festival on Saturday 26th at 8pm – don't miss it! Photo © Paddy Howard

Showing of the film The Field – at the Sheep and Wool Centre and tours of the museum. Saturday 26th, 12:30 and 3:30pm, entry: €5 Taste of Connemara Walk – walk the 8km Famine Trail Walk along the spectacular Killary Harbour with experienced local guides. Sample the food delights of Killary Fjord Shellfish and pay a visit to Killary Sheep Farm. Meet up point at the community hall at 12:30 in Leenane. You will be dropped by bus to the starting point of Rosroe. A bus will collect the group after the farm visit for the short journey back to Leenane village. Essentials to bring for this 3 to 4 hour journey are appropriate footwear for a wet and uneven trail, appropriate clothing for an Irish September day, a small packed lunch and of course, a camera to capture the memories! Saturday 26th, 12:30, cost: €20, book at leenanevillage.com/thefield Outdoor Theatre – the auction scene from the film will be recreated in the main village car park with members of the local community. All can join in on the bidding shenanigans and dress up. Saturday 26th, 6pm See also Killary walk on page 14. Image below: Killary Harbour.

The Festival Caravan is a hive of information and is open daily on Market Square. The printed programme is available at the Festival Box Office, old Super Valu building, Market Street, or view it online and book tickets at clifdenartsweek.ie. See also our Live Performances schedule on page 3, where a selection of Clifden Arts Festival events are listed, including concerts, live shows, talks, book launches, plays, and much more.

Our mixologist Cian can be found shaking and blending in our exclusive cocktail bar.

In our newly opened Erriseask Restaurant and Sands Bar warm welcomes, spectacular views and fine dining await you. We look forward to seeing you here.

R E S TA U R A N T A N D B A R

BALLYCONNEELY CALL 095-23030 FAMILY FRIENDLY - DEDICATED & SUPERVISED KIDS CLUB

This is deﬁnitely the place to be seen in Connemara!

Welcome to our new Executive Head Chef Reece Grehan with his exciting new signature menu which includes locally sourced homemade food, specialising in fresh seafood.

set dancing & trad weekend INISHBOFIN ISLAND

fri 25th- sun 27th september This annual festival shows off Inishbofin's vibrant music scene and is the perfect way to wrap up the summer. The Inishbofin Set Dancing and Trad Weekend will give dancers who used to set dance years ago, as well as the younger generation of learners, the knowledge of set dancing and the confidence to get up and put what they learn to practice. There will be two Céilís, many pub music sessions and dance workshops. Weekend pass €30.

bia bofinne A Taste of inishbofin INISHBOFIN ISLAND

fri 2nd - sun 4th october Bia Bó Finne celebrates the island's food, crafts, music and traditions. Take this opportunity to learn about new cooking styles, shoreline foraging techniques and lesser-known ingredients. Workshops will be on the programme as well as cookery demonstrations. Please visit inishbofin.com to view the full programmes of events and for further information on island accommodation. See also ferry times on page 20 and ferry contact details in their advert on page 13. Read more about Inishbofin on page 13.

Sky Road TV & Film Festival

STATION HOUSE THEATRE CLIFDEN 9th -11th october Perfectly placed in October for autumn and winter releases, the Sky Road TV and Film Festival aims to shine a spotlight on the best of Irish Film, Television and New Media. The festival works closely with producers and broadcasters to bring the latest content to the programme. The goal is to engage with filmmakers by providing a platform for discussion regarding media, trends and finance options available. For more information visit skyroadfilmfestival.ie.

Comedy with Après Match DATE THURSDAY 24 SEPTEMBER, 10PM VENUE STATION HOUSE THEATRE TICKETS €20 AVAILABLE ONLINE

Christy Moore Live in Concert DATE FRIDAY 25 SEPTEMBER, 8PM VENUE WEST CONNEMARA LEISURE CENTRE TICKETS €40 AVAILABLE ONLINE

Concert with The Ducasse Trio DATE SATURDAY 26 SEPTEMBER, 1PM VENUE CHURCH OF IRELAND TICKETS €10

Fun on the Streets Children's Event DATE SATURDAY 26 SEPTEMBER, 2PM VENUE MARKET SQUARE FREE EVENT

The Donegal Voices DATE SATURDAY 26 SEPTEMBER, 6PM VENUE CHURCH OF IRELAND TICKETS €10

The Grand Parade DATE SATURDAY 26 SEPTEMBER, 8PM

conamara sea week LETTERFRACK 16th - 26th oct Please visit www.ceecc.org.

VENUE ALL AROUND CLIFDEN TOWN FREE EVENT

Visit clifdenartsfestival.ie 5

Jewellery Making Discover the secrets of a

ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS 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 (read more about guided walks on page 4). For more information on forthcoming events visit connemaranationalpark.ie. Selfguided 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.

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. If you are looking for a private walking guide, Walk Connemara provides customized services for groups or individuals, or join in on one of their scheduled walks – see walkconnemara.com. Contact Paul Phelan, email: walkconnemara@gmail.com or call: 087 6291659.

Glass-Bottomed Boat Tours

Tours every fine and fair day on Ireland's only glass-bottomed boat. Weather permitting, tours depart at 11am, 12:30, 2:30pm, 4pm and 5pm from Letterfrack Pier (#34 on map page 11) on the main N59 route, right beside the shop Avoca and the Connemara National Park. Tour duration: 1 hour. Booking is essential, so please call in advance. Tickets available from Avoca or on the boat. See advert page 15 for contact details. 6

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 organiclike designer range. See advert right.

Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden 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. Location: see #51 on Connemara map. See also advert above the map.

Deep-Sea Angling

If you're a fan of deep-sea angling or if it's your first time, you can look forward to an adventure on the open sea with a promise of catching pollock, ray, mackerel, wrasse, turbot, conger, flounder, plaice, dogfish and even shark! Simply book a trip on the Celtic Queen on a daily or hourly rate with John Ryan, a skipper who has over 30 years experience. The Celtic Queen is Ireland's largest and best equipped sea angling boat, fitted with all the most modern safety, navigational and fish handling equipment. Fishing gear is available for hire on-board. Departs from Clifden harbour daily. See advert page 15 for contact details.

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 (see # 1 on map page 11). Mannin’s clear blue waters and sandy dunes make it a family favourite for many (see #2 on map). 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! (See #3 on map.) 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. More beaches are listed on page 15.

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

SUMMER SEAFOOD MENU

Finest Collection in Ireland

COSY SETTING • FINE WINES • FREE WI-FI OVEN-BAKED PIZZAS • GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS

GUYS BAR & SNUG

Main Street, Clifden (# 83 on Map p. 10) Tel: 095 22119 celticimpresssions.com

Main Street, Clifden T: 095-21130 visit guysbarclifden.com

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 Abbeyglen Castle Hotel 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

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.

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.

Errislannan Manor Riding Centre is a Failte Ireland and AIRE approved equestrian centre renowned for its beautiful scenery. For nearly 50 years they have taught children to love and to ride ponies. There are long or short treks (€30/hour). The ponies are homebred, safe and sound and come in all sizes. Half hour led rides for small children (€25) and daily class lessons for older children and adults (€35/hour). Three day mini camps for the energetic, with stable management. Gardens open with walled garden, bluebell wood and exotic trees (garden visit €5). Coffee shop. Closed Sundays. Located 8km from Clifden off the Ballyconneely road. See advert below.

Pony Trekking and Riding Spectacular Wildlife Dramatic Views Famine Village Children and Nervous Riders Welcome

Alcock and Brown About 5km south of Clifden is the crash-landing site of the first transatlantic flight by Alcock and Brown in 1919 and monument to this historic achievement. (See plane symbol on map page 11.) Leaving St. John's, Newfoundland, the two British aviators flew for sixteen hours across the Atlantic and crash-landed in the bog at Derrigimlagh, near the Marconi wireless station. From Clifden, head towards Ballyconneely and turn left at the Marconi sign (just before the right turn to Errislannan). More easily accesible is the Alcock and Brown memorial located on the high road in Errislannan. It was erected in 1959 to mark the 40th anniversary of the landing.

Cleggan Beach Riding Centre

is the home of Ireland's leading Dressage Pony Rider 2014 and 2015. The fabulous 2,5 to 3 hour trek to Omey Island across Omey beach is an experience not to be missed. 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. See advert below.

Station House

MUSEUM LEARN ABOUT > Alcock & Brown > Clifden Railway > Connemara Ponies > John D'Arcy

Errislannan Manor.com Call: 095 21134 For further information see our entry above.

BE SURE TO VISIT Books • DVDs Posters • Postcards

> Millars Mill > Marconi

OPEN DAILY

Tel: 095 21494 www.connemara-pony.net

Cleggan

Beach Riding Centre Riding Lessons & Beach Rides Phone: 083-3888135 Email: jcaz@eircom.net www.clegganridingcentre.com

Home of Ireland’s leading Dressage Pony Rider 2014 and 2015 7

Alan Gaillard Stoneware and Felt Art Studio

Connemara Blue

Traditional Smoked Salmon Saumon Fumé

Hand-Crafted Glass in Connemara

Visitors Welcome

suncatchers tableware bowls wall panels all things sheepy!

Tours and Tastings Share the Roberts family's incredible passion for handmade quality food Read more below

Buy our products online at smokehouse.ie

See our special offer on page 19. Read all about our workshops below!

Tel: 095 23739 Email: info@smokehouse.ie

The Pink House, Market Square, Clifden

Bunowen Pier, Aillebrack, Ballyconneely, Clifden, Co.Galway

Connemara Smokehouse

Ireland's first Food Économusée, this family-run business offers regular tastings of the best quality traditional smoked salmon. Visitors are welcome at anytime. Private tours available all year (booking is 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 Monday-Friday 9am-1pm and 2pm-5pm (closed on weekends). The Connemara Smokehouse products are available in some local shops. See advert above.

The Station House Museum

is located on the site of the old Clifden Railway Station and is housed in the original Engine shed, in the charming Station House Courtyard (see #14 on Clifden map page 10). The town's only museum provides visitors with a history of Clifden, the Connemara Pony, the Galway to Clifden railway line, Millars Mill and Alcock and Brown (read more about Alcock and Brown on page 7). There is also a photographic exhibition on the Marconi wireless station (read more about the Marconi station on page 9). The Station House Museum is open daily. See advert page 7.

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. See advert below.

DISCOVER CONNEMARA'S MOST STUNNING BEACHES AND COASTLINE ON HORSEBACK

Beginners and Advanced Riders Welcome! We speak English, French, Dutch and German A.I.R.E. Approved

T: 095 30782 / 087 3693191 connemarablue.com

Crafts Workshops

Connemara Blue's Fused Glass and Wire-Wrapping Workshops are the perfect activity for families looking for something creative to do on a rainy day. Produce a tangible piece of craft that you can bring home with you, something truly 'made in Connemara'! Workshops include all safety equipment, tools and materials, as well as tea and coffee. Half Day Workshop €75 (choose your time), Full Day €135 (from 10am to 5pm). Children's Workshops €20 (1 hour) suitable for ages 8 and up. Private one-on-one workshops available on request. Booking essential. Open 7 days. For further information please visit connemarablue.com. See advert above.

The Beach Road A local favourite, the Beach Road 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 a little further on, Clifden Quay, where permanent binoculars were recently installed. Clifden Inshore Lifeboat Station is also located here and is called out on a regular basis. Follow the road for about 2km until you reach Clifden Beach and the Clifden Boat Club. You can enjoy some refreshments at The Boardwalk Café and witness some great yacht racing and sail training over the summer months.

Pottery and Woollen Art demonstrations Visit Alan and Sandra at the Alan Gaillard Pottery and Felt Art Studio, 2km northwards on the main N59 Westport Road. See the finest handmade stoneware and ceramics and beautiful landscapes, wet and needle felted from wool and silk in colours inspired by the Connemara scenery. Visitors welcome 10am-6pm (7pm July-August). Demonstrations are on Wednesdays (booking is essential). Pottery 3:30pm (max. 3 persons). Wool felting 2:30pm (max. 4 persons). Try-it-yourself sessions available strictly by appointment. The views over Streamstown from the studios are breathtaking. Advert above.

‘Nominated at the TechGate Annual Awards for best Tourism App 2014’

The Connemara App Install free on Android and iPhone

Closed on Sundays

THE POINT PONY TREKKING

AND HORSE RIDING CENTRE

Ballyconneely, Co. Galway (beside beaches and Connemara Golf Links) Tel: (0)95 23685 / (0)87 246 82 94 thepointponytrekkingcentre.com 8

iPhone

Android

‘MY TRIP’ FEATURE • THINGS TO DO • ATTRACTIONS • BEACHES • EVENTS • WALKS • BIKE ROUTES

CONNEMARA CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF LINKS

Life is... riding a bicycle. www.bikeelectric.ie

Regular & Electric

BIKE HIRE

Coffee Shop Now Open Visitors Welcome Golf Academy Now Open with Special Family Rates Practise Range Open to Visitors

Bike Electric at All Things Connemara

Ballyconneely, Clifden T: 095 23502 W: connemaragolflinks.com

PLAY 9 HOLES WITH CLUB HIRE FOR €39

Market St, Clifden, Connemara, Co. Galway +353 (0)95 22630

Cycling Mannion’s Cycles (see advert page 11)

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. See advert above.

The marconi station

History fans will appreciate a visit to Derrigimlagh, the site of the radio transmitter station from which the Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi exchanged the first transatlantic radio messages with a station in St. John's, Newfoundland in 1907. Marconi selected this location for its ample water supply, wet ground and ample ancrage for antennas. This really is a place of world importance in the industrial development of mankind. The original station buildings have been destroyed and the site is currently under development for the public to enjoy, however, the footprint of the buildings, the three mast system and the railway are still visible on-site.

offers a comprehensive bike rental service which includes insurance, lock and repairs. All types of bikes are for hire, including electric bikes. All the accessories you need are there; helmets, carrier bags, child seats and maps. Bike Electric at All Things Connemara (see 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!

Ballynahinch

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.

Omey tidal Island is located on the Aughrus Peninsula (see #6 on map page 11) 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 page 15). 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 while gazing back across the strand at Omey Island.

Manor Connemara POnies 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. See advert below for details.

A Golden Opportunity to see Connemara Ponies in their Natural Environment

Visitors Welcome Monday-Thursday (BY APPOINTMENT) Ardbear, Clifden, Co. Galway Tel: 087 758 9710 Find us on Facebook Email: noel@manorponies.ie www.manorconnemaraponies.ie

WHERE PONIES ARE A WAY OF LIFE 9

S T A

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C L I F

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A Gastro Pub Dining Experience you will want to write home about! The Signal Bar at Clifden Station House Locally sourced ingredients, crafted with care Steak • Pizza • Pasta • Signature Burger Serving 12-9pm daily. Reservations call 095 21699.

CLIFDEN MAP

Fuel / Gas Station

Mitchell's Restaurant...................................... 70 Moran’s totalhealth Pharmacy....................... 77 Mullarkey’s Bar............................................... 62 O’Dalaigh Jewellers....................................... 83 Off The Square Restaurant............................ 25 Ohh! By Gum.................................................. 10 Ohh! By Gum UpTown.................................... 23 Siobhan’s House, Home & More................... 28 Stanley’s......................................................... 11 Station House Cinema................................... 46 Station House Museum.................................. 14 Station House Leisure Centre....................... 66 SuperValu....................................................... 12 The Central Bar.............................................. 4 The Clifden Bookshop.................................... 64 The Quay House Guesthouse....................... 59 The Signal Bar at Clifden Station House...... 19

advertisers index

Alan Gaillard Stoneware & Felt Art Studio............88 Bike Electric / All Things Connemara ...................90 Clifden Opticians....................................................5 Connemara Blue.....................................................24 Connemara Hamper...............................................22 Derryclare Restaurant............................................73 E.J. King's Bar and Restaurant.............................75 Foyle’s Hotel / Marconi Restaurant.......................65 Griffin’s Bar.............................................................15 Guy’s Bar................................................................67 Hehirs of Clifden.....................................................92 Intersport Gannons................................................37 Jasmine Garden Chinese Restaurant...................17 King’s Paper Shop..................................................21 Lavelle Art Gallery..................................................18 Lowry’s Sweater and Gift Shop.............................35 Lowry’s Bar.............................................................61 Mannion’s Bar.........................................................16 Mannion’s Cycles...................................................20 Market 57................................................................57 Millars Connemara.................................................93

We s

3. Doctor's Surgery Tel: 095-21141 Dr. Ciaran McLoughlin Clifden Dental Practice Tel: 095-22731 Clifden District Hospital Tel: 095-21301

tpo

Visitor Information Public Library

Police Station Dial 999 or Tel: 353+(0)95-21021 Fire Service Diall 999 Bus Stop

N59

Public Parking Church Symbol

Cinema / Theatre

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Beach Road

2. Doctor's Surgery Tel: 087-2226783 Dr. Sophie Faherty

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1. Doctor's Surgery Tel: 095-21224 Dr. John Casey

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Roa e Sky

Clifden Station House Museum

Riverside

R341 R341

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No visit to Connemara is complete without a heart-warming meal at

OFF THE SQUARE

Clifden Opticians

Restaurant on Main Street, Clifden T: 095 22281

Try our Oysters, Crab, Scallops, Lobster, Lamb or Beef, all from Connemara!

SEPTEMBER Kids Complete Glasses OFFER from €69 & 2 pairs for €99 OCTOBER Complete Glasses OFFER (frame & lenses) from €69 & 2 pairs for €99

Bridge Street, Clifden, Co. Galway www.clifdenopticians.ie 10

CALL US: 095 30995

BREAKFAST / LUNCH / DINNER

The ideal way to discover Connemara

KYLEMORE

A BEAUTIFUL 1,000 ACRE ESTATE f

ABBEY

& VICTORIAN WA L L E D G A R D E N

6 Acre Victorian Walled Garden

ALL TYPES OF BIKES FOR HIRE

Restored Rooms in the Abbey

Mountain and Hybrids

Gothic Church

ELECTRIC BIKES FOR HIRE

History Talks and Guided Tours

DAILY & WEEKLY RATES

Woodland and Lakehore Walks Café and Tea House Craft and Design Shop

Open Mon–Sat 9am–6pm Sundays 10am–1pm

Bridge Street, Clifden Tel: 095-21160 / 21155

KYLEMORE

T: +353 (0)95 52001 E: bookings@kylemoretourism.ie W: www.kylemoreabbey.com

MANNION'S CYCLES Mobile: 087-418-2051 www.clifdenbikes.com

ABBEY

& VICTORIAN WA L L E D G A R D E N

N59

The Sheffrey Hills

Inishbofin

Tully

101

103

110 Omey Island

N59

6 N59

N59

Kylemore Abbey 51

Cleggan

109

108

Inagh Valley

N59

R341

107

R345

R336

N59

R341

Maam

N59

Maam Cross

Bunowen Pier

R341

N59

Cashel

R341

Oughterard N59

R336

Roundstone

R340

Cleggan Beach Riding Centre........................................ 103 Connemara Championship Golf Links, Ballyconneely.. 106 Connemara National Park, Letterfrack............................. 95 Connemara Sands Restaurant & Bar, Ballyconneely...... 89 Connemara Smokehouse, Ballyconneely...................... 108 N84 Castlebar Moyard..............................................42 CottagetoHandcrafts, Eldon's Bar & Beola Restaurant, Roundstone................. 90 Errislannan Manor Riding Centre..................................... 60 Cong Glass-Bottomed Boat Tours (Letterfrack Pier)................ 34 Inishbofin Island Discovery Ferry, Cleggan....................101 Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden..N84 ...............51 O’Dowd’s Bar, Restaurant and Café, Roundstone........... 96 Oliver’s Bar and Restaurant, Cleggan.............................. 63 Sweeney's Strand Bar and Shop, Claddaghduff.............110 The Owenmore Restaurant / Ballynahinch Castle..........107 Headford The Point Trekking & Horse Riding, Ballyconneely....... 109 N84

R340

Ballyconneely

The Maumturk Mountains Recess

R341

Leenaun

Clonbur

The Twelve Bens

106

Partry Mountains

R336

Errislannan

N59

R336

CLIFDEN

advertisers index

95 Letterfrack

to Westport

Tullycross

CONNEMARA MAP N84

to Louisburg

N84

Screebe

4 N59 R340

Carna

Rosmuc

Kilkerrin

Moycullen

R336

N84

Cycle routes

to Tuam

N59

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

Trad Music Nightly, 8pm till late • Lunch Served Mon-Sat 12-5pm SOUP OF THE DAY • HOMEMADE SEAFOOD CHOWDER • FRESH SEAFOOD • SMOKED SALMON HOME COOKED DAILY SPECIALS • PANINIS • WRAPS • SANDWICHES • SALADS • DESSERTS Irish Coffee • Americano • Espresso • Hot Chocolate • Cappuccino • Latte • Macchiato • Mocha All items on our menu are available for take-away

NEW BAR NOW OPEN IN OUR HEATED BEER GARDEN • AIR CONDITIONING SMOKING AREA • 4 LARGE SCREENS (SKY SPORTS HD) & BIG SCREEN IN BACK BAR Main Street, Clifden Tel: 095 21370 www.griffinsbar.ie See our events on our Facebook page.

It’s said that Griffin’s Bar serves the best pint of Guinness in Clifden. 11

DRIVES & DAY TOURS

Roundstone and 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. In the town you will find fantastic craft shops, art galleries and the musical instruments workshop where they make Ireland’s traditional goatskin drum, the bodhrán. 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. above: Dog's Bay

Cleggan and Claddaghduff 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 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. And while you're in Moyard, don't miss a chance to visit Cottage Handcrafts! above: Inishbofin

Inagh Valley and Kylemore No visit to Connemara is complete until you have seen 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. above: Derryclare Lake

Renvyle Peninsula and Leenane Dominated by Tully Mountain, the Renvyle Peninsula offers panoramic sea views 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 villages of Tully Cross and further on, Tully, have a number of real old-Irish bars where a pint of Guinness goes down well. At Tully Cross, 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. This quaint village is 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. above: Glassilaun Beach

5 ield' 2 'The Fersary Anniv l a Festiv t. 7th Sep 25th - 2 or e read m e 4 g a p on

FRESH SEAFOOD DAILY CRAFT BEERS PREMIUM WHISKEYS

Open 9am-10pm web odowdsseafoodbar.com tel 095-35809

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 and Rossadillisk. 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.

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 crescentshaped 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. Ferry tickets can be bought onboard – see timetable on page 20. See advert below.

‘Nominated at the TechGate Annual Awards for best Tourism App 2014’

Several Sailings Daily on the Mailboat to Inishbofin from Cleggan, Connemara

The Connemara App

For Full Timetable - see page 20

Install free on Android and iPhone

iPhone

Android

Call or Text: 095-45819 / 086-1718829 Email: info@inishbofinislanddiscovery.com

‘MY TRIP’ FEATURE • THINGS TO DO • ATTRACTIONS • BEACHES • EVENTS • WALKS • BIKE ROUTES 13

VERY WOOLLY JUMPERS BOOKS EGGS WINKING NODDING CONVERSATION EYE ROLLING NAME DROPPING ROMANCE BEER SMILES TALK OF WEATHER OCCASIONAL YAWNING ART HANDMADE STUFF SHEEPS WELCOMES GOODBYES SO LONGS AND HOWYAS

WALK KILLARY

Follow it with their memories echoing around. On the northern side lies the abandoned village of Uggool and acres of cultivation ridges inching up the steep mountain slopes of Mweelrea.

Duration of walk: approx. 2-3 hours. Text courtesy of Michael Gibbons.

This is an extraordinary and little known walk, in a magnificent mountain and coastal setting, beneath the towering bulk of Mweelrea, the highest Western peak, at 814 metres. The walk begins at the tiny harbour of Rosroe adjacent to An Oíge Youth Hostel, once home to an Austrian refugee Ludwig Wittgenstein, arguably Europe’s most significant 20th century philosopher. This area is steeped in history. At nearby Culfin a 4000 year old soapstone mould was found. It is now in the National Museum. Between Lough Muc and Lough Fidh a defensively sited cashel, or stone fort, is perched, eyrie-like, over the pass leading down to Little Killary and the early church site of Salroc. In the 18th and 19th centuries the area supported a huge population. The now abandoned homes lie draped like so much debris on the hillsides all along the fjord. Oscar Wilde fished these loughs and walked this ground with his extraordinary parents, William and Francesca. In medieval times the warring O’Malley and O’Flaherty sea lords jostled for control of this strategic waterway knifing deep into their respective clan lands. To begin the walk – head east from the pier along the road, turning left at the gable of the first house, doubling back briefly before turning eastward again along a stone wall which gives way to an enormous panorama of mountain and sea. The route ahead is clear. Follow an interrupted if unfinished stone road just 50 feet above the water’s edge. This road was almost certainly built as a relief work on the Thompson estate during the horrors of the great famine in the late 1840s. There is no more dramatic memorial than this mile of unfinished road to the million or so lost souls who died so tragically during those terrible years.

Take care to remain rooted in the present however as one slip or trip will land you in the fjord. The road contours along for a mile, providing huge vistas eastward along the harbour towards Leenane and the Partry, Sheeffry and Maumturk mountains. Mariculture has breathed new life into this remote spot and the harbour is busy with boats drawing fish, mussels and visitors. Dolphins are occasionally spotted as are falcons, raven and choughs and perhaps in the near future the sight of white-tailed sea eagles may once again grace the skies along Killary, as they did before being shot out by gamekeepers in the mid 19th century. Continue on, checking your boots (essential as the ground is rocky and is often wet and slippery) until you meet a stone wall with a style crossing your path. Don’t cross, but head uphill taking short steps, keeping the wall on your left, until 10-15 minutes later you will crest the ridge and descend down along the pass of Roc to tarred road. Following a line of telegraph poles to a road side gate. From the head of the pass there are wonderful views westward to Renvyle and further afield to Inishbofin and Turk. The dramatic pass was carved out, according to tradition, by a chain attached to the leg of the devil which cut into the hill as he fled St Roc. Ruined wayside cairns are faintly visible here and walkers leave a stone on them as mourners did in the past when bringing their dead from the shores of Killary harbour for burial in the picturesque and ancient burial ground at Salroc. Returning along the road heading west, we pass a series of new homes, positive signs of life on the shores of Killary.

"The most romantic place to stay in Ireland"

MARCONI R E S T AU R A N T

Cosmopolitan Magazine

Open Daily 6–9:15pm Early Bird Menu (6-6:45pm)

2-course €22.95 or 3-course €25.95

Thursday 24th 10pm

choosing from our À la carte menu

Huellou & Le Bigot

FOYLE’S HOTEL

Friday 25th 11pm

Rock & Blues with Rob Strong & Band €8

Special Accommodation Rates

The Quay House Tel: 095 21369

AQUA INFO

For Connemara, add 5 minutes. HW: High Water LW: Low Water

september Time Metres

october

Time metres

Thursday 24

HW LW HW LW

02:30 08:31 14:53 21:04

Thursday 1

LW HW LW HW

01:29 07:52 13:53 20:16

0.2 5.4 0.4 5.2

Friday 25

HW LW HW LW

03:29 4.4 09:27 1.3 15:49 4.7 21:55 0.8

Friday 2

LW HW LW HW

02:16 08:39 14:41 21:04

0.6 5.0 0.8 4.8

Saturday 26

HW LW HW LW

04:19 4.8 10:15 0.8 16:36 5.2 22:38 0.4

Saturday 3

LW HW LW HW

03:05 1.1 09:28 4.6 15:35 1.2 21:59 4.3

Sunday 27

HW LW HW LW

05:01 10:58 17:20 23:21

5.2 0.4 5.5 0.1

Sunday 4

LW HW LW HW

04:00 10:25 16:39 23:07

HW 05:44 LW 11:41 HW 18:03

5.5 0.2 5.7

Monday 5

Tuesday 29

LW HW LW HW

00:03 06:26 12:23 18:45

-0.0 5.7 0.0 5.7

Tuesday 6

HW LW HW LW

00:32 3.7 06:39 2.1 13:04 3.8 19:30 1.8

Wednesday 30

LW HW LW HW

00:45 -0.0 07:08 5.6 13:07 0.1 19:29 5.5

Wednesday 7

HW LW HW LW

02:02 08:06 14:25 20:42

Monday 28

4.0 1.7 4.3 1.2

The Balkan Alien Sound €10 Saturday 3rd 10:30pm Mescalito

MAIN STREET, CLIFDEN TELEPHONE: 095-21801

www.thequayhouse.com

TIDES GALWAY

Saturday 26th 10:30pm

Available Daily Please inquire

4 Star Guesthouse

LW 05:11 HW 11:36 LW 18:00

admission €8

Fishing permits Permits available 10am-11am daily (Sunday 11am-12pm) at Stanley's, Clifden map #11. Also available at All Things Connemara daily 9am-6pm, see map #90 – Boat Rental €25 per day. Trout Fishing Daily rate: €10 / Weekly rate: €30 No charge for children under 16 on the lakes.

Salmon Fishing Also requires a state licence. Owenglen River daily rate: €25 / weekly rate: €80

Deep-Sea Angling See page 6. See also advert below. Evening Angling Trips From 6pm-8pm, departs Letterfrack pier (on N59). Booking is essential, please call John Mongan on 087-6461189.

1.5 4.2 1.6 3.9

Connemara Smokehouse Get your own fish smoked, and even shipped home! See advert on page 8.

1.9 3.9 1.8

Beaches

Glass-Bottomed Boat Tours See page 6. See each of the red numbers on the Connemara map to locate beaches: Coral Strand 1, Mannin 2, Dog’s Bay 3, Gurteen 4, Aillebrack 5, Omey Strand 6, Glassilaun 7, White Strand 8.

3.8 2.0 3.9 1.7

Glass-Bottomed Boat Tours Tours Every Fine and Fair Day

Booking essential - tours are weather dependant

Departs 11am, 12:30, 2:30pm, 4pm and 5pm tour duration: 1 hour

Departure Location

Letterfrack Pier

(#34 on map page 11) on the N59 beside Avoca and the National Park

Tickets available from Avoca shop or on the boat

Telephone: 095 43473 / 087 6461189 www.letterfrackwatertours.com

Ireland’s Largest and Best Equipped Sea Angling Boat

Charter €500 per day / €100 per hour (min. 2 hours) Day Charter €50pp. Evening Trips Available.

Skipper has over 30 years experience! Fishing gear for hire.

SKIPPER JOHN RYAN TELEPHONE 09521069 MOBILE 0862484674

A great day out! 15

MANNION’S BAR

THE CENTRAL

Great Irish Food & Traditional Music

Fab Food Served 7 Days till 9pm

Serving Local Seafood in a Traditional Bar Atmosphere

Jasmine Garden CHINESE RESTAURANT

The Very Best of Trad Music and Song Fri–Sun T: 095 21430 E m a il : thecentral@mail.com Mannion’s Bar, Market Street, Tel: 095-21780 Market Street, Clifden Tel:Clifden. 095 21780

BAR • RESTAURANT

AU T H ENT I C CH I NESE FO OD Take-Away & Delivery Service Market Street, Clifden Tel: 095-21174

WHAT'S ON THE MENU? 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 new 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! Read more about Ballyconneely on page 13. Golf Links advert page 9.

CONNEMARA HAMPER

Clifden's only cheese shop and awardwinning deli (where you can taste your cheese before you buy it) offers a range of lunch ideas. Their lovely fresh baguettes are very popular and are among Connemara's tastiest. Enjoy a fresh cup of Illy coffee while you browse through this charming delicatessen stacked full of products that are difficult to find elsewhere. Wraps, baguettes and picnic boxes available to take away. Visit connemara.net/the-connemara-hamper to view their menu. See also advert page 17.

CONNEMARA SANDS HOTEL Using locally

sourced produce, the Connemara Sands Hotel's chef delivers "contemporary Connemara cuisine, combining western Irish tradition with modernist techniques". Enjoy the exquisite Erriseask Restaurant while looking out over the spectacular Mannin Bay or relax in the elegant Sands Bar, serving bar food with a difference. Have the mixologist prepare a signature cocktail specific to your taste as you delight in the vibrant comfort of the exclusive Cocktail Bar. Now taking bookings for all parties and occasions. Advert page 5.

DERRYCLARE RESTAURANT

Newly opened and located in the heart of Clifden, the Derryclare is run by local couple Martin O'Connor and Magdalena Hylak, with head chef Aisling Vaughan in the kitchen. This warm restaurant prides itself on locally sourced, organic and homemade food. Seasonal lunch and dinner menus include fresh seafood from Connemara Fisheries and local meats from Des Moran's Butchers. Being honest about the food and providing great service are the key factors of this new and exciting establishment. Advert page 17.

E.J.KING'S BAR AND RESTAURANT

GRIFFIN'S BAR

Established over 100 years ago, E.J. King'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 and night, E.J.'s becomes one of Clifden’s premier live music venue 7 nights a week. Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence 2014 Winner. Advert page 17.

Griffin's Bar is a local favourite and Clifden’s premier sports bar. Lunch is served from Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm. The bar food menu features freshly prepared soup of the day, homemade seafood chowder, fresh seafood (subject to availability), smoked salmon, home-cooked daily specials, paninis, wraps, sandwiches, salads and desserts. Enjoy a game of pool or darts. Look out for live matches on the big screen TV and impromptu music sessions – a must for every visitor to Clifden! See music schedule on page 3. Advert page 11.

ELDON'S BAR AND RESTAURANT

GUY'S BAR AND SNUG Relax in a warm

Overlooking Roundstone Harbour, the restaurant offers a table d’hôte and an extensive à la carte menu with a focus on local produce, especially seafood, including oysters and lobster. Smoked wild salmon with freshly landed sea fish such as hake, halibut and cod are also featured. Vegetarian option each day. Lunchtime snack menu with freshly made soup, chowder and an assortment of sandwiches, wraps and paninis. Relax and have a nice pint of Guinness in the snug hotel bar where lunchtime and evening menus are available. Advert page 17.

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 schedule on page 3). Visit guysbarclifden.com to view their menus. Advert page 7.

The Owenmore Restaurant

at Ballynahinch Castle Hotel Relaxed and refined dining in a beautiful and authentic restaurant; perfect for a special occasion or just an evening with friends. Atmospheric extension added to the friendly Fisherman’s Pub. Exceptional food in a casual and authentic setting.

For reservations call 095 31006 or email info@ballynahinch-castle.com www.ballynahinch-castle.com

DERRYCLARE RESTAURANT SEASONAL MENUS

LOCALLY SOURCED ARTISAN FOOD

CRAFT BEERS

MARKET ST. CLIFDEN RESERVATIONS 095-21990 OPEN 11AM-10PM DAILY DERRYCLARE.COM

JASMINE GARDEN ASIAN RESTAURANT

offers authentic Asian cuisine at reasonable prices. Experienced head chef Raymond Wong brings to you a surprisingly wide selection of delicious Asian cuisine with that homemade taste that will be sure to please all patrons. The restaurant has a spacious dining room tastefully decorated with exotic pieces of Chinese furniture and art. Takeaway is also available (the menu can be viewed online). Open 7 days. Weekdays from 5pm to 11pm and weekends from 5pm until 12am. Advert page 16.

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. Advert page 15.

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. Advert page 11.

MITCHELL'S RESTAURANT

No visit to Connemara is complete without a meal at Off The Square, be it their Full Irish Breakfast, lunch special, or indeed one of their heart-warming dinners. Connemara is blessed with the best of natural produce: oysters and crab from Aughrismore, scallops and lobster from Cleggan, delicious lamb from the renowned Connemara Blackface sheep, succulent filets and sirloin of Connemara Beef – all of which are featured in Off The Square’s fabulous menu. You will find them on Clifden’s Main Street – just ‘off the Square’ ! Advert page 10.

OLIVER'S SEAFOOD BAR Oliver's Seafood

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. Advert below.

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. Advert page 20.

O'DOWD'S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT, BAR AND CAFÉ Established

SWEENEY'S STRAND BAR is a pub with a

MANNION'S BAR

is one of Clifden’s longest established family-run bar and restaurant, serving food daily from 12 to 9pm and specialising in locally sourced seafood. Try the fresh Seafood Chowder, Connemara Smoked Salmon, Traditional Fish and Chips or Killary Mussels. If fish is not your dish, Mannion's are also famous for their Connemara Lamb Irish Stew and fresh 100% Irish Beef Burgers. Large groups and families catered for with a children's menu available. WI-FI available. Live traditional Irish music every evening at 6:30pm. Advert page 16.

OFF THE SQUARE RESTAURANT

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. Advert page 13.

Mitchell's Restaurant

WINNER OF BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT IN IRELAND 2015

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. Advert page 13.

Award-winning Delicatessen

THE CENTRAL BAR AND RESTAURANT

Located on Main Street in the centre of Clifden, The Central serves the finest food in the bar from 11am to 9pm. The extensive bar menu includes mussels, smoked salmon, fresh salmon, seafood chowder, cod and plaice, Irish stew, bacon and cabbage, lamb cutlets, lasagna, salads and house fries. They also offer a children's menu as well as tantalising daily specials. Live traditional Irish music begins at 9:30pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays – an evening of mighty 'craic' not to be missed! Advert page 16.

THE OWENMORE RESTAURANT

at Ballynahinch Castle Hotel insists upon using only the freshest of ingredients available, pursuing the organic option where possible. This renowned 2 Rosette restaurant offers the discerning diner the best of locally caught fish, game and other local produce. Enjoy exceptional food in a refined yet casual setting; perfect for a special occasion or just an evening with friends. In the Fisherman's Pub, where a less formal menu is available, guests can enjoy a pint with the local fishing guides. Advert page 16.

THE SIGNAL BAR

Dining at the Clifden Station House is an experience you will want to write home about! In the centre of the Station House Courtyard is The Signal Bar, the tastefully restored station master’s house and train platform, a period building offering a place to relax and enjoy superb food, drink and hospitality. The menu, served from 12noon to 9pm daily, features mouth-watering dishes made with the finest ingredients, among which are specials of fish caught in the surrounding waters. See their evening entertainment schedule on page 3. Advert page 10.

ROUNDSTONE CONNEMARA

“Best picnic take-away ever!” “Amazing lunch and best coffee in Clifden” Trip Advisor Eldon's Bar and Beola Restaurant Overlooking Roundstone Harbour

10 % Discount on Dinner Bookings Wed-Thurs

when you quote 'Whats On' (Restaurant closes from 27th Sept.)

Lunch Menu until 6pm 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

Open from 10am to 5pm Mon-Sat Connemara Hamper, Market St, Clifden T: 095-21054

Tel: 095 35822 Read more about us on page 16 17

HEHIRS OF CLIFDEN

Ladies & Gents Fashion Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 9:30 to 7:30 Sunday 12 to 6

GET €5 OFF WEIRD FISH SWEATERS WITH THIS ADVERT Market St, Clifden T: 095-21282 www.hehirs.com Find us on

‘Hehirs of Clifden’

SHOPPING WHAT'S ON OFFER

4 3

1. Weird Fish sweatshirt in a variety of colours and styles €69.99 (€5 discount in advert above) Where? Hehirs of Clifden 2. Connemara Socks – Now €7.75 Where? All Things Connemara 90 3. Smirnoff Vodka 1 litre €26 Where? Supervalu Clifden 12 4. Official Galway Hurling Team Merchandise Just In, from €15 (buy 2 hurleys, get ball for free) Where? Gannons 37 5. October offer: complete glasses (frame and lenses) from €69 or 2 pairs for €99 Where? Ní Ráighne Opticians 5 6. 10% off garden products with our advert (see page 3) Where? Siobhan's House, Home & More 28 7. 'Island Lives, Island Places: Exploring Inishbofin and Inishshark Heritage' €12 Where? The Clifden Bookshop 64 8. Exclusive to the Hamper - Kinvara Skincare products, prices from €20 Where? Connemara Hamper 22 9. Leeriver Handmade Bracelet made in Ireland €21.95 Where? Stanley's 11 10. Create personalised cake toppers with Vera Miklas modelling chocolate €7.99 Where? Market 57 57 11. Organic cotton and wool throw €162.99 Where? Ohh! By Gum 10 Ohh! By Gum UpTown 23 Locate each shop on the maps.

Clifden Map Reference Number

Connemara Map Reference Number

8 9

MARKET

Mea BQ 2 FOR

€6

GOURMET FOODS, FINE WINES, LUXURY GIFTS, QUALITY COOKWARE

€4 Each

Dexam Pasta Maker Was €39.99 Now €29.99

Choose from a Selection of 25 BBQ Meats Instore (Details Instore)

We believe in quality. 18

kavanagh's SuperValu

The quick and easy way to make homemade linguine, tagliatelle and flat sheets for ravioli and lasagne. Sturdy stainless steel machine clamps onto worktop. Recipes included. JOSEPH JOSEPH - WILTON - COTTAGE DELIGHT - DE CECCO - TOBAR

Market Street, Clifden Open 7 Days

NEW AUTUMN/WINTER COLLECTIONS NOW IN

M I LLARS

CONNEMARA DESIGNER CLOTHING 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!

F R E E S H I P P I N G O F F E R O N TA X F R E E S H O P P I N G

OSKA

CREA

D U BA R RY

F OX F O R D

J O H N H A N LY

Millars Connemara, Main Street, Clifden Tel: 095 21038 Email: millarsconnemara@gmail.com Find us on Facebook Open 7 Days

SHOPPING WHAT'S ON OFFER

12. Connemara Smokehouse Smoked Salmon from €8.50 Where? Connemara Smokehouse 108 13. 10% off beautiful Kylemore Fuchsia Pottery Range (present this advert) Where? Kylemore Abbey Craft and Design Shop 51 14. Take home a little part of Clifden nightlife - Connemara Blue Bottle Clocks, battery incl. €40 Where? Connemara Blue 24 15. New Autumn/Winter Collections - Eco Tree, luxurious wool scarves and wraps, exclusive Irish design Where? Millars 93 16. Wool and alpaca sweater dress and wool/alpaca fisherman rib neck warmer Where? Cottage Handcrafts 42 17. Ladies T-Shirts €9.99 or 2 for €16 / Childrens T-Shirts € 5.99 or 2 for €10 Where? Lowry's Sweater & Gift Shop 35 18. 10% off souvenirs with our advert (see page 3) Where? King's Paper Shop 21 19. Oscar Jacobson Brando Half-zip €75 Where? Connemara Championship Golf Links 106 20. Free message engraved inside every gold ring purchased Where? O'Dalaigh Jewellers 83 21. Sleek make-up – prices from €5.49 Where? Moran’s totalhealth Pharmacy 77 22 22. 10% Discount on Galway Hooker Range on presentation of this offer Where? Alan Gaillard Pottery 88 Locate each shop on the maps.

Clifden Map Reference Number

Connemara Map Reference Number

LOWRY'S SWEATER & GIFT SHOP Market Street, Clifden, Co. Galway Telephone: 353 95 21139

Just in case you forgot we have you covered. Hay Fever Treatments Antihistamines Insect Repellent Sunscreen Toiletries First Aid Supplies

MORAN’S PHARMACY

Traditional Style Sweaters & Accessories - Souvenir Gifts - T-Shirts - Knitwear

Main Street Clifden Tel 095 21273 moranspharmacy.com 19

Oliver’s

Cottage Handcrafts

SEAFOOD RESTAURANT BAR AND B&B

An ideal base for your holiday in Connemara. Enjoy the unique atmosphere of the working fishing village of Cleggan. Explore our beautiful beaches, islands and countryside on foot, bike or horseback.

Fresh Local Seafood our Speciality Food served all day Cleggan, Co. Galway Tel: 095-44640 E: oliverscleggan@gmail.com W: oliversonclegganpier.ie

USEFUL INFO >> ATMs and Banks Sweeney Oil (ATM) Clifden map #7 SuperValu (ATM) Clifden map #12 Bank of Ireland Clifden map #56 AIB Bank Clifden map #98

Banks Opening Hours 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

Church Times Clifden Church of Ireland Sunday 11:30 Clifden RC Church Mon-Fri 9:30, Sat 19:00, Sun 11:30 Ballyconneely Catholic Church Sunday 10:00 Roundstone Catholic Church Sunday 12:00 Roundstone Church of Ireland Sunday 10:00

Garda Station - Police See symbol on Clifden map Located near Clifden Business Park ) 095 22500

Health See surgery symbols on Clifden map Clifden Medical Practice ) 095 22272 #1 Roundstone Health Centre ) 095 35851 Dr. Ciaran MacLoughlin ) 095 21141 #2 Dr. Alex Michel ) 095 43465 Tully, Renvyle Clifden Dental Practice ) 095 22731 Sarah Casey Physiotherapist ) 086 3896130 Claire Hanniffy Pain and Injury Rehabilitation ) 087 9784261

Laundry Service Not self-service Hillview Launderette Clifden map #99 Shamrock Dry Cleaners / Washeteria map #55 Ferron's Shop (Roundstone) 3pm collections Mon-Fri

Library Opening Hours See Clifden 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 Information 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 €

Carefully selected Handcrafted Gifts, Jewellery, Knitwear, Wool, Turfcraft, Connemara Marble and Books

5 miles from Clifden on the Westport Road

Moyard, Connemara, Co.Galway T: 353 95 41029 E: shop@cottagehandcrafts.ie

Sweeney's Strand Bar and Filling Station, Claddaghduff ) 095 44673 Connemara map #110 Ferron's, Roundstone ) 095 35838 Joyce's, Recess ) 095 34658 Keogh's, Ballyconneely ) 095 23522 Kylemore Service Station ) 095 41147 Acton's, Letterfrack (Moyard) ) 095 41067 Rogans Filling Station, Tullycross ) 095 43485

Bus Eireann winter Schedule ) 091 562000 Departing Clifden (Clifden Library) Weekdays: 9:00, 13:30 and 14:40 Sundays: 16:15 Departing Galway (Ceannt Station) Weekdays: 11:15, 13:00 and 18:15 Sundays: 12:50

Citylink Schedule ) 091 564164

Moran's totalhealth Pharmacy Clifden map #77 Clifden Pharmacy, Main Street

Departing Clifden (Clifden Library) Daily: 7:15, 9:15, 12:00, 15:15 and 18:30 Departing Galway (New Coach Station) Daily: 9:00, 12:00, 14:30, 16:00 and 17:30

Post Office See symbol on Clifden map

Ferry to Inishbofin Island

pharmacies

Mon-Fri 9:30am-5:30pm / Sat 9:30am-1pm Where else to buy stamps? Distributor outside Clifden Post Office, Kylemore Abbey Craft Shop, Ferron's in Roundstone (only at post office hours).

Public Toilets Supervalu public toilets For customers use only

Supervalu Opening Hours 8am-9pm daily except Friday 8am-10pm

Take-Away Locate venues on Clifden map Connemara Hamper ) 095 21054 Advert page 17 Derryclare Restaurant ) 095 21990 Advert page 17 Griffin's Bar ) 095 21370 Advert page 11 Guy's Bar ) 095 21130 Advert page 7 Jasmine Garden ) 095 21174 Advert page 16

Tourist Information Failte Ireland Tourist Information Office ) 095 21163 See symbol on Clifden map All Things Connemara, Market Street, Clifden ) 095 22630 Map #90

Waste and Recyclables Waste and recyclables must be put in separate dedicated Barna Waste plastic bags (for sale in Supervalu). Collection day varies depending on your location, please check with Barna Waste, call 1890 300 450. Glass must be brought to the Clifden Recycling Centre on the Galway Road (open Sat and Mon, 8:30am-4:15pm). Alternatively, use the glass recycling bins in Ballyconneely village (near Keogh's Bar) or in Roundstone village (near the church).

Petrol Stations

Western Veterinary Clinic

Topaz, Clifden, Mon-Sun 7am-11pm ) 095 21191 Map #80 Sweeney Oil, Clifden, open Mon-Sat 7am-11pm and Sunday 8am-11pm ) 095 21777 Map #7

) 095 22209 Located in Clifden Business Park

Emergencies, Dial 112 or 999 h For Clifden Hospital ) 095 21301

See map

Tickets available on the boat. Adult return €20, child 3-5yrs €5, 5 yrs+ €10, student €13.

Departing Cleggan Mon, Wed, Thurs Tuesday Friday Sat & Sun

11:30am 11:30am 11:30am 11:30am

2pm* 2pm* 2pm** 2pm**

6:45pm 7:30pm 7:30pm 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 * June, July and August only ** 1st May–30th Aug only Bus service from Clifden to Cleggan: Citylink departing daily at 10:30, 13:30 & 17:30

Taxi Service to and from Clifden The Taxi Company ) 095 30000 Chris O'Neill ) 095 21444 / 086 8593939 Noel King (Roundstone) ) 087 9582398 Robert's Taxi ) 087 4161796 Sky Taxi ) 095 22299 / 087 6664048 AAA Sky Taxi ) 085 1133033