News

Top 5 Beaches in Connemara

You really can not talk about Connemara and not mention our beautiful beaches (and if you have then you have done the area no justice at all!). All our beaches look out onto the ocean and form part of the Wild Atlantic Way. Now there are so many beautiful beaches to choose from, but we have narrowed it down to a list of  top 5 beaches in Connemara

1. Omey, Claddaghduff – For adventure

Omey Strand is the access point to the tombolo island of Omey at low tide. It’s a great beach for letting the kids run wild, as the strand is HUGE! This is the main reason the strand is often used  for horse trekking. The Omey races are held every August on the strand. There are plenty of rock pools to explore and shells to gather. You can also walk across to the tombolo and trek around the beautiful Island. Why not bring a packed lunch and make a afternoon of it! Please note tide times before you venture out; as at high tide the water rushes in and cuts of land access to the island for several hours. Dear readers, unless you have a dinghy handy, you’d be trapped! I don’t have a dinghy either so I won’t be able to rescue you! Our good friends at All Things Connemara post daily tide updates on their Facebook page, so give them a like! https://www.facebook.com/allthingsconnemara

2. Dogs Bay, Roundstone –  for Postcard Picture Perfection

There is a very good reason why Dogs Bay is a favourite spot among locals and tourists alike – it is simply beautiful. Lovely white sand and clear blue waters,  give Dogs Bay its’ picture perfect beauty. On a gorgeous sunny day, this is the place you need to be! So grab your swimming togs, towel & SPF and go. A Camera is also a must, as you are going to want to take as many pictures as you can – trust us!  The beach is close to Roundstone Village; so why not pop into Vaughans or O’Dowds for a bite to eat afterwards? The perfect way to round of a perfect day (in Roundstone no less…see what I did there…)

3. Coral Strand, Ballyconneely – for something a little different

Coral Strand is unlike the other beaches in Connemara as, the beach is made up of coral rather than soft sand. All though it’s tough on the tootsies, Coral Strand is beautiful for its uniqueness.  Coral Strand is the perfect place for a stroll in the evening while watching the sun go down. Another plus is Coral Strand has ample parking so access is never a problem

4.  Eyrephort, Clifden – for tranquillity

Eyrephort beach is a favourite of  the locals, as it holds fond childhood memories for many. A little of the beaten track, if you are looking for a quite beach with a little privacy then you are in the right spot. Perfect for kicking back with a book and taking in the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean. It is well worth the exploration if you are looking for pretty and unusual rocks and shells

5. Glassilaun, Renvyle

Not far from the village of Tullycross, you will find Glassilaun Beach; probably one of the most famous beaches in Connemara. This beautiful white sand beach, can be found in Renvyle along the coast road to Little Killary bay. There is little wonder why it was used for scenes in the movie Tristan and Isolde; with its beautiful expanse of white sand and crystal clear waters; Glassilaun shows the West of Ireland’s coast line at its most beautiful; undisturbed and a little bit magical. On a hot summers day; expect to find this gem busy with sandcastle building, sunbathing and surfing!

So there you have it; our pick of the top 5 beaches in Connemara……I’d like to point out that whenever you visit our beaches, please be careful in and around the sea, take a shell but don’t leave litter and always wear an SPF! Happy Splashing!