Our Rating: 4.0 out of 5.0 stars4.0

Large patio area with panoramic countryside views

All inclusive (Heating and electricity)  Sleeps up to 7 guests 3 bathrooms

Tucked away on the outskirts of Clifden Town (Capital of Connemara) rests this delightful single-storey holiday home Benglenisky House situated in the heart of the Twelve Ben Mountains along the Wild Atlantic Way.  It is a short drive to Ballynahinch Castle where you could grab some lunch and also enjoy a walk or cycle along the Ballynahinch section onf the Connemara Greenway.  The local surroundings enjoy a mixture of countryside and coastal water where you can dip your toes in the Atlantic Ocean of the close-by beaches of Gurteen & Dogs Bay in Roundstone or try your hand at a round of golf at Connemara Championship Golf links.

Nestled within the rural countryside of Connemara boasting a warm and welcoming interior, Benglenisky House is a newly refurbished 3 bedroomed bungalow (sleeping upto 7 guests) a lovely base for both families and friends alike looking for an escape from it all.  Enjoy the panaromic countryside views on the secluded patio where one can dine al fresco or enjoy a morning coffee.

Benglenisky House is at the foot of the Twelve Bens mountain range.  The Twelve Bens (sometimes called Twelve Pins) take in many of the highest mountains in the West of Ireland. The tallest peak is Benbaun (730m) and the smallest peak is Benglenisky (516m). The Twelve Bens provide excellent walking and hiking opportunities for the outdoor enthusiasts. You do not have to be an experienced climber.  (Guided hikes are provided locally).

Book that unforgettable holiday and make some memories in Benglenisky House.  The owner has provided it all!  from offering the home as pet friendly to free internet service, Smart TV, X-Box for those rainy days, patio area & BBQ to dine al fresco – you will not want to leave!!

Gravelled driveway leading to the main entrance.

Hallway leading to sitting room with a stove, 2 leather couches, lots of natural light.  Smart TV & X-Box.

Door leading to a large fully fitted kitchen with all mod cons, dishwasher, large fridge/freezer, microwave, electric oven, gas hob.  Dining table.  Window overlooking the patio area and stunning countryside views.

Utility area housing washing machine & storage area.

Master bedroom with ensuite shower room

Further double bedroom

1 family room (double & single bed) with ensuite shower room

1 family bathroom

Ample parking

HISTORY OF BALLYNAHINCH CASTLE – the setting is superb and its history is colourful

Ballynahinch Castle is a former Irish country house and estate, built on the site of a former castle, which is now a luxury hotel set in a private 700-acre (2.8 km2) estate between Recess and Clifden on the R341 in Connemara, Co Galway. The castle lies on the edge of Ballynahinch Lake and Ballynahinch River and is directly overlooked by Ben Lettery 557 metres (1,827 ft), one of the Twelve Bens mountain range.

Small castle built on Ballynahinch Lake by Donal O’Flaherty, husband of Grace O’Malley (Grainneuaile) in 1546, after Donal’s death Grace took his place as head of the clan. Her life as a pirate is well known and the Pirate Queen is steeped in history and legend. One of the former residents of Ballynahinch Castle was Richard Martin (Humanity Dick 1754-1834), founder of the Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Member of Parliament for County Galway. Another owner was the Maharaja Jam Sahib of Nawanager (‘Ranji’). Ranji decided to purchase the house, estate and its salmon and sea-trout fisheries from the Berridge Family in 1924. Click on the link to view the Castle history timeline:- https://www.ballynahinch-castle.com/en/about-us/history-timeline

In 2019, the castle was listed among the best castle hotel in Ireland .

One of Seamus Heaneys,finest poems is ‘Ballynahinch Lake’ from which the phrase ‘captivating brightness’ inspired by Ballynahinch and the surrounding landscape and published by the hotel in 2008. Heaney and hgs wife pause to look at the view of Ben Letterry one of the Twelve Ben mountain range rearing up above the stretch of water beside the hotel ‘And the utter mountain mirrored in the lake, Entered us like a wedge knocked sweetly home. Into core timber’. Click on the youtube link to view Seamus Heaney https://youtu.be/5KTBs8RoeEg

Clifden:
Clifden town is within a 10 minute drive and is known as ‘the Capital of Connemara’ with its oozing history, heritage, culture & traditions of Irish Music and Dance. This vibrant town has an array of shops selling top quality gifts, trinket souvenirs and handmade knits but to name a few! You will also find boutiques, antique shops and art galleries. There are cosy coffee shops, pubs from the genuine ‘quaint-Irish’ to the more trendy where entertainment is plentiful. Whatever your taste in music you will find a selection of traditional, modern music and dance. Clifden has a reputation for the West’s ‘Gourmet Capital’ – for its fine restaurants. Take the kids to the town playground where they can have fun on the swings or have a kick about in the pitch beside it!

A must visit is the ruins of the old D’Arcy mansion, Clifden Castle. Along the Sky Road is a gateway leading to the castle. Once a Gothic Mansion, the D’Arcy’s lived here until 1850 when the estate was sold to the Eyre Family who lived here at intervals until the castle fell into ruin in the early 20th century.

There are many fine festivals to enjoy throughout the year in Connemara. Most full of music, dance, fun, laughter, activities and games for the young and the young-at-heart. The most well known and oldest of all is the Clifden Community Arts Festival which offers a superb range of poetry readings, lectures, recitals, traditional music, concerts and comedy

At the summit of the Sky Road peninsula there is Eyrephort beach at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean.

Roundstone:

The village of Roundstone lies on the western arm of Bertraghboy bay in Connemara, Co. Galway, 48 miles (77km) north-west of Galway city. This Connemara village is beautifully set on one of the most spectacular coastal drives in Ireland overlooking the Atlantic at the foot of Errisbeg Mountain.

What about afternoon lunch in this pretty fishing village and afterwards let the kids enjoy some time on the Monkey Bars in the Village playground? The village has an ample amount of excellent bars and restaurants. It has a traditional craft centre; selling locally produced handmade pottery, jewellery and instruments! Be sure to check out Yvonne Kings Studio and the Stable Gallery which features contemporary art. Your one stop shop for unique gifts to bring home!

Roundstone is teeming with festivals and events during the summer months, such as the local regatta and the pony show; all of which are great family days out! Looking to experience some traditional Irish music? Irish nights take place in the upper community hall, every Wednesday at 8:30pm, all ages welcome! Starting the beginning of June; there will be a local market in the village with stalls selling fresh local produce and crafts. Well worth a visit.

There are also fishing trips suitable for all the family! Catch and cook your own dinner!! Don’t have great sea legs? Take a trip down to the pier. Local fishermen are well known for selling their fresh catch at the end of the day!

Roundstone Beaches:

Gurteen is the larger of the two and the closer to Roundstone. The water is crystal clear and it is very safe for swimming and other water-based activities. It is naturally protected by the headland which it faces to the South and it is a popular destination for holiday makers in the summertime.

Dog’s Bay (or Port na Fadoige in Irish meaning Bay of Plovers) faces due west. It is famous for its mineral sands which are made of millions of microscopic shells. It is a stunning beach with its bright white sands and crystal blue water. Since 1991 the dunes separating Gurteen Beach from Dog’s Bay have been the focus of intensive efforts to plant Mar ram Grass to stem coastal erosion. Visitors are requested to respect the signs restricting access to the dunes. The wild headland which stretches out into the Atlantic between the two beaches is an area of great beauty and is a fantastic walk where you will be surrounded by water on three sides.

Recess:

Recess is a townland comprising of a number of small rural communities. Sheep and Cattle farming is one of the main livelihoods in the area,

Recess is an ideal location as it has easy access to the capital of Connemara, Clifden and Galway City via the N59. Recess Village is 13 miles from Clifden and 37 miles to Galway City. Bus Eireann and City Link Buses leave daily from Recess Village throughout the day

Recess Village is a small charming village containing a craft shop, grocer/petrol station and a pub. Here you will also find the Connemara Marble quarry; items produced here, can be purchased in Joyce’s Craft shop. Across the road you will find the “Connemara Giant” statue in the car park. A favoured photo op for all visitors

Joyce’s Craft Shop and Art Gallery is a must visit if you are passing the village where you will find a wide range of knit wear, rare books, antiques, handmade jewellery and original gifts. Afterwards, why not pop into Paddy Feisti’s and enjoy a hearty hot lunch!

Have a car why not take a trip through the Inagh Valley where you will be captivated by all the beautiful lake and mountain scenery.

“Lovely location, 10 mins to town, approx. 1 hour from Galway and Westport. Good spot for exploring the West Coast. Numerous fantastic quiet beaches. House well equipped. would visit again. Host very friendly.”-Thomas January 2023

“Great location quite and beautiful.– Benglenisky is a perfect house for your holiday. Great location! 5 minutes to Clifden and 3 mins to Ballynahinch Castle coffee hut. Great coffee and hot chocolate for kids. Galway city is only 50 mins away. The house is very clean and has everything you need for your stay. My kids loved it! Safe and peaceful for playing out side. Peter and Sheila are amazing hosts and had everything I needed the day I moved in. Wine, water, milk, coffee, chocolate biscuits! Thank you so much and I look forward to staying at Benglenisky house again! Brian July 2022

“Amazing weekend in Connemara. The house is very well located and with everything you need.  Peter and Sheila caring for you all the time.  Amazing house with amazing hostess” – Javier June 2022

FREE WIFI

Pet friendly

Benglenisky House is happy to welcome your pet, however we would ask that your pet would not be permitted on furniture or on beds. If additional cleaning is required we may have to deduct this from your damage deposit.

All inclusive (Heating and oil)

Please note that €200 security deposit is required upon arrival.  As long as there are no breakages or damage to the property this will be refunded on departure.

Check-in is strictly from 4pm onwards, if you require a later check-in please let us know.

Check out time is strictly 10am.