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Ballyconneely village has 2 shops, a post office, pub/restaurant, and playground

For avid golfers, Ballyconneely is home to the Connemara Championship Golf Course. This Eddie Hackett designed course is set in stunning, rugged countryside. The back nine has been described as the equal of any in the world. Situated in Aillebrack, Ballyconneely overlooking the Atlantic Ocean it offers 360 degree views of the Golf Course and the unique Connemara landscape. This is a wonderful place to stop off and enjoy lunch or dinner after a round of golf or a walk on the surrounding beaches. Dun Loughlin surfing beach is close by to this course.

The Point Pony trekking centre will ensure a fun family day out on one of their pony treks. A unique Connemara experience!

Take a tour of the Connemara Smoke House and watch how the salmon it traditionally prepared for smoking and enjoy a tasting of their delicious smoked salmon! Tours operate every Wednesday during the summer months at 3pm!

Why not take a trip to Derrygimlagh Hill, one of the most historical spots in Connemara for 2 very important reasons:

1. In the early years of the last century, Gugliemo Marconi established the first ever commercial transatlantic wireless station on Derrygimlagh
2. Alcock and Brown landed their first ever transatlantic flight on the very same spot in 1919.

There’s no end of sea fishing opportunities in Connemara, especially in Ballyconneely so you can test your angling prowess! And with plentiful fish stocks it’s no wonder anglers flock here all year round. Popular spots for anglers include the harbour at Errislannan Point, the sheltered bay at Candoolin (close to the cottage) and Mannin Bay. Mannin Bay in particular has good innings for the small boat angler. Plaice is the most popular catch in this area while nearby Ballyconneely Bay has great potential for catching tope, ray, dogfish and Pollack.

Ballyconneely Beaches:

Ballyconneely peninsula is virtually ringed by beaches – from the Coral Strand at Derrygimlagh, west and north to Knock, Mannin, Dun Loughan and Truska, and east and south from Keeraunmore, Aillebrack, and Ballyconneely Bay to Calla, Dolan and Murvey

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.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS IN AND AROUND THE CONNEMARA AREA, PLEASE BROWSE THE “THINGS TO DO” SECTION ON OUR WEBSITE

The Diamond Cottage is now to the market, reviews to follow

FREE WIFI

All inclusive

No pets allowed

Check-in time is strictly 4pm

Check-out time is strictly 10am

Please note that a €500 security deposit is taken upon arrival and as long as there are no breakages or damage to the property this will be refunded on departure.