Alice’s guidebook
Favourite things to do locally
I love walking on the local beaches. They are clean and sandy and usually you can find a quiet spot for the day. Blissful and a 'stone's throw' from the house.
Known as the 'Brandy and Soda" road, the road between Clifden and Roundstone, showcases all that is best about Connemara.
Mid point between the two places is the village of Ballyconneely; and just 3 km beyond the village, on the Slyne Head peninsula, are the best sandy beaches you could ever hope to find....
9 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
Ballyconneely
Known as the 'Brandy and Soda" road, the road between Clifden and Roundstone, showcases all that is best about Connemara.
Mid point between the two places is the village of Ballyconneely; and just 3 km beyond the village, on the Slyne Head peninsula, are the best sandy beaches you could ever hope to find....
Anne and Sean run this well regarded Riding Centre , which is about 2km from my house. Friendly and accomodating.
9 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
The Point Pony Trekking & Horse Riding Centre
Anne and Sean run this well regarded Riding Centre , which is about 2km from my house. Friendly and accomodating.
It's actually the Marconi Walk ! A Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point. Well worth stopping off here for an hour's walk to discover where the first West to East Transatlantic Flight landed - Alcock and Brown in 1919 - and the site of Marconi's first permanent radio station - with the first transatlantic radio signal beamed across the ocean in 1907. Only the remains of the buildings survived the War of Independence, but it is a beautiful, wild and scenic spot, ideal for a walk, traversing the bogs on wooden pathways with superb views of the local landscape including the Twelve Bens.
Marconi Street
Marconi StreetIt's actually the Marconi Walk ! A Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point. Well worth stopping off here for an hour's walk to discover where the first West to East Transatlantic Flight landed - Alcock and Brown in 1919 - and the site of Marconi's first permanent radio station - with the first transatlantic radio signal beamed across the ocean in 1907. Only the remains of the buildings survived the War of Independence, but it is a beautiful, wild and scenic spot, ideal for a walk, traversing the bogs on wooden pathways with superb views of the local landscape including the Twelve Bens.
Local eateries
'O'Dowd's Pub' in Roundstone is one my favourite places for seafood;
'Sweet Nothings' in Ballyconneely Village- a vegan/vegetarian cafe is excellent and you can get take-outs for lunch if you wish.
'The Sea Hare' is another favourite - fantastic menu using local produce - this 'pop-up' restaurant is based in the Alcock and Brown Hotel in Clifden for Summer 2022.
You can either eat in the pub, which is small but oozes character, or in the more formal restaurant adjoining it.
18 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
O'Dowd's Seafood Bar and Restaurant
Main StreetYou can either eat in the pub, which is small but oozes character, or in the more formal restaurant adjoining it.
Mitchell's Restaurant
Market StreetGreat seafood and service.
Guys is a great favourite with the locals. A lovely lunch spot - try their fishcakes.
28 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
Guys Bar & Snug
Main StreetGuys is a great favourite with the locals. A lovely lunch spot - try their fishcakes.
Always friendly, this bar serves great lunches and is very friendly and welcoming.
Mannions Seafood Bar & Restaurant
1 Market StAlways friendly, this bar serves great lunches and is very friendly and welcoming.
Wayne and Orla serve the best coffee and pastries in town !
9 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
Upstairs Downstairs Cafe
Main StreetWayne and Orla serve the best coffee and pastries in town !
Restaurant review: The Misunderstood Heron - Car park food truck ticks all the boxes
https://www.independent.ie/life/restaurant-review-the-misunderstood-heron-car-park-food-truck-ticks-all-the-boxes-38402878.html
24 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
Leenaun
Restaurant review: The Misunderstood Heron - Car park food truck ticks all the boxes
https://www.independent.ie/life/restaurant-review-the-misunderstood-heron-car-park-food-truck-ticks-all-the-boxes-38402878.html
Places to Visit
Connemara is full of beauty, here are some of my favourite spots..
The Victorian Walled Garden is spectacular. (there's a payment)
176 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden
Kylemore AbbeyThe Victorian Walled Garden is spectacular. (there's a payment)
Roundstone Harbour
Cleggan Pier
Inishbofin Ferry station
Take a day trip to Inishbofin.
Connemara National Park
Renvyle Beach
Neighborhoods
Cleggan is a lovely seaside village about 5 miles from Clifden
10 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
Cleggan
Cleggan is a lovely seaside village about 5 miles from Clifden