Destination Guide: Connemara, Co Galway

Main Image; Tooreena, Renvyle

Celebrate an Irish Summer with our Fly The Flag Destination Guides featuring travel tips, restaurant recommendations, luxurious hotel stays and a focus on Irish shops and produce. If you are planning an Irish getaway – scroll and save for your next trip …

WHERE TO STAY

Fernwood Farm, Clifden

At Fernwood Farm the focus is on relieving the strains and stress of everyday life and allowing nature to ground you. This is THE spot to unwind. Run by the Ashe Family (and their excitable Irish red setters), the farm accommodation boasts simple, design led interiors which create a real sense of tranquillity. They offer the experience of living in beautiful terrain, while staying in their three stunning and uniquely designed buildings on the 150 acre organic farm; the stilt house, the studio and of course the tree house dome. If you have dreamt of sleeping amongst the trees and immersing yourself in nature – this is the getaway stay for you. For larger groups the farm also has two properties by the sea at Roundstone Quay – but book fast – these guys are popular. Pricing starts from €400 per night for the studio, stilt house and tree house. www.fernwood.eco

The Quay House, Clifden

The Quay House offers a brilliantly unique accommodation experience in Clifden, Connemara. Built for the Harbour Master nearly 200 years ago, The Quay House has been sensitively restored and now offers guest accommodation in 14 bedrooms – each one different and exciting. The owners display their eclectic collections under different themes in each room. Bamboo, Napoleon, Safari? You name the theme – they have the room. Featuring family portraits, period furniture, cosy fires and a warm Irish welcome, The Quay House has all the elements to create an atmosphere of comfort and fun, and it is just a seven minute walk from Clifden town centre. Why not pop into Mullarkeys Bar in Foyles Hotel for some live music after a browse around Stanleys – a shop for all your Irish weather-facing needs. Owned by Paddy and Julia Foyle – experienced hoteliers – you are guaranteed to be well looked after in The Quay House. Pricing starts from €85 for bed and breakfast. www.thequayhouse.com

WHERE TO SHOP

Paula Flynn of TheShopkeepers.com and THE GLOSS collated a fabulously diverse and exciting list of independent retailers around Ireland for The Best Shops Ireland and we couldn’t resist featuring some of them in our Irish Destination Guides for the summer. Look no further, here is where to shop in Connemara, Co Galway.

Millars, Main Street Clifden

Clifden’s iconic yellow-fronted store, led by mother and daughter Treena and Claire Sweeney, has a strong following of Irish and international regulars who appreciate the edit of designers including Magee, Dubarry, Ireland’s Eye and Eco Tree knitwear, Niamh Daniels scarves and Landskein coats and accessories. www.millarsconnemara.ie. Claire Sweeney wears a Landskein coat. Treena Sweeney wears a Rosso 35 silk dress and Eco Tree cashmere wrap.

Provenance, Market Street, Clifden

Interior designers, Rosie Johnson and Sadhbh O’Gorman joined forces in 2021 to open the home and interior shop and design studio Provenance. They share a love of exceptional local craftsmanship, the restoration of unique pieces, and natural textiles. Signature pieces include stools and chairs upholstered in vintage grain sacks. www.provenance-interior.ie

The Clifden Bookshop, Main Street, Clifden

In Connemara on a rainy day? Head for the award-winning Clifden Bookshop, which has lots of titles of local interest and all the bestsellers to take back to your getaway cottage. www.clifdenbookshop.com

Books at One, Letterfrack

Just a 15-minute drive from Clifden, Books at One is located in a former Quaker workshop in Letterfrack village, at the edge of Connemara National Park – this space has been transformed into a vibrant community-owned space. Husband and wife team Vincent Murphy and Mary Ruddy have run their award-winning publishing business Artisan House here since 2013 and now have a bookshop too. The bookshop acts as a social and creative hub for people of all ages to come together through a shared love of reading. With a wide range of accessible and diverse literature there is a book for everyone. www.booksatone.ie

WHERE TO EAT

Top tips and hidden gems as recommended by our Food Editor Ciara McQuillan …

Misunderstood Heron, Killary Fjord, Lennane

Misunderstood Heron is perhaps the most talked about food truck in Ireland, and with good reason. The location in itself is dramatic and quite honestly breathtaking and working up an appetite by taking a walk along the wildly beautiful coastal path is an experience not to be missed. Your reward could be anything from local lamb chops with freekeh, green beans and yogurt dressing or a South Indian cauliflower korma. Voted as one of the top 100 food trucks in the world by Lonely Planet, it’s easy to see why. Go for the food, stay for the dramatic backdrop and the picture opportunities. @misunderstood_heron  www.misunderstoodheron.com

The Lamplight Wine Bar, Clifden

The Lamplight is a wine bar and wine retail store, with a fine food restaurant and wine garden, nestled in the heart of Clifden. The interior design features a blend of Continental old world charm with the earth of Connemara in the surroundings. It is a snug spot to enjoy their smoke infused, carefully curated meat and cheeseboards and delicious tapas (all made with local produce), to compliment the perfectly selected wines. Owned by professional chef turned sommelier Anke, The Lamplight is sure to delight your tastebuds. For guests who wish to stay in Clifden longer; perched on top of the bar is the cosy and comfortable Arch Guest House. www.thelamplight.ie

Disclaimer: The Lamplight is currently closed for renovations but keep it on your list for your next visit.

Snappy Snappy Crab, Letterfrack

Snappy Snappy Crab in Letterfrack is a lesson in simplicity, in a very good way. Fresh crab rolls washed down with a craft beer on Dooneen Pier in Letterfrack. No other words needed. @snappysnappycrab

Guys Bar, Clifden

Located on the Main Street in the heart of Clifden, Guys Bar has been welcoming visitors to Connemara for over a century. It is the perfect spot to pop into a cosy corner, heat up by the fire after a swim and enjoy a delicious meal made with fresh local produce – with a pint, if you are so inclined. The spot is great for day time and evening dining – or even a coffee with friends. Their menu covers all bases from sea food chowder to artisan pizza. www.guysbarclifden.com

Little Fish, Knockbrack, Cleggan

Tom Mullan and Eva Caulwell first started their business Little Fish in a truck in Letterfrack where they delighted the locals and tourists with their good vibes and incredible food. The pair have now moved premises to Cleggan pier and opened their own restaurant! The menu includes all of the food truck fan favourites, with ALL of the same incredible flavours. A few need-to-mentions are their fish and chips, buffalo prawns and calamari spice bag (wow), as well as their locally sourced daily specials like Killary mussels and crab nachos. Not only this but you can enjoy your delicious seafood with a glass of carefully selected wine or a chilled beer. Outdoor seating is available for those unbeatable sunny days in Connemara, accompanied by a beautiful view of Cleggan harbour. @littlefish_cafe

WHERE TO VISIT

Kylemore Abbey

Perhaps one of Ireland’s most beloved tourist attractions, Kylemore Abbey situated on the Wild Atlantic Way in scenic Connemara is, in their own words ‘a haven of history, beauty and serenity.’ Home to a Benedictine order of Nuns for the past 100 years, Kylemore Abbey was built in the late 1800s by Mitchell Henry MP, a wealthy businessman, and liberal politician. Mitchell, a vocal advocate of the Irish people had a vision to create an estate that would showcase what could be achieved in the remote wilds of Connemara. These days, Kylemore Abbey is owned and run by the Benedictine community who have been in residence here since 1920. Enjoy woodland and lakeshore walks, magnificent buildings and Ireland’s largest walled garden along with tasty homemade food and delicious home-baking in the café or The Garden Tea House. History talks take place three times a day and tours of the walled garden take place throughout the summer. And don’t forget to pick up some award-winning chocolates handmade by the Benedictine nuns in the craft and design shop before you depart. www.kylemoreabbey.com

Diamond Hill, Connemara National Park, Letterfrack

Climbing Diamond Hill is a must when visiting Connemara. Follow the 7km trail through Connemara National Park and take in the breathtaking, expansive mountain scenery that it has to offer. The route follows gravel paths, wooden boardwalk and steps up the slope of the glistening Diamond Hill. You will have earned a hearty lunch after the trail but the view is certainly reward enough. www.discoverireland.ie

Oyster Tour and Tasting, Ballinakill Bay

Add to your holiday activities with a guided tour of the oyster farm in Ballinakill Bay with David Keane and his team at Irish Oysters. The tour is one hour long and takes you through the farming process from the oyster seeds to your plate. Enjoy oyster tasting, the serene views, appreciating the Irish culture and tradition and learning about the seafood of Connemara. www.dkconnemaraoysters.com

Glassilaun Beach, Renvyle

If you are looking to take your weekend away at a slow pace or even if the weather behaves itself and a beach day is actually possible – Glassilaun Beach is a slice of heaven. An expansive white sandy beach with breathtaking views of the Twelve Ben mountain range behind it. It is great for a scenic stroll or a swim with a view. Take the family or go yourself – that blast of Connemara sea air will do you the world of good.

In A Nutshell: Beauty editor (and recent visitor) Sarah Halliwell’s recommendations:

Eat: Connemara is food truck heaven. Along with the justly renowned Misunderstood Heron, and Snappy Snappy Crab, there’s also Fadó (@fadopizza) near Clifden camping park, for in-demand wood-fired pizzas (from €12) and the (amusingly grumpy) but excellent Dooncastle Oysters truck at Claddaghduff for the juiciest scampi, lobster and the freshest oysters, served with delicious creative coleslaws. www.dooncastleoysters.com. We still miss The Sea Hare, though (www.theseahare.ie).

Coffee: Little Fish (@littlefish_cafe) do a mean flat white, and the coffee and ambience at Books at One in Letterfrack (www.booksatone.ie) is perfection, with opera playing and a smart outside space to sit in, if the sun’s out. Also sit outside 12 Pins Coffee in Clifden (www.12pinscoffee.com; also at Letterfrack Pier, beside Snappy Snappy Crab): take home their own Connemara blend.

Shop: Sullivan’s Country Grocer (@sullivangrover) in Oughterard is the dream – we wish it was our local. There’s everything from great Fixx coffee and pastries (best Portugese tarts ever) to a superlative range of local veg and treats, including honey. We also love the range of Connemara socks and Inis Meain knitwear at Joyce’s Craftshop in Recess (www.joycescraftshop.com).

If you visit any of these spots on your next trip to Connemara, Co Galway, be sure to let us know! Tag us on Instagram using #FlyTheFlag and @theglossmag. Or email us on digital@thegloss.ie, we would love to hear from you …