Craic & Cultúr in Connemara

Recently Craic & Cultúr travelled the short hop outside Galway City to Roundstone and Clifden on the West Coast of Connemara, as part of our research for
The Craic & Cultur – Wild Atlantic Way Guide.
Here is a little taster……. 

Roundstone located a little over an hour’s drive North West of Galway City towards Clifden.
Now a word of caution for anyone that may not have driven on country roads of Ireland before, you may find our roadways small and bumpy, twisting and turning its way over hills and around headlands with speed limits that seem strangely high to any visitors.

​The locals will know these roads well and will generally use the speed limit as a target rather than a limit.
The secret to anyone new to driving in this area is just take your time and be confident, don’t allow yourself to be stressed or panicked and enjoy the challenge. 

As you travel through the picturesque villages of Moycullen and Oughterard and into the wilds of the heart of Connemara you will notice the change of landscape, from the lush green fields to rocky heather covered hills.
The majestic peaks of The Twelve Pins stand proud overlooking the small valley lakes that you drive along side.
A little insider tip for a quick stop and photo op – In the village of Recess, visit Conn the Protector of Connemara, his statue stands proud watching the visitors of Connemara as they drive by.

We continue in to the beautiful fishing village of Roundstone. Perched above the waters of the Atlantic looking down into its own small harbour, Roundstone is a picture postcard of an Irish fishing village. A line of small town houses facing the bay, dotted with small local bars, restaurants and cafes. 
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The close knit community of Roundstone is evident from the moment you step inside the door of any bar, shop or café, friendly and welcoming.

Right in the middle of the village with wonderful views across the bay is the Roundstone House Hotel locally known as Vaughans, it is here that we will be laying our heads tonight.
​The Roundstone House Hotel is a small hotel, bar and restaurant owned and run by the Vaughan Family.
With the perfect balance of old Ireland family hospitality and charm combined with comfortable modern rooms and fantastic food. 

Continuing along the coast, twisting and turning, passing the golden sands of Gurteen & Dogs Bay we arrive in the regional hub town of Clifden, sitting among the hills of Connemara with its pier touching the clear waters of the Atlantic.
With a selection of Bars, Hotels, Restaurants, Craft shops and everything an exploring traveller may need.
Heading towards the aptly named Sky Road we drive through the grand gates of Abbeyglen Castle Hotel.
​The hotel stands on the hillside keeping watch over the bay with gardens and views to rival the most spectacular surroundings anywhere in Ireland.

Inside and out the Abbeyglen lives up to its Castle title, majestic with old world charm and the friendliness one would expect with real Irish Hospitality.
We are welcomed like returning family as is every guest.

​VIP treatment here is the norm with Owners Paul and Brian Hughes hosting dinner and taking time to meet the needs of each guest with charisma and an evident passion for hospitality, and sharing their little slice of Irish heaven with the world.

For more on Roundstone, The Roundstone House Hotel and Things to see and do in the area visit www.roundstone-connemara.com
To experience the hospitality of Abbeyglen Castle Hotel visit www.abbeyglen.ie

And to read more about Connemara, Places to stay, Things to Do and enjoying an Authentic Irish Experience stay tuned for the release of
​The Craic & Cultúr Guide to The Wild Atlantic Way (2017)