The Area & Amenities

Connemara is a wild, and hauntingly beautiful part of Ireland. There are breathtaking drives along the coast roads through Louisburg to Westport Town, and through the Inagh Valley towards Galway City. It is 300 yards to a lovely coral beach. The nearest sandy beach is Eyrephort - 1.5 miles away - but there are many outstanding beaches within easy driving distance.

A short drive from the house is Clifden, a terrific little village, with shops, pubs, and some superb restaurants catering to every taste and budget {Image}. Many of the pubs provide musical entertainment during the Summer months. Clifden hosts a world famous pony show for Connemara Ponies in August and a week long Arts Festival in September. For more information about Clifden's sights and services visit www.clifden.ie.

The area is also of historical significance. In 1919 Alcock and Brown made the first trans-Atlantic flight, touching down on a hilltop in Errislannin overlooking Clifden town. In 1907 the first radio transmission station was set up by Marconi just outside the town {www.marconicalling.com}. Kylemore Abbey, with its Victorian Gardens, is also close by {www.kylemoreabbey.com}. An abundance of information on Galway's rich cultural heritage can be found at www.heritageireland.ie.

The area offers sailing, horse riding, deep sea fishing, and trips to the local islands. The surrounding mountains offer endless opportunities for hill walking, and fishing mountain lakes. The Connemara National Park in Letterfrack offers nature trails, exhibitions and pony trekking.

Golf is readily available: Ballyconneely 18 hole lynx golf course is 10 miles away and nearby Ballinahinch Castle has woodland walks, elegant afternoon teas, and shooting and game angling in season.

Local anglers offer daily fishing trips from the pier below the house while the picturesque island of Inishboffin {Image} is a short ferry ride away. Regular ferries depart from nearby Cleggan.

There is a catering service available for those who like to entertain without the work and babysitting can be arranged with notice.

Limited edition prints, taken from original paintings by the artist owner, decorate the walls throughout the house. To view more examples of Anne's work you can visit her website here.