INSIDER INFO

'There are many areas to snorkel around here where you’ll see flatfish, lobsters, ray, crabs – all sorts! Coral Strand would be a great place to go'

THOMAS DAVIS VOLUNTEER CREW MEMBER

'I recommend going to the Connemara Pony Shows, held from the end of May to the end of August. It’s such a good day'

AISLING SWEENEY VOLUNTEER CREW MEMBER

'I love to play golf and one of the most beautiful golf courses in the world is the Connemara Golf Links in Ballyconneely'

MIRYAM HARRIS VOLUNTEER WATER SAFETY OFFICER

Rocky, exposed and often battered by storms, this stretch of coastline isn’t without danger. Water Safety Officer Miryam Harris advises visitors: 'Ask local people about tides, the weather and local conditions before entering the water. Tell someone where you’re going and have your phone on you. And wear a lifejacket. Err on the side of caution: if you don’t feel comfortable, don’t go in.’

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To Explore

North of Clifden, you could sample the health benefits of a seaweed bath at the Leenane Hotel, Killary Harbour. Or explore Connemara National Park – a spectacular 2,000 hectares of mountains, bogs, heathlands, grasslands and forests. ‘Walk up Diamond Hill in the national park for a 360° view from the top,’ recommends Miryam.

TELL US WHERE YOU LOVE

Other local attractions include the historic Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Gardens. And foodies can visit the Connemara Smokehouse, which specialises in wild Irish smoked salmon. The area is well-known for its seafood and the crew recommend Guy’s Bar, Foyle’s Hotel and Griffin’s Bar for good food and drink. ‘We go to Griffin’s for a coffee after a shout,’ says Crew Member Aisling Sweeney. ‘And the homemade seafood chowder there is absolutely delicious.’

FIND OUT MORE seafishingireland.net, smokehouse.ie, realadventures.ie, clifdenboatclub.com, connemaragolflinks.com ■

Words: Amy Bratley

Photos: Thomas Davis, Miryam Harris, RNLI/Nigel Millard, Shutterstock.com

Let us know which area of coastline you’d like to see here in future issues by emailing offshore@rnli.org.uk.