What's On Connemara, Issue 3, 2013 by Destination Connemara

Seafood Bar, Restaurant

& Coffee Shop

DOONMORE HOTEL Restaurant & Bar

Overlooking Roundstone Harbour

Fresh Seafood Daily

Awards Best Gastro Pub Galway and Connacht 2011, Michelin Bib Gourmand 2013 2013 Recommended Bridgestone Guide, Georgina Campbell, Frommers, Lonely Planet, Rough Guide, BIM Seafood Circle

Choose from over 20 premium Irish Whiskeys Selection of Irish Craft Beers

Serving Food All Day 9am to 10pm

Managed by the Murray Family for Three Generations

Fantastic Sea Views • Superb Food Comfortable Accommodation Warm, Relaxed, Welcoming Atmosphere

Inishbofin Island

Roundstone, Co. Galway Tel: 095-35809

T: 095 45804 E: doonmore@gmail.com

odowdsrestaurant.com Further info on p. 15

roundstone harbour village

Best Island Holida y

inishbofin

island of the white cow

Perched on the edge of the Atlantic on Connemara’s west coast lies Roundstone, built in the 1820s by Scottish engineer Alexander Nimmo. Roundstone is a charming village drawing its picturesque and peaceful character from its harbour and the soothing presence of the ocean, which is never far from one’s view. It’s no wonder the area is popular with visitors, has been the inspiration of many books and has served as the location for some high-profile Hollywood movies. Strolling through the town you will find some fantastic craft shops, cafés, bars and restaurants and a farmers market every Sunday. Take time to relax in O'Dowd's, Connemara's oldest pub. Look out for your chance to beat an Irish traditional drum, the bodhrán. The rugged backdrop to the village is the small mountain of Errisbeg, which rises to about a thousand feet. South of the village you will also find the breathtaking crescent-shaped beaches of Gurteen and Dog’s Bay. Photo: Galway Hooker at Roundstone Regatta

Inishbofin was just awarded the Best Island Holiday prize in the Irish Times Best Place to Holiday competition. For a taste of island life, take a boat trip to Inishbofin, 8km long by 3km wide, population 200. The 'Island of the White Cow' is located 10km west of Cleggan, 30 minutes by ferry. This is a small paradise that features all the best that Connemara has to offer – a rich history, stunning Atlantic coast scenery, spectacular walks and Green Coast Award beaches with crystal clear waters.

Further information at roundstone.ie

Inishbofin Island Community Centre, Tel: 095 45895 Further information at inishbofin.com

The island's visitors are given an extraordinary chance to come in contact with some of Connemara's best preserved heritage – Bronze Age landscapes, a Cromwell’s 17th century star-shaped fort, ancient burial grounds and a ruined 13th century church standing on the grounds of an original 7th century monastery founded by Saint Colman. Three looped walks, the Middlequarter Loop, Westquarter Loop and

Cloonamore Loop (see discoverireland.ie for maps) afford panoramic views of the Connemara mountains and the island’s cliffs, sea stacks and seal colonies. Inishbofin is also a breeding area for many species of birds and is indeed one of the rare places in Ireland where the threatened Corncrake can still be heard calling across the island. Inishbofin is also famous for its musical heritage and it continues to be a haven for music lovers with sessions held regularly during the summer months. Inishbofin really is the perfect place to explore and unwind. Visitors are guaranteed a warm welcome and comfortable accommodation (see adverts above/below). Tickets to Inishbofin can be bought on the ferry itself (see times on page 16). 'Reach for your Roots on Inishbofin' – June 14-23 (see page 14).

Inishbofin House Hotel & Marine Spa

Timeless, Tranquil, Unspoilt

Ireland’s Largest and Best Equiped Sea Angling Boat Cook your Catch on-board! No Fish No Fee! Charter €500 per day / €100 per hour (min. 2 hours) Day Charter €50pp. Evening Trips Available. Skipper has over 30 years experience! Fishing gear for hire. TEL: 09521069 MOBILE: 0862484674 12

Information / Bookings Call: 095-45819 / 086-1718829 Email: info@inishbofinislanddiscovery.com