Activities and Events
Some things to see and do
Calendar of local events
Hill-Walking
The Connemara skies are dominated by over fifty magnificent mountains in four tightly packed ranges, the Twelve Bens, Maum Turks, Partry and Sheffrey. The mountains though only 2,000 ft in average height have been described as the 'Alps in Miniature'. Diamond Hill in the Connemara National Park offers a most enjoyable and safe way to discover the benefits of hill-walking.
Omey Island
This beautiful island is accessible at low tide every day. Close to the north coast of the island lies the ruins of Temapall Feichin (Feichin's church), having only being unearthed some 20 years ago, after spending three centuries buried in the sand. Around the church lays the remains of a semi-sunken village wiped out in the famine years.
Golfing
In Ballyconneely just 12 km outside of Clifden sits the Connemara 18 Hole Championship Golf Links. With rolling greens and the beautiful beaches of Alliebrack alongside this is one of the most picturesque golf courses you'll probably ever play on. Tuition is available and there is a practice are for your convenience. Clubs are available for hire, as are buggies.
Clifden Castle
Built around 1810 by Clifden's founder John D'Arcy, it was once his residence. A walk to Clifden Castle is essential. It is approached through a beautiful entrance arch and gothic walls along a winding avenue. Clifden Castle is now a romantic ruin overlooking Clifden Bay.
Alcock & Brown
Located 4 kms outside Clifden and 1 km from Lough Fadda House is the crash landing site of the first transatlantic flight of Alcock and Brown (1919). The monument to this historic achievement situated on top of Errislannan peninsula overlooking the original site is worth a visit for its spectactular views across to Ballyconneely. Nearby is the site of the first radio transmitter station from which Marconi exchanged the first transatlantic radio messages with a station in Nova Scotia in 1907.
Horse Riding
The Connemara Pony is a very gentle and amiable breed and well suited to the local terrain. There are a number of trekking stables along the coast from Ballyconneely, Errislannan and Cleggan all of which offer ponies for all riding abilities and treks varying in difficulty aswell as leisurely walks along the beach and hillside. Its an excellent form of exercise for all the family and a great way to see the country.
Activity Links
www.connemare.net/errislannan-manor/
www.thruthelinks.com/ballyconneely.htm
www.leisureangling.co.uk/coarsefishing/ClifdenOpenBoatChampionship.htm
www.inishbofinislanddiscovery.com
April
Easter
May
Connemara Bog Week
June
Connemara Golf Links Open Week
July
Ballyconneely Pony Show
Roundstone Pony Show
Cleggan Pony Show
Roundstone Regatta
August
Clifden Regatta
Roundstone Tour de Bog Cycle Event
Connemara Pony Show
Roundstone Summerfest '07
September
Connemara National Park Heritage Week
Connemara Golf Links Open Week
Clifden Arts Week
Roundstone Champion of Champions Connemara Pony Show
Event Links
