Clifden, the Capital of Connemara, is about 20 minutes away from the hotel and is well worth a visit. Below are some of our faves:

Millers – Superior Women’s & some Men’s Clothing founded in 1890

Stanleys – Outdoor Clothing, Fishing and Camping Gear & traditional clothes including Aran knitwear & Donegal tweeds.

Love Vintage – Ladies 'vintage' clothes

The Clifden Bookshop – a haven for booklovers and specialising in local history and literature, our favourite bookshop, together with Books at One in Letterfrack

Whistlestop – for gifts and home accessories

There are also plenty of pubs, with great food and trad music galore!

Lowrys – very traditional Irish Pub with a great selection of whiskey and live music most evenings – our favourite !

EJ Kings – on the square, lovely to sit outside on a summer’s day/evening and watch the world go by

Guys Seafood Bar – also do lunch’s and evening meals.

Go Hill Walking on the Connemara Way or for the more adventurous, in the Twelve Pins or the Mamturks Mountains! We also love Diamond Hill in the Connemara National Park - a steep uphill climb but with wonderful views on-top!

We also know some wonderful local mountain guides - feel free to reach out via the below info:

Lesley – 083 4178208 who organises group and private hikes

Michael Gibbons who does walks that focus on local Archaeology – 095-21379

Go for a drive - the scenery is breathtaking! Once off the main roads, the traffic is light with lots of opportunities for “Kodak” moments.

We’d recommend the Sky Road drive from Clifden for magnificent views out over Clifden Harbour, Inishturk South, Slyne Head and the Atlantic – c. 1.30 Hour Trip from the Hotel taking the route to Clifden via Roundstone.

For a longer drive (2-3 hours) take the road North (N59 towards Westport) out of Clifden to Letterfrack and follow this road on to Lennane passing Connemara National Park, Kylemore Abbey and a natural fjord called Killary Harbour. To make it a loop drive back to the hotel, consider coming back via Maam Village, turn right in Lennane and take the R346, or for a shorter route turn right about 3 Km after Kylemore Abbey travel back via the Inagh Valley on the R344.

Stops to consider while out and about:

• Roundstone

• Dogs Bay

• Connemara National Park

• Kylemore Abbey - https://www.kylemoreabbey.com/

• Derryimlagh – loop walk with the history of Marconi Radio transmissions

https://connemara.net/derrigimlagh-signature-discovery-point

Explore Connemara on-bike! Why not take a Ballynahinch bike or even rent an e-bike to explore the beautiful winding (and hilly) roads of Connemara!

The completed 6km section of the Connemara Greenway located just off the grounds of the Estate which is ideal for those who wish for an easy route away from the main roads.

For the more adventurous why not take on the magnificent Derroura Mountain Bike Trail. The Derroura Mountain Bike Trail is a 14 km long track with wonderful views north into the Maam valley and West to the Twelve Bens. This trail offers you some incredible mountain biking in some of the most spectacular scenery in Connemara.

Whether you opt for a guided tour with the hotel or just take a leisurely stroll yourself. Ballynahinch has some stunning trails through the woods and around the rivers and lakes.

Ballynahinch have added Woodland Saunas, the perfect detox after festivities!

One of our faves - have a cozy pint and some chowder in O’Dowds whilst taking in the views

Great for a walk, or a swim if you’re willing to brave the cold Atlantic Ocean!

(A Joni Mitchell Favorite)