Welcome to….

What to do, what to see, and where to eat!

Note: This information is not exhaustive. Please ask for further information by telephoning: 09155 2514, or using mobile with a non Irish, European Sim Card: 00353 9155 2514, or a U.S.A. Sim Card: 011 353 9155 2514. COUNTRY COTTAGES Timeshare and Rental Resort

General view of the resort: l to r, in foreground, semi-detached cottages, Ben Brack and Ben Gower, adjacent to right is Corrib, in background, Mask and Agraffard, and to right Boffin

Boffin Living room, as in Bofin, Agraffard and Mask Agraffard

Corrib Living room En suite master bedroom CONNEMARA COUNTRY COTTAGES AROUND AND ABOUT

Oughterard is a small and welcoming village, with a relaxed lifestyle, considered as the Gateway to Connemara and said to be the fishing capital of Ireland. has an international reputation for its fine brown trout. Trout fishing usually commences in mid-May to June, during the Mayfly season. The village provides places to eat and drink and for those who self cater, two supermarkets. A useful website is: www.oughterardtourism.com which will allow you to expand on this brief survey.

There are many awe inspiring views of interest in the immediate area. In fact at the bottom of the county road, leading from the cottages, there is the Quiet Man Bridge, built as a set for the iconic film, The Quiet Man. The view is as scenic as the director of the film intended.

The ‘Quiet Man’ Bridge In Oughterard, the old bridge which carries the N59 road to over the Owenriff River, is a spot to watch fly fishermen and, in season, the salmon and trout jumping.

Four miles on the Glann Road is the Hill of Doon. The water fall on the Owenriffe. Some two miles from the cottages, on the way to Oughterard there are Glengowla Mines, which in the early 19th century produced Silver and Lead until it was exhausted and left to flood.

The current owners of the land saw the potential for tourism. Several years ago they pumped it out. Easy access has been facilitated, and at the same time the realistic atmosphere has been preserved. Some of the old ladders, platforms and equipment remain. It is educational and fascinating for all the family. It is a microcosm of 19thcentury rural Irish industry, with all its hardship. Proprietor: Keith Geoghegan. Tel: 091-552360 or 091-552021, Mobile: 087252 9850. Website: www.glengowlamines.ie Ask Resort Manager for special entry fees or for out of season entrance.

Special feature available – a lesson in handling sheep dogs! About two miles from Oughterard towards Galway, off a side road, is the well preserved fortification of Aughnanure Castle.

Its keep and outer walls, which once dominated the approaches to Oughterard from attack by marauders sailing the large expanse of adjacent Lough Corrib. The castle stood sentinel over the lands of its feudal owners, the O’Flahertys who built it in the 15th century.

GOLF Oughterard Golf Club, (6 miles) with its 18 hole course, not far from Aughnanure Castle, it is situated at the junction with the main road, about two miles from the village. It welcomes visitors to its bar and restaurant. Tel: 091 552131 Website: www.oughterardgolfclub.com

Galway Golf Club, situated at Salthill, three miles from Galway. It is a challenging 70 par, 18 hole course. Tel: 091-522033.

Barna Golf Club, not far from Galway (15 miles). Tel: 091-592677/592756.

Galway Bay Golf Resort, (22 miles). The par 72 PGA Championship 18 hole course, situated near Renvyle, Oranmore, is bounded, on three sides, by the Atlantic Ocean. Facilities include a Golf Academy. Visitors are welcome and there is a restaurant and bar. Tel: 091-790711.

Connemara Isles Golf Club (20 Miles). This unique 9 hole island course, is situated on Annaghavane Island, Lettermore, located along the coast road some 28 miles from Galway. Tel: 091-572498. Website: www.connemaraislesgolf.com

Connemara Golf Club (30 miles). This 18 hole championship course provides an easy start followed by challenges, especially the 14th and 15th holes with their elevated greens built into the hillside. Head for and then a further eight miles, south west to Ballyconneely Situated among undulating sand hills it is not for the faint hearted, especially when the wind is strong as it is adjacent to the open ocean. There is a welcome at the Bar and Restaurant. Tel: 095-23502. Website: www.connemaragolflinks.com Brigit’s Garden

Within 40 minutes drive from the cottages, through Oughterard and towards Galway, and turning to the left, as signposted, at Roscahill there is Brigit’s Garden, comprising four innovative gardens full of symbolism, representing the four Celtic cycles of the year, Samhain, Imbolc, Bealtaine and Lughnasa . Wildlife gardens designed to reflect the West of Ireland landscape and managed to encourage biodiversity. For the practical gardener there are ideas for garden designs. At the end of the walk there is a restaurant, which uses produce from the garden. Features include a Nature Trail, which takes about 45 minutes to complete, a Children’s Discovery Trail, a Wind Chamber, built of stone with a stone xylophone inside with pipes set into the mound which hum in the wind, also a Ring Fort and an expansive Sun Dial.

Samhain BeaB Lughnasa

Brigit’ Garden,Tel. 091 550905. Website: www.brigitsgarden.ie Leisure Activities:

Fishing - Oughterard is home to Ireland’s oldest angling club. Lough Corrib consists of some 44,000 acres, stretching 30 miles from Galway City. It waters yield brown trout and salmon. The open season runs from 15th February through to 30th September, with the height of the season occurring when the May Fly gives flight and there is a second ‘dapping period’ extending from July to the end of September. The Owenriff river, which flows through Oughterard, is one of the main spawning areas. Lough Mask, which is linked to Lough Corrib by underground channels and adjacent Lough Garra provides good dry fly fishing. For the course angler there is Ross lake or Ballyluirke lake, near , on the way to Galway. Boats, with outboard engines, and guides can be hired locally.

Contact, Tel Nos. 091-552121. www.lakelandanglingcentre.com Boats awaiting the fishermen on Corrib.

Horse Riding – The countryside around Oughterard is ideal for pony trecking and there are riding stables available at Knockillaree Riding Centre, near Oughterard, Tel: 0879604517. Special Deal!!

This is Connemara, where fine horses, Connemara ponies, and friendly faces, are all around! Moycullen Riding Centre, for instruction, trekking etc, Tel: 087 2043944. www.moycullenriding.com Walking – There are many interesting and scenic trails around the vicinity of Oughterard. Guide books can be purchased through the local Corrib Rambler Walking Club which may be contacted. Info at the Tourist Point adjacent to Boat Inn. You will be able to enjoy walks of between three and nine miles such as the Owenriff Way Walk, the Tonwee Wood Walk and The Western Way. Boating – Lough Corrib with over 65 sq miles of water and some 365 islands provides opportunities for pleasure boating. The Tourist Office should be able to advise concerning boat hire. There are also commercial boat trips from Oughterard harbour to Cong, visiting on the way, Inchagoill (the island of the stranger) with its interesting antiquities, the remains of 5th century, Patrick’s Temple, and a short distance from it, Naomph’s Temple, otherwise called the Temple of the Saints, from the 9th or 10th centuries. Also on the island is the Stone of Lugna. Lugna is said to have been the navigator and nephew of Saint Patrick. This obelisk bears an incised Roman inscription said to be the oldest Christian inscription in Europe. From Cong there are sometimes leisurely boat trips to Galway. Corrib Cruises, Tel: 91 557798, Mobile: 087 283 0799. Website: www.corribcruises.com

Tennis - The community tennis court behind the Community Centre may be available and the Tourist Office can advise.

Swimming – There are safe bathing places on the shore of Lough Corrib and the Tourist Office can advise as to these locations. For better bathing it is recommended that you visit one of the sandy beaches, which are at most 15 miles from the resort.

Viewed in this picture at sunset, Dogs Bay and Gurteen Beach, is highly recommended. It is generally not crowded and suitable for families. The sand is soft and pure white as it is formed from shells and there is no quartz grain to make it rough underfoot. Touring around by car – The roads in Connemara are an artists dream, with many views in front and behind, mostly dominated by the 12 Pins, or Bens, as the mountains are called. If you like a good walk in interesting surroundings then you will enjoy a visit to Connemara National Park. www.connemaranationalpark.ie

If you like grand houses of yesteryear then you may like to spend half a day at Kylemore Abbey. The Abbey is the oldest of the Irish Bendictine Abbeys. The community of Nuns who have lived there since 1920, have a long history, going back to their foundation in Ypres in 1682.

Areas of the house are open to visitors and there are well kept gardens to view. For the energetic behind the Abbey is a steep climb to a viewing point. Not far from the Abbey is a church built 1877 - 1881 as a miniature cathedral in the Gothic style by the original owner of the house, Mitchell Henry in memory of his wife. To finish off the visit, there is a souvenir shop and café. Tel: 095 52001. Website: www.kylemoreabbeytourism.ie

A scenic trip to the fishing village of Roundstone is well worthwhile, especially at lunch time when you can drop in to O’Dowds Seafood Restaurant and Bar, which specialises in fresh local sea food. Tel: 095-35809. Website:www.odowdsseafoodbar.com After lunch you could take a stroll around the harbour and then explore the retail area, now called Michael Killeen Park where there are some interesting retail factory outlets including Roundstone Musical Instruments, Roundstone Ceramics and The House of Magoide which sells jewellery and gifts. Evening view at Roundstone Harbour

Errisbeg Mountain, which lies to the west of Roundstone is the only significant hill along this section of coastline. Access is gained from a small road at the side of O’Dowds which should be followed for a mile. There is then a gate leading to a rough track to the summit, and the climb should take about two hours. The reward is a wonderful view from the summit of the 12 Bens, the Atlantic Ocean, and the islands to the south and west. Along the way there are many examples of rare wild flowers. Touring by sea

A trip to , Ireland’s only fiord is a must. Killary Cruises, Tel: 091-566736. www.killarycruises.com Undertake a comfortable boat trip along the nine miles from Nancy’s Point, Leenane out to the fiords entrance and the Atlantic. The purpose built ship can carry up to 150 passengers in comfort. There is a running commentary which tells of the history and geology of the fiord, which which is dominated by the Mweelrea mountain.

Scenic view at the head of Killary Fiord.

The fiord contains a salmon farm and many mussel rafts. Up to Irish independence in 1921 Killary was an anchorage for the Royal Navy, evidenced by the Admiralty navigation markers at its’ entrance, basalt monuments of another era.

Entrance to Killary from the Atlantic. Note, Admiralty marker,on island to right. Passengers board.

Passengers board and the cruise sets off. A Sunday lunch is served on the2.30pm cruise during Jul /August, and there is a BBQ, 7pm to 10 pm. Killary forms part of the boundary between Galway and Mayo. Cross into Mayo and you will see stretches of unspoilt beaches. Hazardous Sport!

Going south to Co. Clare you will be impressed by the Cliffs of Moher, where the rip tide is a surfers dream.

In winter time, the cottages hosted a team of young American surfers. They surfed in to the base of these cliffs. They were sponsored by a magazine which specialised in hazardous sports. It is interesting to note that they said that they benefited from the slightly warmer water due to the Gulf Stream! Look out for another attraction of Co. Clare, the unique moonscape of the Burren.

The Aran Islands Although a day away we must mention Aran Island Ferries, with splendid modern craft, departing from Ros a’ Mhil, otherwise Rossaveale, to Inis Mor, Inis Meain and Inis Oirr.

To get to Ros a’ Mhil, it is probably best to head for Galway on the N59, then head for the R336 coast road. It is then 23 miles to Ros a’ Mhil. Ferry car park is first on right.

Inis Mor is the largest island, with the port village of Kilronan. Traditional music is popular, historical sites are, Dun Aonghasa or Fort of Aongus, which is a spectacular stone fort on the cliffs edge, Na Seacht d’Teampaill or The Seven Churches, a ruined monastic site and several other sites including Dun Duchathair or the Black Fort. The beaches are safe and clean.

Inis Mor has two forts, a well preserved 8th century church, other historical sites. The island is well known for its traditional dress and its knit wear factory and attached museum.

Inis Oirr is a walkers’ paradise, less than 2sq miles or 3 sq kilometres, the walking trail takes 4 hours. It is possible to hire a pony and trap and driver, or jarvey, at the pier on arrival. Bicycles can be hired. There is an Arts and Heritage Centre. There is a long sandy beach with clear water. Aran Island Ferries can be contacted during working hours on Tel: 091-568903 otherwise after hours, Tel: 091-572050. Website: www.aranislandferries.com Welcome to Knockillaree Riding Centre & Stud

Established in 2004, Knockillaree Riding Centre is owned and managed by Roger Joyce, BHSAI, ICES.

Roger has a wealth of knowledge and experience in relation to the riding, care, training and breeding of horses. He had an interest from an early age which is no surprise as his family has been involved in the keeping of Connemara Stallions and breaking of ponies for generations.

In 2009, the Riding Centre moved into a new custom-built yard with 14 large stables and an all-weather 50m x 30m sand arena.

LESSONS

 Tiny Tots 30 minute lesson €10  1 hour Child's lesson (up to 16 years) €20  1 hour Child's lesson (private) €30  1 hour Adult lesson (group) €25  1hour Adult lesson (private) €35

TREKS 90 minute Pony Trek through the Connemara mountains €45

Ask the Resort Manager for details and special prices!! Eating out within a reasonable distance from the cottages

This list is not exhaustive. It includes those obvious places which come to mind and where at least a reasonable service will be provided. Some of them may, or may not, be open at the time of your stay at Connemara Country Cottages because the tourist business is seasonal and when there is a dearth of likely customers many restaurants simply close until it is thought that business will pick up. Thus, apart from major hotels, some restaurants may not open until Easter. The busy period with everything open will be from May, with the Mayfly dapping season for trout fishing and then until end of October. Oughterard

You think it would be nice to go out for lunch or an evening meal and you do not wish to drive very far so the village of Oughterard, four miles away, seems a reasonable drive. The first thing to do is to ring and find out if the restaurant of your choice has a free table and if you can book.

One of the first places that comes to mind for good food, is Breathnachs, which is open all the year round.

Breathnachs (in English it means Walsh’s) is a bar and restaurant, in very pleasing surroundings. As a mark of its excellence it is frequented, especially at lunch time by the locals. It is a family run business which serves quality food with efficient service. It may not take bookings, in the evening, in the high season as space is relatively limited, however they will give an indication as to whether or not a table is likely to be free. Tel: 091- 552818.

When you drive into Oughterard from the cottages, you will cross a bridge over the Owenriff and then proceed along a Main street into the town square. As you turn into the square, immediately turn left down Camp Street, and very shortly you will see Breathnachs on the left.

The Boat Inn

The Boat Inn has been a long standing hostelry in Oughterard. It is to the left when you enter the village square from Main Street. The Boat Inn takes pride in the quality of its food both at the Bar and in the Restaurant. There is a lively Bar with traditional music nights. There is an opportunity to eat and drink outside under awnings whenever the weather permits. The Boat Inn sponsors tourism, with tourist office situated in adjoining premises. Mill Palace – Chinese Restaurant

The Mill Palace is on your right in Main Street, just after the Bank of Ireland, as you are drive into Oughterard. This is a Chinese restaurant and takeaway. Tel: 091-557888.

Before exploring further what about a cup of coffee and a scone?

We recommend Jae’s, especially the scones, opposite the Bank of Ireland in Main Street, Oughterard.

Jae’s is a bakery and it is a good spot to purchase cakes and scones, and other delights!

Archer’s Restaurant Situated in Camp Street Oughterard, this family restaurant specializes in Pizzas and other delights.

Tel: 091-866066

Moycullen

White Gables Restaurant The White Gables Restaurant is situated in the village of Moycullen on the right hand side as you drive towards Galway, which is about five miles further on. The restaurant has been established for over 15 years. This is a restaurant for that special sophisticated evening out. The restaurant has style, a lounge area with dark paneled walls and leather sofas. The dining room has low lights, candles and exposed stonework. The food is mouth watering and excellent. It is open 12.30 to 3.00pm for lunch as well as in the evening for Dinner. Tel: 091-555744. The Forge

The Forge is a fairly new restaurant which arrived with the redevelopment of Moycullen. It is located further on, and on the same side as the White Gables. It is on the corner where a road turns off to your right. Turn right and there is a nearby car park. Disabled drivers may park directly outside. The restaurant has a bistro theme. There is waiter service and there is an excellent carvery. It is a really good restaurant for lunch. Evening meals are good as well. It is suitable for all the family. Tel: 091-868944.

O’Grady’s on the Pier Barna, on the coast, a quiet seaside village with its stone pier and excellent restaurants. Adjacent is Galway’s Silver Strand, and with views over Galway Bay. For Golfers there is, Bearna Golf and Country Club, with an 18 hole course.

It is located 8km from Galway City on the R336 coast road, although study of a map will reveal that it can be approached from the main Oughterard- Galway N59 by driving through Moycullen, then approx two miles on the right is a road, marked ‘Barna Road’ shortly after you have passed Cloonliffe Cross. Follow this road for several miles and you will enter Barna, and directly across the main street (R336) the road leads to the pier and O’Grady’s on the Pier, and excellent sea food.

O’Grady’s on the Pier (GPS location is: 53.249524,-9.150581) is a restaurant, which is a ‘must’ for Lunch or Dinner. It is a fine seafood restaurant with a sitting capacity of 80, so in high season and weekends. It is worthwhile to telephone (091 592223) before you set out. Web site: www.ogradysonthepier.com

Barna Pier CCCC members – a fishy evening! Also in Barna, for a difference –

Mulberry’s, for a classic, bistro style menu of authentic Italian pasta, Irish steaks and a wide range of local seafood.

Mulberry’s is located in the Barna Village Centre, behind Supervalu store, and towards the sea. Open Tuesday to Saturday at 5 pm for Dinner. Sunday opens for lunch at 1pm. And remains open. Tel: 091 592123 for reservations. Website: www.mulberrys

Fine Food Dining at Country House Hotels

There are two such establishments in driving distance. These are family run establishments, where guests are limited in number and there is a distinct ambience of personal welcome to a family home with a sense of history. Charges reflect the quality of the service and surroundings.

Currarevagh House Listed in Ireland’s Blue Book, of Irish Country Houses, Historic Hotels and Restaurants.

This Victorian Country House Hotel, is mainly aimed at residential guests, but it is possible to book to join them for a superb four course evening dinner based on local fresh ingredients. Dinner commences 8pm sharp. Please note that it is a fixed menu each evening and you are advised to Telephone: 091 552312 to book and discuss the menu for your evening. Reservation essential. Set fee per person Euro 44, plus drinks etc.

Currarevagh House closes from 16 October to end of March.

Website: www.currarevagh.com

Directions: From Oughterard, turn into Camp Street, then follow the Glan Road, for 4 miles ( 5km). Driveway on right. Ross Lake House Hotel A Member of the Green Book of Ireland, commended by the Good Hotel Guide.

A splendid 19th Century, Georgian Country House Hotel, where you can relax in the library bar, while you contemplate what is for dinner, and make your choice from a tempting variety of Irish food, some of which is sourced in the surrounding lakes, streams and hills. Reservation essential, Set fee per person Euro 43, plus drinks etc. Telephone: 091 550 109.Website: www.rosslakehotel.com

GPS Location: N 53.39215 W 9.28103, Directions: Take N59 for 4 miles/6 kms from centre of Oughterard, Sign posted road to right, 3 kms from Golf Club clearly signposted thereafter for 2 kms.

Hotel closes end of October to 15 March.

Towards Clifden and Roundstone Castle Hotel

Ballynahinch Castle Hotel is a 4 star luxury hotel hotel in the grand style, set in 450 acres of woodland, rivers and walks. It has a superb restaurant, fed by fresh home produce and locally caught fish. It is situated off the N59, which you join at the bottom of on the lane when you turn left towards Clifden. See map below.

The hotel has a bar serving excellent bar meals. Once owned, in the 1930s by an Indian ruler, the Maharajah Ranjisinji, the hotel has grandeur and atmosphere. Tel: 095 31006. Website: www.ballynahinch-castle.com ROUNDSTONE

O’Dowds Seafood Bar and Restaurant

O’Dowd’s is situated in the centre of Roundstone, overlooking the harbour. It is a traditional Irish restaurant and bar which has earned a reputation for excellent food served in a friendly and informal atmosphere. It offers a selection of international dishes and it also specializes in fresh local seafood. Among its specialities is buttered lobster, ocean rolls, described as filets of plaice stuffed with seafood in a dill sauce. Another speciality is spicy fish curry. As well as the a’la carte menu there are value menus.

Tel: 095-35809, Website: www.odowdsbar.com