roundstone

The quintessential connemara retreat

Lying on the western arm of the Bertraghboy Bay in Connemara, County Galway, the village of Roundstone is one of the most scenic in Ireland. Situated seventy-seven kilometers north-west of Galway City and around eighteen kilometers from Clifden, Roundstone is beautifully set on one of the most spectacular coastal drives overlooking the Atlantic and settled at the foot of Errisbeg Hill.
Roundstone is steeped in history. The village was founded in the mid-1820s by the celebrated Scottish engineer Alexander Nimmo, who was appointed by the Western District to build harbours, roads and houses throughout the West of Ireland. In 1826, he bought a ninety-nine-year lease comprising 240 acres in the Roundstone/Letterdyfe area. He sublet plots of land along the road by the harbour for houses to be built on. Many of the settlers were Scottish fishermen and their families. A few built two-story houses with slate roofs, and those people got grants. All  others were one-story thatched houses.

Alexander Nimmo died at the age of forty-nine on 20 January 1832.
In 1835, a Franciscan monastery was established. Today only the bell tower remains, but a very lovely craft centre operates there, making and selling bodhrans, pottery, jewellery, and more. It is well worth a visit.

Inishnee is just across the bay from the village but can be reached by car as well as by boat. It is an excellent place for a walk, and while there, please visit Saint Matthew`s graveyard. It is the oldest cemetery in Connemara and contains the ruins of a medieval church and graves dating back to the twelfth century.

We have two of the most beautiful beaches-Dog`s Bay and Gurteen. Dog`s Bay is a horseshoe shape, and has the purest of fine sand, formed exclusively from coral shells, and is very unique. It lies back-to-back with Gurteen Beach, creating a tombolo. Both are very safe for swimming and other water sports such as kayaking, standup paddleboarding, windsurfing, and kite surfing.

For anyone seeking a destination that ahowcases the quintessential Connemara, Roundstone is the perfect retreat.

events

Roundstone Events

Some of the most popular events taking place throughout the year:

  • Roundstone Regatta –  July
  • Roundstone Pony Show –  July
  • Roundstone Dog Show –  August
  • Tour de Bog –  August