Galway County in Western Ireland truly blew my mind on my recent long weekend getaway. Apart from being a party city, it has much more to give than what you would expect. Me and my friends drove straight after work for a long weekend to Cleggan Village in Galway County. At night we were blind to what we were driving through, but I knew it was going to be awe-inspiring! Here are some of the off-beat things to do in Galway to make the most of your trip in this Nature Wonderland.
Take a break in Athlone on your way to enjoy a delicious dinner at Bacchus Mediterranean restaurant.
We left around 5:30 PM after work, one and a half hour down the road we took a break to feed our hungry stomachs in Athlone, a small town in Central Ireland! Athlone has tons of options for food especially Italian food! After being flooded with such great choices we decided to go for Bacchus Mediterranean restaurant which did not disappoint us. A thoughtfully tailored menu, impeccable service, mouth watering food and a scrumptious Baklava to die for. I almost cried after the first bite of baklava due to its brilliantly authentic taste and ended up ordering one more.
Stay in Cleggan!
Think no more, stay in Cleggan if in Galway County. This small village is everything you could ask for your wonderfully convenient stay in Galway County. We were staying in a B&B located on a hill in the village which was only 20 minutes away from Kylemore Abbey, 10 minutes from Connemara National Park and all other interesting places around. So you don’t end up wasting time commuting and yet enjoy Galway truly. Ferry going to Inishbofin Island is only 5 minutes walk away from the B&B.
Devour good meal in Olivers
There are few options for food in Cleggan village and Olivers is one of them. They are open all day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Relish some good food with the sight of Cleggan Beach or watch the people consumed with enthusiasm as they wait for the ferry to leave for Inishbofin Island.
Take the ferry to Inishbofin Island
Inishbofin is a small island only 40 minutes away from Cleggan. Ferry’s work all day for the most part, depending on the weather. Devour in one of the five restaurants and bars on the island. There are plenty accommodation options on the island that you can choose from if you decide to stay here. However, I would suggest booking in advance as it tends to be fully booked during summer. There are tons of beaches, barracks, heritage and loop trails to explore on this island.
Experience the Wild Atlantic Way on the Sky road drive
Sky road in Clifden is something you cannot miss! This scenic drive takes you through jaw dropping views of Connemara landscape and Clifden town surrounded by breathtaking ocean. A perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the stunning nature. The lower sky road will take you downhill where you can get a closer view of the ocean and Omey Island, whereas the upper road has an unbeatable view of the entire area with County Mayo to the North and County Clare to the South. Only around 10 minutes away from Cleggan, this drive is a must!
Make your own trail to the Clifden Castle
This one wasn’t easy to find! We saw it on our sky road drive first and wanted to get a closer look at it. However, we realised there is no straight drive to the castle. You need to park somewhere closer and walk up the trail. We parked near Boardwalk Cafe restaurant and followed the signs to the castle. The trail looked unwelcoming but we still kept going and soon found ourselves on the hill from where we could see the castle. Considering how old the castle is, its ability to stay put and face Irelands murderous wind is very impressive. Some parts of it are broken and some are still crumbling. However, it’s gifted with gorgeous landscape around.
Loose yourself in the beauty of Kylemore Abbey
Kylemore Abbey is not quiet off beat as it is very famous but it is one of those places that you should visit no matter what. This beautiful castle is regarded as Irelands one of the most romantic buildings as it was a gift from Mitchell Henry a wealthy doctor from London to his wife Margaret. With the soothing lake in the front surrounded by handsome mountains and vibrant colors, the spiritual vibe in the Abbey is incomparable.
Enjoy the colors in Victorian walled Garden
Only 20 minutes walk/5 minute shuttle ride away from the main Abbey, is the Victorian Walled garden. This garden use to be very famous back in the days which sadly lost its charm over the years. However, the Benedictine Community, who have always used the garden, began restoration works with the help of grant aid, large bank loans and the generosity of donors. The garden has a restaurant serving food, cakes and drinks!
Explore the Wild play area with the fairies!
At the entrance of Victorian Walled garden is this well maintained Neverland of fairies called Wild Play Area. Come mingle with the fairies, have a drink or two, they love company! They wouldn’t mind you crashing for the night either 😉
Soak in the Panoramic Connemara views from Letterfrack
You can soak in the views of Connemara from anywhere around. However, Letterfrack has one of the best views of the Connemara Landscape. I couldn’t help but stop and click few pictures. Letterfrack falls on your way to Kylemore Abbey and there are plenty of places where you can stop and admire the wilderness.
Fight the crazy wind on Omey Island
This inconspicuous and almost hidden tidal island located near Claddaghduff was a gem of a find! During Low tide, you can drive or walk to this island over a large sandy strand by following the arrowed signs. Omey Island is the best privacy you can ever ask for. The first time we decided to go to the island, without realising it was high tide and the strand was covered with water we started laughing at GPS for going crazy and taking us through water! However, the next day we found ourselves driving on the strand to the island. It is a one lane road which takes you to the end of the island where you can play in the sand, the lake and enjoy the peace around you.
Have a private beach party!
Just before your drive on the strand to Omey Island is a small beach. It being high tide we couldn’t drive across and decided to watch sunset by the beach. A few sips of breezers later we started dancing on the rocks facing the water, like our very own private beach party with no one to disturb!
Go Horse riding by the beach
Cleggan beach riding center offer incredible horse riding services. They teach you the basics of horse riding and get you on the road with a guide. Enjoy an hour and a half ride to the beach on rocky roads and unimaginable panoramic beauty around. Immerse in the calmness while trotting on the beach and take in the myriad colors of the ocean!
Submerse in the absorbing vista of Cleggan by the beach!
Cleggan Beach has an expansive view of Inishbofin Island in the front, the Cleggan village on the left and Connemara behind. We parked our car here on a very windy day. We sat inside the car gazing at the waves trying to get us, while it rained and the murderous wind adding to the typical Irish weather.
Enjoy some delicious Pizza with a view at the Boardwalk cafe bar and restaurant.
Doing justice to its tag line “Welcome to Paradise”, the Boardwalk Cafe in Clifden is a perfect and convenient spot to indulge after your hike to Clifden Castle. They have great food, cocktails, games and music!
Go Kayaking in Connemara Caves
Kayak your way through Connemara caves to get stunned by the rock formation along the Connemara coastline. The sea caves, sea arches and the magnificent cliffs near Cleggan head are sure to make you a happy wanderer!
Every part of Ireland is different in so many ways. Be it the farm stay experience in south east, extreme weather in the south, wild beauty in the south west, tranquility in the west or extreme seclusion in the North. All of it makes the country special and mind bogglingly gorgeous. If in Ireland make sure you travel around to get to know the Country better, you will be surprised!
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