Connemara Calling: A whirlwind tour of Wild Beauty and Delicious Bites
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| Superb Chicken dish at Misunderstood Heron. |
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| Glasshouse in walled garden at Kylemore Abbey |
Connemara stole a piece of my heart over a recent whirlwind 3-day trip. Foyle's Hotel became our cosy home base in charming Clifden, a lovely 3-star hotel filled with friendly faces. You immediately see why it has been so popular over the centuries and remains so.
Westward Bound: Smokehouses, Scenery, and Seafood
Our days were dedicated to exploring
Connemara's rugged beauty. We ventured west, the first stop being the renowned Connemara Smokehouse in Ballyconneely. Here, we ate a lunch of perfectly cured fish, a delightful prelude to our next stops: the awe-inspiring Killary Fjord and the picturesque Lough Inagh. |
| Dog sleeping while waiting on the pier at Bunowen near the Connemara Smokehouse |
Evenings were reserved for indulging in Clifden's culinary scene. A welcome recommendation from Alice of Coyle's new food haven (itself fast becoming a must-visit!), led us to the unexpected gem, Oifig An Fish. This lively spot, with a food truck vibe, offered some of the best mussels we've ever tasted. The fish and chips were top-notch too, perfectly complemented by a selection of craft beers from Whiplash and Lineman. The latter's Organised Fun Hopfenweissewent down well with the meal while CL enjoyed her can of Snuble Juice IPA (from the Danish brewer Toøl).
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| A welcome pint of Lineman in Oifig an Fish |
Hiking, History, and Heavenly Gardens
Fueled by a delicious breakfast at Foyle's (the Full Irish is a must!), we embarked on a scenic hike (more like a stroll!) through Connemara National Park. We skipped the Diamond Hill summit this time (😉), opting for a more leisurely climb that offered breathtaking ocean views (a little sunshine would have made it perfect, but hey, you win some, you lose some!).
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| Achiote Pork |
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| Abbey garden |
Cascading Falls
A short trip across the border into County Mayo brought us to the majestic Assleagh Falls. A newly paved path allowed for easier access to this cascading wonder, a hidden gem worth the slightly precarious walk on the narrow road to and from the parking spot. No traffic on the path itself!
The Inagh Valley was on our itinerary, but the wind and clouds had other plans. No worries though, Connemara's beauty has already etched itself into our memories, rain or shine.
Evenings in Clifden: Tapas, Tunes, and a Fond Farewell
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| Duck dish in Lamplight |
Back in Clifden, the Marconi Restaurant at Foyle's provided a satisfying first-night meal. But the evenings truly came alive at Mullarkey's Bar, the hotel's lively hub where the excellent local Bridewell brews were on tap. Our second night took us to Lamplight in the town centre, where we revelled in a delectable tapas spread, perfectly paired with delicious wines.
While breakfast at Foyle's wasn't a highlight, their Full Irish did the job admirably for our final morning. After goodbyes to Foyle's and Coyles, we embarked on the 3.5 hour journey back to Cork, hearts brimming with memories of Connemara's magic.
Also on this trip:
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