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Connemara Tourism Ireland

Cleggan/Claddaghduff Ireland

Welcome to this wild and wonderful stretch of atlantic shoreline that comprises the Cleggan/Claddaghduff region of Connemara. Here the sea in all its facets influences the shape of the landscape and affects the lives of all who dwell in its presence. The focal point of the picturesque village of Cleggan is its pier which is the closest mainland link for the islands of Inishturk and Inishbofin. These islands attract more and more visitors each year. Indeed so compelling are the islands charms that some have opted to live there permanently.

Traditionally fishing supplemented by small farming has been the main source of income. Latterly tourism makes a further contribution. As in the rest of Connemara poverty, famine and natural catastrophe caused massive emigration. In 1927 in what became known as the Cleggan Disaster, twenty-five fishermen from the area drowned during a freak storm which arose whilst they were mackerel fishing in the bay. This had a devastating affect on the local community . Nowadays all that remains of this time are poems and stories and old granite ruins made stark by weather and time.

This place has always had appeal for writers and artists notably the poet Richard Murphy who lived here for some years and for whom local lore and landscape/seascape inspired his work. Novelist John McGahern also resided here.


In the immediate area you will find much to interest and occupy you be it on sea or land. Why not climb to the top of Cleggan Head where from the remains of a watchtower constructed duringthe napoleonic wars you can delight in the vistas spread out before you - the village houses clustered around the harbour, High Island , Crowe, Shark, Bofin, Turk, Clare islands out to sea, the Twelve Bens to the east and the distinctive hills of Mayo - Croagh Patrick, and Achill Head to the north.

Check out with a local person the opening hours for Omey strand and drive or walk or horse ride across the Ikm expanse of sand to the island. The whole area is rich in archeological sites be it the remains of the 7th C church of St. Feichin on Omey island, the wedge tomb near Sellerna beach or the fairy hills (drumlins) of Sheeauns. There's deep sea angling, lake fishing, boat trips to Inishturk and Inishbofin, pony treking, pitch & putt, dive sites, beaches and more beaches. Come evening feast on the freshest of seafood and have the 'craic' in one of the local pubs.


 

Click on the picture or business name to visit the relevant website

BED & BREAKFAST

CNOC BREAC
Thomas & Mary King, Cleggan, Connemara, Co. Galway
Tel: + 353 (0)95 44688
Email: [email protected]

Family home. Peaceful scenic area. Beside sandy beach. Fishing, pony riding, bay cruises arranged. Convenient for Inishbofin ferry. Village 1 km.

Hazelbrook Farmhouse

HAZELBROOK FARMHOUSE
Josephine deCourcey, Cleggan, Connemara, Co. Galway
Tel/Fax: + 353 (0)95 44646
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.hazelbrook-connemara.net

Spacious peaceful seaside Farmhouse B&B, 6 en-suite bedrooms with panoramic views of sea, mountains and Islands. 5 minutes walk from Cleggan village. Traditional music in village bars
Groups catered for with transport in private mini-coach.

 

LEISURE & ACTIVITIES

CLEGGAN BEACH RIDING CENTRE
Judy Cazabon, Cleggan, Co. Galway
Tel: +353 (0)95 44746, Fax: +353 (0)95 44314
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.clegganridingcentre.com

Treks to Omey Island, Cleggen or Salerna beach. Riding lessons and courses. Well schooled horses and Connemara ponies. Hats & boots.

ISLAND DISCOVERY
Inishbofin Island, Cloonamore, Co. Galway.
Tel: +353 (0)95 45819 or 95 45894, Fax: +353 (0)95 45819
Email: [email protected]

Several Sailings Daily to Inishbofin from Cleggan. Only all year round ferry service to Inishbofin. Owned and operated by traditional Island seafaring family.

PJ DE COURCEY MINI-COACH HIRE
Hazelbrook B&B,
Cleggan, Co. Galway
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.connemara.net/Hazelbrook

24 seat comfortable mini-coach for all your transport needs. Pick up at entry point, transfer of passengers and luggage.

THE 'WESTERN KINGFISHER'
Johnny King, Cleggan, Connemara, Co. Galway Ireland
Tel/Fax: + 353 (0)95 44649
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://homepage.eircom.net/~westernkingfisher/index.htm
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For pleasure or for the serious angler. Daily, weekly charters, trips, 1/2 day charter. Fast, modern, fully equipped,  fully licensed. Luxury self-catering accommodation arranged.

SELF CATERING

CLEGGAN FARM HOLIDAY COTTAGES
Pascal Marinot, Cleggan Farm, Cleggan, Co. Galway
Tel/Fax: +353 (0)95 44648
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://homepage.eircom.net/~clegganfarmhols/

Old stone building. Suitable for parties of two to ten.  Sea/lake fishing.  Bicycle hire. Peace and quiet. Farm animals. Open all Year round.

 

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