Family Adventure in Connemara: A Week in Ireland's Natural Beauty

A Day of Connemara Flavours

Today was a day dedicated to savouring the essence of Connemara, a blend of smoky aromas, earthy landscapes, and the comforting embrace of good food and family. It’s amazing how certain scents and tastes can transport you back to cherished moments, and I was eager to share these sensory experiences with Jan and Aoife.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Glynsk House. The morning was crisp, with that fresh, clean air that only Connemara can offer. I opted for the scrambled eggs with cheddar cheese, a simple yet satisfying start to the day. Jan, ever the history buff, enjoyed reading about the area while sipping his coffee. Aoife, of course, took some photos of the stunning view overlooking Bertraughboy Bay, Cashel Hill, and the Twelve Bens mountains.


Experience authentic Irish cuisine at Glynsk House in beautiful Connemara—where every meal is a journey through local flavors.

Our first stop was the Connemara Smokehouse. The drive there was scenic, winding through the rugged landscape that I remember so vividly from my childhood. The anticipation was building, as I knew the Smokehouse held a special treat. I wanted Aoife to experience the authentic taste of Connemara smoked salmon, something you just can't replicate anywhere else. As we approached, the distinctive aroma of beechwood smoke filled the air, a scent that instantly evoked memories of my grandfather’s stories by the fireside.


Discover the rich flavors of Connemara at the Smokehouse - a perfect blend of tradition, quality, and scenic beauty in County Galway.

Inside, we were greeted warmly and given a tour of the facilities. It was fascinating to learn about the traditional methods used by the Roberts family, who have been crafting this delicacy for generations. They explained how they source the finest wild Atlantic salmon and use time-honoured techniques to create their unique smoked seafood. We sampled a variety of their products, from the classic smoked salmon to the peppered mackerel. Aoife, who is quite the foodie, was particularly impressed with the quality and the care that goes into each product. We ended up buying a selection to take back to our campsite, promising ourselves a delicious smoked salmon feast under the stars.

The beauty of Connemara lies not just in its landscapes, but in the traditions and flavours that have been preserved for generations.

Next on our itinerary was Roundstone Bog. After the rich flavours of the Smokehouse, I was craving the tranquility of the natural world. Roundstone Bog is a vast expanse of peatland, a unique ecosystem that is both beautiful and ecologically important. As we drove along the R341 towards Ballyconneely, then turned left at Ballinaboy, the landscape transformed into a mosaic of browns, greens, and purples. The bog stretches out towards the horizon, with the Twelve Bens mountains providing a dramatic backdrop.


Explore the serene landscapes of Roundstone Bog in Galway, where nature's beauty thrives amidst rich biodiversity and peaceful trails.

We parked the car and set out on foot, following one of the many walking trails that crisscross the bog. The air was still and quiet, broken only by the occasional call of a bird or the rustling of the wind through the heather. Jan was in his element, pointing out different plant species and explaining the geological history of the area. Aoife, armed with her camera, was capturing the subtle beauty of the landscape, the delicate textures of the mosses and lichens, the play of light and shadow on the water.

I found myself reflecting on the resilience of this landscape, how it has adapted to the harsh conditions and how it has shaped the lives of the people who have lived here for centuries. It’s a landscape that demands respect, a place where you can truly connect with nature and find a sense of peace. We spent a couple of hours exploring the bog, breathing in the fresh air, and soaking up the serenity.

As the afternoon drew to a close, our thoughts turned to dinner. We decided to head to Guys Bar in Clifden, a place recommended to me by a friend who knows the area well. Clifden itself is a charming town, with a lively atmosphere and a strong sense of community. We took a stroll through the town, popping into a shop called All Things Connemara. It was filled with local crafts and artisan products, from ceramics to knitwear. I picked up a beautiful hand-knitted scarf, a reminder of our trip and a practical addition to my wardrobe for the cooler evenings.


Explore Clifden's All Things Connemara: A unique gift shop and bicycle rental service in the heart of Connemara's stunning landscapes.


Discover Guys Bar Clifden: A premier gastropub serving exquisite local cuisine and drinks in the heart of picturesque Clifden.

Guys Bar was bustling when we arrived. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with a mix of locals and tourists. We found a cosy corner by the fire and settled in for the evening. The menu was filled with tempting options, but we decided to focus on the seafood, given the bar’s reputation. I opted for the seafood skillet, a medley of prawns, mussels, and squid in a tomato sauce, served with crusty sourdough bread. Jan chose the traditional fish and chips, while Aoife went for the fish tacos.

The food was delicious, fresh, and full of flavour. My seafood skillet was particularly memorable, the seafood perfectly cooked and the sauce rich and tangy. Jan declared his fish and chips to be the best he’d had in a long time, while Aoife raved about the freshness of the fish in her tacos. We paired our meal with a local craft beer, enjoying the lively atmosphere and the friendly banter of the other patrons.

As we sat there, content and full, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for this day in Connemara. It was a day of simple pleasures, of connecting with nature, of savouring local flavours, and of sharing these experiences with my family. It was a day that reminded me of the beauty and resilience of this landscape and the warmth and hospitality of its people.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit Clifden again, exploring The Whitethorn Gallery and perhaps enjoying a drink at Joyce's Bar. But for now, I’m content to sit by the campfire, listening to the crackling flames and reminiscing about the day’s adventures. As the Irish say, “There are no strangers here; only friends you haven’t yet met.” And that, I think, perfectly captures the spirit of Connemara.

The weather today was partly cloudy with a temperature of 55°F (13°C), feeling like 53°F (12°C). The chance of rain was around 0%, and the humidity was around 75%.