A Family Journey to Connemara: Embracing Nature and Nostalgia

Coastal Charms and Culinary Wonders

Today was all about embracing the rugged beauty of the Connemara coast. The salty air, the crashing waves, and the vast expanse of the Atlantic – it was a feast for the senses. I was eager to share this part of my heritage with Jan and Aoife, hoping they’d feel the same connection to this wild and beautiful place that I do.


Our first stop was Connemara Bay Beach. The drive there was breathtaking, with the landscape unfolding before us in a tapestry of greens and browns. Even in January, there was a stark beauty to the landscape. The wind was certainly bracing, but we bundled up in our warmest coats and set off to explore.


Experience the unspoiled beauty of Connemara Bay Beach in Ireland, where golden sands meet stunning coastal views for an unforgettable getaway.

Aoife, ever the explorer, was immediately captivated by the shells and pebbles scattered along the shore. She collected a small trove of treasures, each one examined with meticulous care. Jan, with his historian's eye, was fascinated by the rock formations, pointing out the layers of sediment and the evidence of ancient geological processes. I simply enjoyed the feeling of the wind in my hair and the taste of salt on my lips, memories of childhood summers flooding back with each gust.

The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.

Next on our itinerary was Eyrephort Beach, a gem I remembered fondly from my youth. The drive along the Sky Road to get there was nothing short of spectacular. The views were panoramic, with the Atlantic stretching out to the horizon and the rugged coastline dotted with quaint cottages and grazing sheep. We stopped several times to take photos, each viewpoint more stunning than the last.


Discover the untouched beauty of Eyrephort Beach in County Galway, where golden sands meet the wild Atlantic waves, offering a tranquil escape for nature lovers.

Eyrephort Beach itself was even more beautiful than I remembered. The sand was soft and golden, and the water, though cold, was crystal clear. Aoife was determined to dip her toes in, squealing with laughter as the icy waves lapped at her boots. Jan and I contented ourselves with a brisk walk along the shore, breathing in the invigorating sea air. The beach was relatively quiet, and we felt like we had the entire coastline to ourselves.


For breakfast, we made a stop at The Pink Wagon. It seems they have moved into a new café in Letterfrack! After hearing about the Pink Wagon from some locals I chatted with at Joyce's Craftshop, and learning about its transition from a food truck to a café, we decided to give it a try. It was a delightful experience, with the cozy atmosphere providing a welcome respite from the chilly weather outside. We enjoyed a hearty Irish breakfast, complete with locally sourced sausages, rashers, and black pudding. Aoife was particularly fond of the homemade brown bread, declaring it the best she had ever tasted. Jan appreciated the strong, freshly brewed coffee, which he said was just what he needed to start the day.


Experience delightful breakfasts at The Pink Wagon in Ballyconneely - where local flavors meet breathtaking scenery.


Speaking of Joyce's Craftshop, we popped in there after the beach. I wanted to find a special memento of our trip, something that would remind us of the beauty and spirit of Connemara. The shop was a treasure trove of Irish crafts, from hand-knitted sweaters to intricate jewelry made from Connemara marble. I was particularly drawn to the Connemara marble, its green hues echoing the landscape we had been exploring all day. I ended up buying a small pendant for myself and a set of Connemara marble coasters for Jan, a practical and beautiful reminder of our time here.


Explore Joyce's Craftshop in Co. Galway for unique handmade jewelry and local crafts that embody the spirit of Ireland.


Lunch was at Connemara Woodfire, a restaurant in Letterfrack known for its wood-fired pizzas. The aroma of the wood smoke filled the air as we approached, making our stomachs rumble in anticipation. We ordered a selection of pizzas to share, each one topped with fresh, local ingredients. Aoife devoured a simple margherita, while Jan and I savored the more adventurous combinations, like the seafood pizza with mussels and prawns. The atmosphere was relaxed and convivial, and we lingered over our meal, enjoying the warmth of the fire and the lively conversation.


Discover Connemara Woodfire: A Culinary Haven Offering Exquisite Wood-Fired Dishes Surrounded by Breathtaking Irish Scenery.


As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Abbeyglen Castle Hotel for dinner. The castle exuded an old-world charm, with its stone walls, roaring fireplaces, and antique furnishings. We were seated in the elegant dining room, overlooking the manicured gardens. The menu was a celebration of Irish cuisine, with dishes like seafood chowder, lamb stew, and beef Guinness pie. I opted for the seafood chowder, a creamy and comforting soup filled with chunks of fish and shellfish. Jan chose the lamb stew, a hearty and flavorful dish that warmed him from the inside out. Aoife, ever the adventurous eater, surprised us by ordering the beef Guinness pie, which she declared to be absolutely delicious.


Discover the charm of Abbeyglen Castle Hotel in Connemara – where luxury meets history amidst breathtaking landscapes.


The service at Abbeyglen Castle Hotel was impeccable, with the staff going above and beyond to make us feel welcome. Our waiter, a charming young man with a twinkle in his eye, regaled us with stories of the castle's history and the local folklore. After dinner, we retired to the cozy bar, where a pianist was playing traditional Irish tunes. We sipped on Irish coffees, enjoying the music and the lively atmosphere. It was the perfect end to a perfect day.


As I sit here now, writing this blog post in our cozy cottage, I can still feel the sea breeze on my face and taste the salt on my lips. Today was a reminder of the simple pleasures in life: the beauty of nature, the joy of family, and the warmth of good food and company. I’m so grateful to be able to share this experience with Jan and Aoife, and I know that these memories will stay with us long after we leave Connemara.


Tomorrow, we plan to explore Aughnanure Castle and the Clifden Monastery Walled Garden. I’m particularly excited about the castle, as I’ve heard it’s a fascinating glimpse into Ireland’s past. And of course, we'll be sure to stop by Paddy Coynes Pub for a pint of Guinness and some traditional Irish music. Until then, slán go fóill!