Ballyconneely offers several specific reasons to stay: horse rides on Atlantic beaches, a long-established smokehouse and a wild coastline with wildlife habitats. For planning, consider the duration of the rides, booking tours at the Connemara Smokehouse and the seasonal presence of the corncrake.

Atlantic Horse Rides

The Point Pony Trekking & Horse Riding Centre offers horse rides on the sandy Atlantic beaches in Ballyconneely. The guided rides follow sandy beaches and cross open terrain; experienced staff accompany all rides. The activity is suitable for riders of all experience levels. One- or two-hour beach rides are available daily, and longer rides can be arranged on request. Check the times before your visit, as daily offerings may change.

Smokehouse and Local Cuisine

Founded in 1979, the Connemara Smokehouse is the oldest smokehouse in Connemara. The family-run business in Ballyconneely specialises in smoked and marinated seafood. Information panels with text and images, as well as a short video, explain the smoking process.

For planning your day, the two offerings differ considerably: Smokehouse tours are available year-round by prior appointment, except on public holidays and seasonal holidays; Keogh's Pub in the village centre serves food daily from 10:30 a.m., with seafood as its speciality.

Coast and Wildlife

Ballyconneely’s rocky headlands and wild coastline provide habitats for seabirds, seals and other marine animals. Dolphins and whales may be spotted offshore, and the corncrake can be heard in midsummer. Nature enthusiasts can therefore look out for possible marine mammal sightings as well as a clearly seasonal wildlife highlight.

Golf and Routes

Connemara Championship Golf Links is the only links golf course in Galway. The course has a pro shop, practice facilities and a putting green; there is also a clubhouse bar and restaurant. The facilities therefore include both places to practise and dining at the clubhouse.

The Lough Inagh Drive is more than 160 km long, starts in Clifden and passes through Ballyconneely. In the Inagh Valley, the road winds through heather-covered mountains and along scenic lakes. The main route of the Mannin Bay Blueway is about 4.5 miles long. Travellers can therefore choose between a long drive and a considerably shorter main Blueway route. In the wider Galway destination, two trails in Coole Park differ considerably: the Family Trail is an easy, 1.75 km walking route that leads from the site of the former house through the walled garden to the Autograph Tree. The 4.5 km Seven Woods Trail leads to a viewpoint at Coole Lake and passes extensive wetlands.

Discover more destinations: Inishmore, Salthill, Moyard, Recess, Kylemore, Lettermore, Clonbur, Clarinbridge.

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