Welcome to Roundstone, in Connemara
The village of Roundstone lies on the western arm of Bertraghboy bay in Connemara, Co. Galway, 48 miles (77km) north-west of Galway city. The village is beautifully set on one of the most spectacular coastal drives in Europe overlooking the Atlantic at the foot of Errisbeg Mountain.
Visit www.roundstoneartsweek.net
The Roundstone Regatta
The village was founded in the mid 1820’s by the celebrated Scottish engineer Alexander Nimmo who, as engineer for the Western District, built houses, roads and harbours throughout the West of Ireland. It was then settled by Scottish fisher folk. In 1835 a Franciscan Monastery was established in Roundstone and by the 1840’s 75 houses had been built and the village supported an active fishing industry and a population of some 400 people. The village derives its name from the Irish “Cloch Na Ron” or Rock of the Seals.
The vicinity
is rich in points of historical, geological and scenic interest. The remains of numerous early Christian settlements have been found on the islands along this coast. At the northern point of Inishnee, the long island across the bay from Roundstone, stand the remains of an ancient monument to Saint Brendan. From the island’s southern, point, an impressive lighthouse casts its beacon across Croaghnakeela and St. Macdara’s islands out over the Atlantic Ocean. Two miles north of Roundstone lie the ruins of a 15th century Dominican Priory founded by the O’Flaherty family. The bell tower of the Franciscan Monastery is an impressive nautical landmark used by local fishermen and is now the central feature of the Michael Killeen Park
Today Roundstone
is a popular holiday resort renowned among artists and naturalists for the remarkable beauty of the surrounding mountains and seascapes. It has a traditional craft centre and local activities include Pottery, Jewellery and Instrument making. Farming, Fishing, Forestry and Quarrying are carried out extensively in the area.
In Roundstone you will find a busy harbour where local fishermen prepare and return with the day’s catch, featuring a mix of Lobster, Crab, Shrimp, Mackerel, Cod plus a wide variety of other fish. The town itself boasts a good selection of Bars and Seafood Restaurants crammed full of locally caught seafood. Strolling through the town you will discover some fantastic craft shops and cafés. Roundstone has a wide range of accommodation available for the potential visitor, Caravan Parks, Bed and Breakfasts, Self-Catering, 2, 3 and 4 star hotels, there is something for all tastes and budgets.
Visitors are drawn to the annual arts festival which showcases many of Ireland’s well known artists performing and working alongside local artists. Roundstone Arts Festival has something for everyone to discover. Visiting Roundstone is a highly recommended and relaxing experience – dine outside and take in the view of the island of Inishnee, watch the fishing boats come and go or watch out for the occasional Galway Hooker, a traditional Irish fishing boat. Whatever your reasons for visiting Roundstone, you will not be disappointed- Service, Quality and local knowledge are the hallmarks of the village.
|
