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. This Connemara village is beautifully set on one of the most spectacular coastal drives in Ireland overlooking the Atlantic at the foot of Errisbeg Mountain.
The Roundstone Regatta held in July of each year
Roundstone, Connemara Today
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 Connemara Pottery, Connemara Jewellery and Connemara Instrument making. Connemara Farming, Connemara Fishing, Connemara Forestry and Connemara 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.
More About Roundstone Village
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.
Around Roundstone
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.
Haven For Art and Artists. Over the years Roundstone village in Connemara has attracted national and international artists to work in Roundstone. Roundstone thus features in many famous works of art. In Roundstone itself, you will find numerous works of art in local peoples homes and local business's. There are also galleries such as Yvonne Kings Studio and the Stable Gallery which features more contemporary art. Artists also exhibit in the bars and Hotels. Roundstone also plays host to the Roundstone Arts week which is one of the prominant Irish Art's Weeks in Ireland. If you are an Artist and are considering spending time in Roundstone practicing please click here.
Visit Roundstone - Connemara's Most picturesque village 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.
Hotels in Roundstone- Connemara
The Hotels in Roundstone offer a high level of service, all face the sea or a lake, and are cost competitive.
Self Catering in roundstone - Connemara
In Roundstone there is a great selection of high spec Self Catering Cottages to suit different tastes and group sizes.
Roundstone - Connemara has some great restaurants including Odowd's Seafood Restaurant and Bar, which would be considered amoungst Irelands finest traditional seafood restaurants.
Action, Adventure, Activities, Festivals.
There is always something going on in Roundstone Connemara.... Click Here
The finest beaches in Connemara
Roundstone is lucky it is located at beside Gurteen and Dog's Bay which are coral beaches and pristinely beautiful....
For information, please contact
Richard de Stacpoole.
Errisbeg House, Roundstone, Connemara, Co. Galway.
Phone: +353 86 821 5153. E-Mail: destacpoole@eircom.net.
