Local Attractions
Here are some of the notible local attractions to Mountainside Bed & Breakfast.
Connemara National Park
Connemara National Park in Letterfrack is just a 2 minutes walk from Mountainside B&B. This park covers 2,000 hectacres of scenic Connemara countryside, rich in wildlife and is set against a magnificent back drop of the Twelve Bens mountain range which is a hillwalkers’ paradise. Attractions include exhibitions, nature trails, an audio-visual show and there is a summer programme of walks, talks and special events.
The Diamond Mountain which is the most westerly of the Twelve Bens is a 'must-do' when in Letterfrack. Although not particularly high this mountain gives spectacular panoramic views of Connemara. On a clear day, one can see the Twelve Bens range to the North and East, Tully mountain to the West and even as far as Achill in Co. Mayo on a very good day. Below, is Ballnakill bay and Kylemore Abbey and lakes. The mountain has 2 paths or trails which are signposted. The Park is home to herds of Red Deer and the famous Connemara Ponies with stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean. Admission to the Park is free and is open all year round. www.connemaranationalpark.ie/
Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden
Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden is just a 5 minute drive from Mountainside B&B and is one of Ireland's most popular tourist attractions Kylemore Abbey is the oldest of the Irish Benedictine Abbeys. The Community of nuns, who have resided here since 1920, have a long history stretching back almost 340 years. The castle was built in 1867 and is one of the great barional style castles remaining in Ireland. It was built as a romantic gift by Mitchell Henry for his wife who fell in love with the area while on honeymoon in the Connemara region in 1849. Kylemore Abbey and Garden is a wonderful place to spend a few hours walking the magnificent grounds, visiting the restored gardens and the Neo-Gothic Church. One mile west of the Abbey is the Victorian Walled Garden. Most of its garden features and buildings have now been restored. These include the formal flower garden, borders and walks, head gardener’s house, bothy and limekiln. Two of the glasshouses of the original 21 have been restored. A complementary shuttle bus service takes you to and from the Garden. Visit the craft shop which stocks many products unique to Kylemore Abbey - like hand-crafted pottery. Chocolates, soaps and candles are now being manufactured by the Benedictine Nuns. At the end of your visit why not sample some home-baking and home-cooked food in the Self-Service Restaurant. www.kylemoreabbey.com/.
Beaches
Minutes away from Mountainside B&B in Letterfrack, Connemara we are fortunate to have a number of glorious sandy beaches on our doorstep with crystal clear waters, safe bathing areas and no pollution. Glassillaun, Lettergesh and the White Strand beaches are all very close while the Coral Strand in Ballyconneely a little further away, is unique because of its unusual golden coral sand. Letterfrack / Galway & Mayo College of Fine Woodwork – Here in the centre of the village. Students work goes on display in July and August every summer --- Admission is free of charge.
Heritage Centres
Ocean and Country Museum at Derrryinver, Letterfrack has over 200 exhibits on display on a mix of cultural and aquatic topics. This is also the ideal place to enquire about a fishing trip for those who would like to do a spot of fishing in the Atlantic Ocean off the Connemara coastline.
The Heritage, Cultural and Museum Centre in Leenane is just a 15 minutes drive from Mountainside B&B. The Sheep & Wool Interpretative centre shows through audio-visual and live presentations the process of wool-craft from off the sheep’s back through carding, spinning, weaving, felting and plant dyeing. Find out more at: www.sheepandwoolcentre.com/.
Dan O'Hara Heritage Centre near Clifden is about 30 minutes away from Mountainside B&B. Read about this centre here: www.connemaraheritage.com/. All sites offer an unique insight onto Connemara’s colourful past through an audiovisual presentation, guided and self-guided tours.
Horse Riding
The West of Connemara, near Mountainside B&B in Letterfrack is a great place to sit on a horse for the first time, take some lessons, canter down a deserted beach or do a challenging long-distance trail. Here in the neighbourhood of Mountainside B&B in Letterfrack we have riding schools and trekking centres that are surrounded by some of the most picturesque scenery in the country. Ireland is famous for its horses and to see the pick of the crop in action it’s well worth visiting the local horse and pony shows. In August each year breeders, owners and admirers gather in the town of Clifden for the Connemara Pony Show which showcases the finest of the breed. Sturdy horses were needed in Connemara, with its uneven and rocky terrain. As a result of these conditions, a breed of pony known as the Connemara Pony evolved. This breed has become famous world-wide. In July each year we have the Claddaghduff and Ballyconneely Pony shows with the Errismore Horse and Pony races on the last Sunday making all of these events a great day out for all the family. The Bank Holiday in August sees the Omey Strand Races, having being revived only 3 years ago after dying off in the 60s.
The Sky Road
The Sky Road near Letterfrack, Connemara is a beautiful scenic drive. The route takes you among the hills overlooking Clifden Bay and its offshore islands – Inisturk and Turbot. The drive only takes about 30 to 40 minutes but is well worth it as it provides some spectacular views of the west coast.
Towns
Clifden
Clifden is a charming little town known as the "capital of Connemara", which is a 15 minute drive from Mountainside B&B. It was here that Alcock and Brown landed after the first non-stop crossing of the Atlantic and Marconi began his first commercial transatlantic wireless service. You can visit the original landing site just outside the town. During the summer this is a bustling town, with great ambience and atmosphere to enjoy while strolling around. There are also lots of fantastic restaurants that specialise in fresh local seafood and many pubs where usually a lively band or traditional music session will be taking place.
Westport
Just a 45 minute drive for Letterfrack you will reach the picturesque town of Westport. Travel along the N59 through the village of Leenane which is situated at the head of the spectacular Killary Fjord - Ireland's only fjord. Westport is another very lively, bustling town which offers much to the visiting tourist. Again, there are many pubs, restaurants and a variety of shops to keep you occupied while strolling around the pretty streets. Very close to the town of Westport you will find 'Croagh Patrick' mountain, which makes for a lovely but challenging climb. You will be well rewarded for your efforts though as on a clear day, the views from the top are fantastic. This climb in total will require about 3 hours approx.
Islands
Inisbofin Island
Inisbofin Island is the nearest and ideal for a day trip. This 'Island of the White Cow', when translated into English, lies 6 miles west of Cleggan, and is famous for its magnificent scenery, relaxed lifestyle and traditional music. Its harbour is dominated by a Cromwellian star-shaped fort, one of the best preserved in the country. The ferry departs daily from the tiny fishing village of Cleggan which is a twenty minute drive from Mountainside B&B in Letterfrack.
Omey
This beautiful tidal island is accessible at low tide every day either by car or on foot, by crossing acres of firm sandy beach, but a word of warning – be sure to check the tide timetable before you go! Saint Féichín's, a medieval church which is built on a 7th century Christian settlement that was completely covered in sand until 1981 is situated on the northern side of the island while Saint Féichín’s holy well is to be found to the west.
Portal-Dolmens / Standing Stones
Stone Allingments: The Standing Stone Alignment in Derryinver consists of 6 standing stones - 3 of granite and 3 of local conglomerate and these align with the Winter Solstice. There are numerous Megalithic Tombs dating back to 3,500 -2,000 BC as well as a variety of sites from the Bronze Age 2,000-500 BC
