As you log on to the web you could image WWW stands for the warm, wild and wonderful West of Ireland and here are just a few ideas of things to do and places to see on your visit. There is an information booklet in the cottage together with leaflets on tourist sites which will give you lots more ideas for places to explore.
Headford is a very historical area with many ruins going back to the 12th & 13th Century. Ross Errily Abbey is one of the finest examples of monastery ruins in the country. The Joyce Country Drive runs by the top of the boithrin and is approximately a 160km drive through Connemara, a circle out of Galway city, taking in Killary Fjord, Connemara National Park, Cong village and many more interesting sights. The coast of Connemara has many beautiful unspoilt beaches while the nearest beach is just 22 kms away at Salthill, GalwayCity.
HeadfordTown is only 3 kms from Cúinne, a lively market town with restaurants, pubs, supermarket etc. For further information see www.headford.org. Close to the shores of Lough Corrib, Headford is a major angling centre. Lough Corrib is famous with anglers from all over Europe and hosts several competitions during the fishing season.
Galway is the largest county in Connacht. Lough Corrib, Ireland's second largest lake separates the mountains of Connemara from the farm lands of East Galway. Connemara is a spectular region with a vast expanse of mountains and lakes, peat bogs and moorland. It has been an inspiration for poets and songwriters for generations. The constantly changing landscape makes touring a pleasure.
From south Galway down into County Clare the limestone mountains run along the dramatic coastline of the Atlantic Ocean. Around Kinvara it is not unusual to see the old currachs, the Galway Hooker with its red sails out at sea. The coastal drive from Kinvara to Lisdoonvarnagh is approximately 160 kms and takes you through the famous Burren which is now a protected area. It’s fauna and wildlife are spectacular.
The medieval city of Galway is 500 hundred years old and famous for the arts. Winter in Galway is busy but in Summer the activity is non stop! Pubs full of character, ceol and craic go leor make up all the ingredients for an exceptional holiday in the West. The arts festival runs for 2 weeks in July annually with street theatre every day, ending in the famous Galway Races, which runs for a further week when the whole city closes down just to go to the races every day and party every night!
Mayo is a county with a great variety of scenery and an unspoilt environment. The landscape of rugged mountains and rock terrains have something to offer everyone. The scenery of County Mayo rivals the best in Ireland with spectacular drives.
The Gaeltacht is the heartland of Irish culture and you will still hear gaelic being spoken today, continuing a linguistic tradition that stretches back centuries. The signposts are now all in gaelic solely so hopefully you won’t have difficulty finding your way around the map! All along west Connemara there are sandy beaches and a dramatic coastline, an invigorating place just waiting to be explored.
The islands off the west coast are often thought to be the spiritual home of traditional Irish music. Here you will experience a relaxed pace of life reminiscent of yester-year, wonderful scenery and warm hospitality. The ancient forts steeped in history, the quaint villages and old customs all add up to make an unforgettable holiday and great memories.
Distances from Cuinne to: Galway City - 22kms
Clifden - 81kms
KnockAirport - 74km
Westport - 75kms
Dublin - 230kms
Cork - 230kms
ShannonAirport - 242kms
Belfast - 290kms
Rosslare - 295kms
The information booklet in the cottage contains details of walks, tour routes and centres for lots of activities in the surrounding areas such as Golf, Horse Riding, Fishing, Rambling, Cycling, Sailing and Water Sports.
OTHER USEFUL LINKS
www.headford.org
www.irelandwest.ie
www.pallaskarting.com
