The debate over Ireland's "most picturesque" village is fierce , but locals often concede that Roundstone, a mere hour-plus from Galway city , is a top contender.
Nestled in the stunning Connemara coastal landscape , this charming fishing hamlet has been crowned the country's most picturesque spot and has gained fame among travelers following the establishment of the Wild Atlantic Way.
Perched on Bertraghboy Bay's western crescent, a roughly 48-mile journey north-west of Galway, Roundstone lies beneath Errisbeg Mountain, serenely overlooking the ocean.
Famed as an artists' and naturalists' haven, it's celebrated for unique wildflowers and breathtaking views.
Continuing its centuries-old legacy, fishing remains a vital local industry, with every sort of vessel from classic currachs to modern trawlers dotting the harbor.
Adventure-seekers can hire boats right from the village, keen to cast a line in the surrounding waters or perhaps explore nearby Inishnee Island. Meanwhile, beach lovers are spoilt for choice; Gurteen Beach with its pristine waters lies a stone's throw away, and the quaint Dog's Bay offers secluded sands just a short distance off.
After a refreshing swim or a hike up Errisbeg, don't forget to visit the village's traditional craft centres, Roundstone Ceramics and Roundstone Musical Instruments. Engage with the locals to learn about the history of the village, established in the 1820s by Scottish engineer Alexander Nimmo and initially inhabited by Scottish fishermen, reports the Irish Star .
You might even pick up a few words of Irish during your visit. Many locals are fluent in Irish and many signs in the area are in Irish.
Connemara is one of the last strongholds of native Irish speakers in Ireland, with the language still used daily in large parts of the region. The name 'Roundstone' actually comes from the Irish 'Cloch Na Ron', meaning 'Rock of the Seals'.
Spiddal, or An Spideal, a small town located between Roundstone and Galway city, is another must-visit for anyone wanting to hear some Irish. An Spideal is one of the largest Irish-speaking settlements in Co Galway and the backdrop for the popular Irish soap opera, Ros na Run.
Nearby is the Connemara National Park, ideal for a leisurely walk or a more challenging hike, as well as the famous town of Clifden, which is also part of the Wild Atlantic Way. Before heading back, make sure to stop at The Shamrock Bar or O'Dowd's Bar and Restaurant in Roundstone for some hearty home-cooked food.
Local fishermen haul in a variety of seafood, including lobster, crab, cod and mackerel, from the surrounding waters, making a fish dish a must-try. And don't miss out on a pint or an Irish coffee to round off your meal - O'Dowd's, with its cosy turf fireplace, is reputed to be Connemara's oldest pub, while King's Bar is a favourite among locals.
You can reach Roundstone by bus on Bus Eireann's Route 419/421 or by car via the N59 west from Galway and the R341 south. If you're planning to stay overnight, there are self-catering options as well as family-run hotels like Roundstone House Hotel and Eldon's Hotel Roundstone, plus a selection of B&Bs.
For more information, visit roundstonevillage. ie.
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