Stunning west of Ireland village provided creative muse for iconic 80s rockstar

The Wild Atlantic Way, a stunning 1,553-mile route that stretches the entire west coast of Ireland from Malin Head in Co Donegal to the Old Head of Kinsale in Co Cork , is home to several picturesque spots across counties Kerry, Clare, Galway, Mayo, and Sligo.

One such spot is the village of Roundstone in Connemara, on the west coast of Co Galway . Despite its small local population of just over 200, the area - known in Irish as Cloch na Ron or 'seal's rock' - is a favorite holiday destination for both domestic and international tourists , especially during the busy summer months.

Its beautiful scenery has also attracted film stars and musicians , some of whom have chosen to live there. Sting, famous as a solo artist and the lead singer, songwriter, and bassist for The Police, lived in the coastal village during the 1980s.

• Ireland's smallest city is a must-visit for its stunning caste, local brewery and fantastic food

• Irish driving route named 'most scenic in Europe' for its 'rust and bronze-hued landscape'

Inspired by the breathtaking landscape - his house, which was later sold to Riverdance composer Bill Whelan, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean - Sting composed many songs while living there. He confirmed that almost all of The Police's third album, Zenyatta Mondatta, was written in Roundstone.

"I wrote a lot of songs in Galway, I lived in Roundstone. I wrote Don't Stand So Close To Me there, I wrote Invisible Sun there - I wrote a lot of songs there," he shared. "My back garden looked out on the Atlantic. It was a beautiful place.

"We just sort of fell in love with it. We knew [actor] Peter O'Toole very well. He lived in Clifden and we were staying there. We found this beautiful house, surrounded by a sea wall with fantastic views of the mountains and the sea. We loved it and lived there for a couple of years," he added.

Even though Sting recounted his life as an Englishman living in Ireland during The Troubles - a charged period of strife in Northern Ireland spanning three decades - he confessed to feeling uncomfortable about his prolonged stay in Ireland, nonetheless lavishing praise upon the local community for their heart-warming hospitality.

• Scenic Irish beach that 'invites relaxation' is just outside Dublin

• Irish tourist attraction will bring the Great Famine to life in heartbreaking immersive experience

"Not really - it was uncomfortable. Nonetheless, people were wonderful," he replied when asked if the IRA had pressured him into leaving Roundstone.

Connemara's astonishing natural charm has attracted the global film industry multiple times; among these is the widely known Marley and Me. With a cast including Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston, the film captured some of its poignant moments in the enchanting locales of Roundstone and nearby Ballynahinch Castle, a majestic former country estate situated a mere quarter of an hour's drive away.

Similarly, the film 'The Matchmaker', starring Janeane Garofalo, was shot in Roundstone before its release in 1997. Despite the movie receiving a mixed response, Garofalo's acting was highly commended.

Just a stone's throw from the village, you'll discover some of Ireland's most scenic beaches. Gurteen is known for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters that could easily pass for a Caribbean haven.

For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here .