Emlaghmore is ideally placed for anyone wishing to enjoy an activity holiday in Connemara. All of the following activities are within easy driving distance of the Cottage and right on the Wild Atlantic Way, a great way to explore the west coast of Ireland. Please just ask us for details, if you cannot find what you are looking for. Some very useful up to date information here Connemara events calendar

Kayaking,Windsurfing, Kitesurfing, Surfing and Scuba diving

Emlaghmore is surrounded by safe beaches. The nearest sandy beach is less than a mile away. Some of the beaches are perfect for Surfing, Paddle boarding, Kite surfing, Body surfing, Kayaking, Wind surfing or Fishing, and some are perfect for picking up shells and picnics. If you are bringing boards, there is room to store them undercover. Drying space, and a tumble dryer. Two of the country’s best adventure centres are not far away and can be found here (guided outdoor adventures )and at Delphi, where they offer daily and weekly courses for Sailing, windsurfing, Orienteering,  Bungee jumping, waterskiing and clay pigeon shooting, amongst others, for adults and children. Clifden has private guided activities including Hillwalking, rock climbing, Kayaking, and Surfing – all equipment is provided. There is the Scuba Dive West Centre which offers courses for all levels. For guests at Emlaghmore cottage there is space to store your boards/kayaks under cover, drying space and a tumble dryer.

Birdwatching

Choughs nest in the church tower in Roundstone, and on nearby Errisbeg mountain. Ravens, Kestrels and Herons near the cottage. There are Merlin, Sparrow Hawks, and Peregrines, and numerous waders, while at sea Gannets, Shearwaters, Puffins Guillemots and Razorbills. A relatively new addition is the Egret which is a completely white, miniature Heron. White Tailed Sea Eagles can be seen, since they were  reintroduced a few years back.

Deep sea, shore and game fishing

Connemara is world renowned for its sea and game fishing. There are many locations for shore fishing all along the coast and from Roundstone, Clifden and Cleggan there are fishing charters that include Shark and Tuna fishing.

There is a small fishery belonging to Emlaghmore Lodge, with brown trout and some sea trout, the occasional salmon. There is a boat on Maumeen just below Emlaghmore cottage, for the use of anglers staying at the cottage, and a number of lakes where you may fish free of charge. Other game fisheries in the area include Ballynahinch, Inagh, Clifden, Kylemore, Culfin, Erriff and Delphi. The great Brown Trout Lakes of Corrib and Mask are only an hour away ,with much larger brown trout.

Golf

The Connemara Golf Club is a championship links course overlooking the Atlantic. From the testing dog-leg opening hole to the breathtaking back 9 it is a course for all.  It has a bar and restaurant which is open to visitiors. Clubs and buggies may be hired and tuition is provided.  It is 7000 yards, designed by Eddie Hackett, and is both picturesque and challenging  Connemara Championship Golf Links is a 27 – hole links course beside the wild Atlantic coast,  par 72 with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.

It has a Pro shop , stocked with everything the golfer needs.

Photography and painting

The constantly changing colours are a source of delight to artists and photographers. There are several art galleries and some well known artists live in the area, some of whom give painting lessons.

Pony trekking and Riding lessons

From an hours lesson to a 50 mile trek with riding on the beach. There is also ,The point and Cleggan both provide equipment and tuition for day treks, Pony club or gymkhanas and the Point to Point chase near the Golf club.  There are also Pony shows for the famous Connemara Pony in both Clifden and Roundstone.

Sailing and Sea trips, Cruises and Boat charters

Clifden Sailing Club or Traditional Galway Hookers in Roundstone, This year the Roundstone Regatta is on the 21st and 22nd July. Whale, Dolphin and seal watching as well as sea fishing is available. For wet weather, a boat with restaurant and bar enclosed in glass, cruises the Killary Ford. Trips by boat to the nearer islands or by boat or plane to the Aran Islands to explore a unique island culture. Apart from some isolated rocks and islands, some of which have the remains of Christian settlements over 1000 years old, the next stop across the sea is America. Féile Mhic Dara is held annually on the 16th July. A long tradition of pilgrimage to the Church on St MacDaras island.

Wild swimming

The beaches are stunning and wild swimming in lakes or off beaches is wonderful. A little exploration can be rewarded with many hidden coves away from the beaten track – There is a myth that the Gulf stream warms the water along this coast, it is safer to assume it will be cold and bring a wetsuit!

Walking and hill running

Connemara is a walkers paradise. There are maps covering the area in the cottage. From the top of nearby Errisbeg (only 987ft) on a clear day you can see the top of Mount Brandon in Co Kerry, with a panoramic view of the coast from the Aran Islands to Achill. The Twelve Bens provide safe but strenuous walking, and there are miles of moorland and coastal walks. Guides can point out the prehistoric remains of Connemara, or you can take a map and explore for yourself.The coast stretches out to Slyne Head, which is the most westerly point of this part of Ireland. There are numerous small sandy beaches to stroll along and you can see seals and sometimes Dolphins. The cottage is situated in an area of moorland and lakes, which has been designated a Special Area of Conservation because of its rare plants, birds and mammals.

Cycling

The Wild Atlantic Way was designed for cycling, a great way to see Connemara, the traffic is minimal. There are guided tours available, and bikes for hire, including some with electric motors,and enough cycle routes to keep you coming back. There is also the Tour de Connemara usually held at the end of May. Also the tour de bog a fun event in Roundstone.