June 2010

On a lovely summer’s day in June this was the third beach in a row that we visited where there was no one swimming but ourselves. There were a few people walking and a few horses being cantered, but that was it. Great in one way, but sad in another.

Ballyconneely is just one more in Connemara’s seemingly endless supply of beautiful beaches. Lovely clear water, soft sand, spectacular views. Predictable, but there you go. If you get good weather in Connemara you soon run out of superlatives to describe the beaches.

The beach itself is a bit open, although there are rocks at either end. You might do well to bring your windbreak if you are planning a family visit.

Directions:

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From Clifden you take the R341 to Ballyconneely village. From here you take a right turn signposted for ‘Connemara Smokehouse’ and ‘Connemara Golf Club’. On this road you then take another right turn, again signposted for the Golf Club. (No signpost for the beach, so obviously it’s not so important). Travelling along this road the sea is on your left and you will see a number of beautiful beaches. A lot of this land is fenced off, some for the golf club. There are, however, a couple of gaps which give access. The one we used is over a rough bridge, with a small, grassy area for a few parked cars. .

With an effort you could push a buggy to the beach this way, but not a wheelchair

Ordnance Survey Discovery Series Map No. 44