Bunowen Bay, Ballyconnelly

Everything you need to know about access, tide times and best tips for your next outdoor swim here.

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August 2012

Swimming and smoked salmon -if you like some freshly smoked fish after your dip then you should head for Bunowen Bay.

This is a small but attractive curved beach nestling in the bay and with the nearby pier giving added shelter. The water, as in most of Connemara, is clear and beautifully fresh. It’s nice and sandy underfoot as you wade in. However, you are out of your depth fairly quickly, so be careful.
There are just a few places to park near the beach but it is accessible. If you have to you can drive up to the harbor and find parking there.

And after you finish your swim you can wander up to the nearby smokehouse and buy some well earned smoked fish for your lunch.

Directions:

From Clifden take the R341 to Ballyconnelly. At the village take the right fork signposted for Connemara golf club and the smokehouse. Keep on this road until you arrive at the beach. The smokehouse is up beside the harbour at the end of the road.

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Ordnance Survey Map No.44

Tide times for nearby Roundstone Bay

07 November 2025

Time	Type	Height
05:46	high	4.72m
11:48	low	0.17m
18:14	high	4.63m

08 November 2025

Time	Type	Height
00:06	low	0.41m
06:32	high	4.62m
12:35	low	0.36m
19:04	high	4.42m

09 November 2025

Time	Type	Height
00:53	low	0.74m
07:21	high	4.42m
13:25	low	0.65m
19:58	high	4.15m

View full 7 day tide times.

Your Swim Stories & Adventures! 🏊‍♀️

We would love to hear your stories and memories from your visit to this spot. Whether it was a peaceful day soaking in the views or an adventurous outing braving the wild waters for a swim or a dip, your insights can inspire others.

Share your favourite moments, tips for navigating the currents, or even the best times to visit. Your experience matters to us and can help fellow outdoor swimmers discover the beauty of this hidden gem.