Bunowen Bay, Ballyconnelly

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

Share a location Comment on this location

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.

View Larger Map

Ordnance Survey Map No.44

Tide times for nearby Roundstone Bay

18 September 2025

Time	Type	Height
03:42	high	3.64m
09:58	low	1.42m
16:00	high	3.9m
22:31	low	0.84m

19 September 2025

Time	Type	Height
04:29	high	3.91m
10:39	low	1.09m
16:44	high	4.15m
23:07	low	0.57m

20 September 2025

Time	Type	Height
05:10	high	4.12m
11:14	low	0.82m
17:24	high	4.32m
23:38	low	0.41m

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.