What's On Connemara

26/02/2025

🚴‍♂️ From Rails to Trails: The Connemara Greenway 🚴‍♀️

Did you know Clifden was once connected to Galway by rail? 🚂 The Clifden-Galway railway, which opened in 1895, was a vital link for Connemara, bringing trade, travel, and tourism to the west. Though the last train departed in 1935, the route is finding a new lease of life!

Today, the old railway is being transformed into the Connemara Greenway—a stunning, traffic-free cycling and walking trail that will eventually stretch all the way from Clifden to Galway. With sections already in use, it's fast becoming one of Ireland’s most scenic cycling routes. 🌿✨

The future is bright for this historic pathway—soon, you’ll be able to pedal through Connemara’s breathtaking landscapes, following in the tracks of history!

🚴 Plan your ride: https://clifdenbikeshop.ie/cycle-routes/

17/02/2025

Craicing poem from Amanda at Clifden Bike Shop the Bog Road at it’s best

Cycling the Bog Road – A Poem:
I hopped on my bike with a grin ear to ear,
The bog road before me, no traffic to fear.
The air smelled of turf and the wild salty sea,
Just me and the sheep and a few buzzing bees.

Pedalling freely, not a soul in my sight,
Except for a sheep who fill me with delight
I swayed to the left, then to the right,
The sheep stood their ground—what a woolly delight!

The tarmac is plenty and potholes are rare
But what did I care? I had fresh, open air!
One car in an hour, Well, that’s quite the thrill,
A slow-moving farmer off up to the hill.

The mountains stood proud in their purples and blues,
Reflected in lakes that just shimmered with hues.
A pint in my future? Ah sure, maybe two,
But first, this pure paradise—nothing to do.

So here on the bog road, with wind in my face,
No rush, no commotion, just beauty and space.
Forget city traffic, the rush and the beep—
Give me Connemara, the road, and the sheep! 🚴‍♂️🐑💨
www.clifdenbikeshop.ie

11/02/2025

The Amazing Colors of Seaweed!

Did you know that seaweed isn’t just a green plant you find at the beach? It comes in a stunning array of colors, from deep greens to vibrant pinks and rich browns! These beautiful colours are due to the different pigments that help seaweed absorb sunlight and grow in underwater ecosystems.

Green Seaweed: Full of chlorophyll, green seaweed thrives in shallow waters where sunlight is plentiful. It gives coastal waters that signature greenish colour!

Pink & Red Seaweed: These varieties have red pigments like phycoerythrin, which helps them absorb light in deeper, darker waters. When they catch the light, they shine in the most incredible shades of pink and red.

Brown Seaweed: From golden yellows to rich browns, this type contains a pigment called fucoxanthin, which helps it thrive in cooler, deeper waters. Brown seaweed is what we often associate with the dense kelp forests found along coastlines.

Purple & Blue Seaweed: Some seaweed varieties take on these unique shades thanks to special pigments that allow them to grow in different light conditions.

Seaweed is not just beautiful; it's also essential for marine life and our planet’s health! So, next time you spot a seaweed patch in Connemara, take a moment to admire its vibrant colors. 😍

10/02/2025

This Court Tomb, a megalithic gem dating back to 4000-2500 BC! Located near Cleggan Village, offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic and is one of the best-preserved court tombs in the west.

This historic site features a burial chamber, a ceremonial courtyard, and a stunning roof-stone. Perched on a cliff just 5 meters from the sea,

21/01/2025

looking forward to the colours of spring x 🌸🌸🌸💐

20/01/2025

Craic agus Ceol in Clifden This Saturday.

07/01/2025

Escape to the Bog Road, a cyclist’s dream in the heart of Connemara on the Wild Atlantic Way. Immerse yourself in serene landscapes, pause to hear the melody of the birds, and savor the pure, peaceful silence and imerse yourself in the fresh air.

06/01/2025

Planning your Connemara getaway? Discover 10 tips to make your trip unforgettable—bike adventures, hidden gems, and local charm await! 🚴‍♀️🌊

Connemara, Ireland on the Wild Atlantic Way top tips for your holiday on the West coast of Ireland, from cycling to water adventures.

24/10/2024

✨ The Bog Road on a beautiful sunny August day ☀️ It's the perfect time to start planning your next visit! With Christmas just around the corner, there's so much happening in Connemara 🎄 Stay tuned for more details coming soon. And don't forget – this road is just as stunning in winter too! ❄️

18/10/2024

No need to leave Ireland to see the Aurora Borealis just come to Connemara ❤️

21/08/2024

🐴🐎The Omey Races 24th of August 2024🏇🏻🏇🏼

The Omey Races is a unique annual horse racing event held on Omey Island, a tidal island located near Clifden in Connemara, County Galway, Ireland. This event is remarkable not only for its location but also for its deep roots in local tradition and community spirit.

In recent years, the Omey Races have become a well-organised and widely anticipated event on the Irish racing calendar. The event typically takes place in late July or early August, depending on the tides, and features a variety of races, including those for ponies, horses, and even amateur riders. The races are often accompanied by a festive atmosphere, with food stalls, live music, and other entertainment for attendees.

The uniqueness of the Omey Races lies in the fact that the races are held on the tidal sands of Omey Island, requiring careful planning to ensure that the races are completed before the tide returns. This connection to the natural rhythms of the sea adds an element of excitement and unpredictability to the event.

Cultural Significance
The Omey Races are more than just a sporting event; they are a celebration of Connemara's cultural heritage and a testament to the strong sense of community in the region. The event brings together people from all walks of life, from seasoned jockeys to local families, fostering a sense of unity and pride in the area's traditions.

The races also serve as a reminder of Ireland's deep-rooted connection to horses and horse racing, a sport that has been part of Irish culture for centuries. The Omey Races, with their distinctive setting and history, stand out as a unique expression of this cultural connection.

31/07/2024

What a great picture taken by Tanja Bierbaum Who was out cycling the bog road yesterday. Our August edition of What's On Connemara is out today, pick up in over 200 venues around Connemara, Galway tourist office, and Knock Airport,

26/07/2024

Everyday might not be sunny, but it sure is beautiful no matter what the weather. x

03/07/2024

Did you know that on the first Wednesday of the month you can visit a selection of OPW - Office of Public Works sites and monuments for FREE across the County such as Athenry Castle, Portumna Castle and Aughnanure Castle Heritage Site

Galway County Heritage Office , The Heritage Council , Galway County Public Participation Network

27/06/2024

Read our latest publication on Issuu.com our digital partner as well as picking up a copy distributed all around Connemara and beyond:

https://issuu.com/whatsonconnemara2024/docs/whats-on-connemara-july-2024-visitors-guide_issue-

This latest edition of the What's On Connemara visitors guide front cover photo of was taken by Robert Riddell Photography

Have a fantastic July here in

WELCOME We’re thrilled to celebrate twenty years of guiding visitors through Connemara this summer. For the last twenty years, we’ve been privileged to witness the changing tides of tourism and share in the experiences of travellers from around the world. Our goal, as always, is to provide a com...

01/06/2024

We are delighted to present our June issue of What’s On Connemara. With the amazing front image by Robert Riddell Photography. Read our latest publication of our What's On Connemara visitors guide for the June issue on Issuu: https://issuu.com/whatsonconnemara2024/docs/whats-on-connemara-visitor-guide-june-2024

Have a Greta Bank Holiday Weekend everyone!

WELCOME For the last twenty years, we’ve been privileged to witness the changing tides of tourism and share in the experiences of travellers from around the world. Our goal, as always, is to provide a comprehensive resource for exploring Connemara’s attractions and hidden gems. Whether you’re ...

29/05/2024

🌄 Welcome to Connemara this Wonderful Bank Holiday Weekend! 🌄

We're thrilled to have you explore our stunning landscapes and vibrant communities. As you enjoy your adventures, keep an eye out for our publication What's On Connemara available in over 220 locations throughout Connemara. For those who prefer digital, you can find the online version at the link below.
https://clifdenbikeshop.ie/discover-connemara/
Wishing you a fantastic weekend filled with unforgettable memories! 🌿✨