🏖️ Gurteen Bay & Dogs Bay – our favourite place to just be
These two beaches sit side by side, separated by nothing more than a narrow strip of wild grasses – and both are breathtaking in their own way. Gurteen Bay has calm, sheltered waters and soft, white sand – perfect for a barefoot walk or a quiet swim. Dogs Bay, with its open curve and endless views, is where we go to clear our heads and soak in the vastness of the Atlantic.
We come here in every season: for summer swims, windy walks, or to just sit and watch the clouds roll by. Bring a book, a blanket, a thermos of tea – or nothing at all. Sunset here isn’t just pretty. It’s the kind of moment you carry with you long after you’ve gone.
🥾 The Twelve Bens – wild hills, quiet moments
This dramatic mountain range is a dream for walkers, photographers, and anyone who craves a little space to breathe. The trails vary from gentle hill walks to serious scrambles – but no matter the path, the views are worth every step.
On quieter days, we head up with a flask of coffee and no real plan – just to follow the ridgelines and let the wind clear our minds. It’s Connemara at its purest: raw, open, and full of quiet magic. If you’re lucky, you might even meet a curious sheep or two along the way.
🏰 Kylemore Abbey – beauty, history and a hint of fairytale
Tucked into the mountainside and reflected in a glassy lake, Kylemore Abbey looks like something out of a storybook. Beyond the postcard-perfect view, you’ll find peaceful walks, a beautifully restored Victorian walled garden, and a rich history that’s both romantic and heart-breaking.
We love visiting on quiet mornings, when the mist still lingers and the grounds feel almost sacred. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down, breathe deeper, and maybe stay for tea and cake in the cosy café. Even on a rainy day, it never disappoints.
🌆 Clifden – colour, coffee and a little bit of everything
When we feel like a change of pace, Clifden is our go-to. Just a short drive from Roundstone, this lively little town has a bit of everything: cosy cafés, colourful shopfronts, galleries full of local art, and streets made for wandering.
We often come here on slower days – to pick up a gift, sip something strong in a quiet corner, or just people-watch from a sunny bench. It’s the kind of place where time moves differently, where you can lose an hour in a bookshop or stumble into live music on a Tuesday afternoon.
🎶 Roundstone Music & Crafts – where tradition comes to life
There’s something special about this place – the scent of wood shavings, the quiet hum of craftsmanship, and the feeling that music is being born right in front of you. Inside this humble workshop, traditional Irish instruments like the bodhrán are still made by hand, with care and passion you can feel in every beat.
It’s one of Kenny’s favourite places in town – not just because it’s where his own bodhrán was made, but because it reminds us both why we fell in love with Ireland in the first place: for its soul, its stories, and its sound. Even if you don’t play, stop in. Watch. Listen. You’ll leave with something more than just a souvenir.