Activities in Clifden and Connemara
Things to Do and See in Clifden and Connemara and within Short Distance from Sunnybank
Connemara has long been regarded as the real emerald of Ireland. This natural terrain and unspoilt environment offer the visitor a wonderland of sights, experiences adventures and activities. The people are warm, friendly and extend a hospitality which is the essence of Ireland.
The beautiful spring flowers, buds on the trees, new-born lambs dancing on the hills and the call of the cuckoo make Springtime a very special an magical time in Connemara. This is an ideal time to take a break as the countryside is totally renewed.
On mellow Autumn days one can enjoy the Connemara countryside, now clothed in different colours with each passing day.
In the evening enjoy lovely warm turf fires after a day spent walking, cycling, painting, shooting, fishing, golfing or just sightseeing.
To make your stay more enjoyable we suggest that you
avail of the facilities provided in the grounds. Our outdoor heated
swimming pool is open from June 1st to September 20th.
A sauna is available to you during your stay at
Sunnybank House.
Please note that the outdoor swimming pool is only available to guests staying at Sunnybank House. It is not available to the Lodge. Your stay at the Sunnybank Lodge does however include access to the leisure facilities at the Station House Hotel and Leisure Center, which also has an indoor swimming pool.
Our Tennis court is also yours to enjoy!
The most beautiful native animal of our region is the Connemara Pony, which stands areound 14 hands high. An animal of great courage, endurance, stamina and a placid nature. Particularly suited as a children's pny, there is a great demand for the breed abroad, but it is the local farmers who take the most pride in them. The Connemara Pony Show takes place in Clifden on the 3rd Thursday in August and is the most important festival in town. One of the nicest ways to see the countryside is on the back of one of these famous ponies.
- Errislannan
- Cleggan
- Aillebrack
- Cashel
Day Trips to the Islands
- Inishbofin
- Clareisland
- Inishturk
Sea Sports
Sheltered harbours offer safe anchorage for yachts
and the fresh Atlantic breezes offer a good challenge for
windsurfers and for dingy sailing. Divers can enjoy crystal clear
waters with wonderful underwater scenery, often accompanied by
seals. A series of regattas are held throughout the summer in the
different fishing villages. These colourful events when local as
well as visitors test their maritime skills against each other make
for a very enjoyable day out.
Beaches
Explore some of Connemara's unspoilt beaches.
Clear unpolluted waters of the Atlantic wash the beautiful, clean,
sheltered sandy beaches of Connemara. Enjoy walking, swimming or
lazing about the beach. There are lots of good rock pools where one
can discover a wealth of marine life or pick some beautiful shells.
Walking on a beach in Connemara as the sun dips into the Western sea
is the most magical experience in the world.
- Clifden
- Mannin
- Coral Strand
- Omey
- Errismore
- Gurteen
- Dogs Bay
- Bunowenn
Boglands
Connemara contains some of the last surviving bogs in
Europe. Tracts of blanket bog are found throughout the region. The acid
nature of the bog means that only a few special plants can live there. It
is because of this that we see nodding heads of bog cotton in the late
spring, and the mountains covered in purple heather at harvest time. The
bogs also supply the people with fuel. The harvesting of the turf takes
place in the late spring, and continues through the summer when it is
brought home to create cosy fires in the wintertime.
Painting and Photography
The ever changing light and landscape of Connemara offers a challenge to both the painter and the photographer. The variety of colours and shades change not only with the seasons but also as the clouds and sun play games across the mountains and lakes. The farmer and fisherman work long and carefully to reap a reward from this land and sea and the artist must feel the need to do the same with his brush and easel when he arrives.
Heritage
From 5000BC man has inhabited the Connemara coastline.
Standing Stones and megalithic tombs dot the Connemara landscape. Stone
alignments which were used as calendars date to the Bronze Age.
After the Bronze Age defensive dwellings like Crannogs were built and many of these were situated inland. Later, ringforts were built and those built of stone were called Cashels. Later the Celts arrived and many saints set up their monasteries along the Connemara shore or on lonely islands off the coast.
Walking
For those who enjoy a gentle pace or a spirited hike across rugged mountain trails, Connemara offers all. There are hidden byways, shore lines and beaches, forest walks and open bogland, all offer solitude, beauty and nature.
Cycling
One of the best way's to take advantage of this untamed landscape is by bicycle. You can enjoy the fresh Atlantic air amid the small stone walled fields, towering mountains and tranquil lakes, rest on a sandy beach or visit a country Pub.