As the property name “Áilleacht an Ghleanna” suggests this four star holiday home is set in a beautiful little glen right on the shores of Galway Bay. It enjoys a majestic view of Galway Bay, the Burren, Cliff’s of Moher and the Aran Islands. All set against the back drop of the rocky rugged beauty of the Connemara Landscape. Providing the best in modern self catering accommodation it is the ideal holiday location to explore the beautiful surrounding areas of Connemara, Mayo and the Burren.
There are some of the most beautiful beaches and little cove’s dotted along this stretch of coast line from Barna to Carna where the clear blue waters of the Atlantic is an irresistible invitation to swimmers, snorkels and scuba divers. Carraroe has a wonderful little coral beach which is just a short drive away, while the nearest beach to the house is just a 2 minute walk. Galway city is nearly a 20 minute drive depending on traffic, set at the mouth of the river Corrib. It is one of the fastest growing cites in Europe and offers a wide variety of activities from excellent fishing to horse riding and water sports, it’s also a testimony to the arts and culture.
Galway is a place of fun and entertainment buzzing from one end of the year to the next with its world famous arts and film festivals, the Galway Races and the Oyster Festivals. Galway is a majestic place any time of the year but is especially in summer with this magical explosion of art and culture expressing itself on its streets, theatre and art gallery’s creating a wonderful atmosphere.Located west of Galway City, in large tracts of Connemara, is Ireland's largest Gaeltacht region. Here, the Irish language (Gaeilge) is the everyday spoken language of a people who live and work in Galway's cultural heartland. People here switch from Irish to English and vice-versa with ease and their English is peppered with Gaeilge phrases. Here is a treasure house of all that is best in rich Irish heritage, culture and folklore where people still sing and dance in the old traditional manner.
Driving westwards along Galway's coast, the variation in landscape will strike you. On the left is the powerful Atlantic and to your right is Connemara, a scenic vista of bogs, valleys and lakes whose spectacular intricate coastline encloses the dramatic Twelve Pins (Na Beanna Beola) and Maamturk Mountains. Quiet little roads wind through the majestic landscape and lead you from village to village. Still unspoiled and relatively unexplored, you will find clean beaches, scenic walks, peace and quiet and regardless of where you turn you are never far from the sea.
Just off the coast, in the mouth of Galway Bay, lie the three Aran Islands of Inis Mór, Inis Meáin and Inis Oírr. These islands are renowned for their unique way of life, where age-old traditions co-exist comfortably with modern living. The island have a rich history that can be seen from their ancient monuments, from both prehistoric and Christian times. From Bearna to Inverin - Cois Fharraige
From the village of Bearna (Barna) some four miles west of the vibrant city of Gaillimh (Galway) the road to the Conamara (Connemara) Gaeltacht hugs the shoreline of world famous Cuan na Gaillimhe (Galway Bay). The picturesque 18-hole championship course of Bearna Golf Club looks out across the bay at the hills of Clare and the white limestone hills of the famous Burren and the Aran Islands. Set between timeless moorlands and the blue Atlantic Ocean, the coast road now meanders westward through Na Forbacha (Furbo) to the cheerful Gaeltacht village of An Spidéal (Spiddal) with its craftspeople, Irish music makers, Irish language television and film producers and a host of other creative minds visualising ideas through the Irish language. At the edge of the village is Tigh Standún, a landmard for visitors seeking the best in quality gifts and crafts from Ireland. Nearby is Ceardlann an Spidéil, a village of craftspeople specialising in vibrant tweeds, wood turning, pottery, screen-printing, knitwear, silks and leatherwear.
Roadside beaches and a sheltered harbour add to An Spidéal`s (Spiddal`s) appeal as a family holiday destination. From Spiddal Pier there are deep-sea fishing trips available out along the bay or around the stunning beauty of the Aran Islands. Move west again along the road through Indreabhán (Inverin) where a turn to the right or left will introduce the uninitiated to a world of marvellous hillside, bogland or coastal walks. Sean Scoil Shailearna, the restored primary school at Indreabhán houses a community-based insight into nature and the elements in Connemara. From the airport at Indreabhán Aer Árann flies daily to the three Aran Islands, in just six short minutes flying time
Tully, Rossaveal, Carraroe and the Islands District
The landscape gradually changes now as we move further west past Irish language summer colleges and Tully Church. The Irish language television service, TG4, has its headquarters at An Tulach (Tully) and soon the road spurs to the left for Ros a’ Mhíl (Rossaveal) harbour, one of Ireland’s major commercial fishing ports. Here is the mainland port of departure for the regular ferryboats to the Aran Islands, and it also has an angling centre. Also at Ros a`Mhil there is an interesting Martello Tower. A left turn near Raidió na Gaeltachta (the Irish Language Radio Station headquarters) at Casla (Costello), will lead us to the village of An Cheathrú Rua (Carraroe) with its sheltered coves, beaches and unique coral strand. Perched on a peninsula on the Atlantic edge, An Cheathrú Rua has some breathtaking scenery.
A turn in the centre of the village An Cheathrú Rua and on through Béal an Daingean will open the world of Ceantar na nOileán (the Islands District). Situated between Kilkerrin Bay and Greatman`s Bay, the main islands are Eanach Mheáin, Leitir Móir, Garumna and Leitir Mealláin. Access to the islands is by a chain of bridges and causeways, which were built over 100 years ago. These islands lie off the main tourist trail and therefore are still unspoiled and relatively unexplored. There is a great solitude and tranquility here in this peaceful and unpolluted world apart. Situated on Eanach Mheáin is a unique island hopping nine hole golf course and thatched cottage clubhouse, and nearby traditional holiday homes are available for rent.
These islands are renowned for their unique way of life, where age-old traditions co-exist comfortably with modern living. The islands have a rich history, which can be seen from their ancient monuments, from both prehistoric and Christian times. Here is a place to touch the past, to sense the spirit Celtic and Gaelic Ireland
 

. Aran – Inis Mór
Inis Mór, as its name suggests, is the `big island’, the largest of the three Aran Islands. Its main village is Kilronan. This is an ancient land set in an endless sea where great labyrinths of limestone sweep upwards to awesome cliffs, with their strange, weathered monuments of stone. Meandering stone walls pattern small patchwork fields, sometimes running down to clean, unpolluted and quiet beaches. Approximately 9 miles (12 kms) long and 2 miles (3 kms) wide, Inis Mór is a walker’s holiday paradise. Across the island and over some many miles of craggy, sandy and sometimes stony shoreline, there is an abundance of wildlife and over 437 varieties of wild flower. Here is an island of limestone rafts, interlinking trails and breathtaking cliffs, with their panoramic views of Connemara, Clare and sometimes as far south as Kerry, on a clear horizon.
For the slightly less energetic, Inis Mór can be discovered on bicycles available for hire on the island or in a more leisurely traditional pony and trap. There are also guided tours available, in minibuses, from Kilronan Pier. Visitors can get a superb introduction to the islands` culture and history at Ionad Árann, the excellent visitor centre.
Aran - Inishmaan
Inis Meáin - the middle island is situated between Inis Mór and Inis Oírr. Pathways across rocky hillsides full of wild flowers in the southern part of the island beckon the walker while the northern shores of Inis Meáin are endowed with quiet, sandy beaches.
Interesting historical monuments on Inis Meáin include the Prehistoric Conor Fort, the most striking of the circular or oval dry-stone forts on the Aran Islands. On the eastern end of the island is the beautiful Kilcanonagh chapel. The church of Mary Immaculate, built in 1939 has magnificent, radiant stained-glass windows created in the famed Harry Clarke Studios. Teach Synge, the thatched cottage where writer John Millington Synge stayed has been carefully and authentically restored in recent times and is open to visitors.
Aran – Inisheer
Inis Oírr - means the eastern island and is the smallest of the three Aran Islands. Inis Oírr has a proud tradition of Irish music, song and dance. The north of the island features the golden sands of a beautiful clean beach and is dominated by a 14th century castle built by the O`Briens. Among the island`s early Christian ruins is the 11th-12th century church associated with St. Gobnait who was said to have been the only woman allowed on the islands in the early Christian era. The island`s cultural and craft centre includes woodcraft, landscape paintings, pottery and a glimpse of this lovely island`s heritage.
Scríb, Rosmuc, Carna and Caiseal
Returning from the islands district and the Carraroe peninsula, the road heads almost straight for Scríb (Screebe) and Rosmuc where Teach an Phiarsaigh, the summer home of Pádraig Mac Piarais, Ireland`s 1916 patriot and poet, is located. Now a museum, the house has been restored as it was in Pearse`s day and is open to visitors during the tourist season. The road continues west again along the coast to Carna (Carna) and Cill Chiaráin (Kilkerrin), a land of Great Celtic and early Christian resonance. This area is especially renowned for its traditional sean nós singers - keep an ear open for the impromptu sessions!. Small islands cluster in the bay and the most notable of these is perhaps Oileán Mhic Dara (Mas Dara`s Island) with its Saint Mac Dara`s church, where on the 16th of July each year, the Saint`s day, boats will bring you to the island, a bare granite outcrop in the ocean on which stands an Early Christian stone oratory dedicated to the Saint`s name. From Carna and Kilkerrin the road through this lovely West Coast Gaeltacht winds to An tSraith Salach (Recess) before turning back again towards An Teach Dóite (Maam), crossroads of the Connemara Gaeltacht

Cornamona, Tourmakeady and Joyce Country

From Maam Cross the road directly northwards heads inland towards Corr na Móna (Cornamona) and the lush expanse of Joyce Country. It was in this area that the famous John Wayne and Maureen O`Hara story "The Quiet Man" was filmed. The friendly, welcoming Corr na Móna community are always anxious to share thier lovely lakeside location on the shores of Lough Corrib, famous for fishing, boating and hillwalking. In a nearby lake island is Caisleán na Circe, one time castle home of the great pirate Queen of Connemara, Grace O`Malley, who lived in the time of Queen Elizabeth 1 of England. An Fháirche (Clonbur) nestles in colourful countryside between Lough Corrib and Lough Mask, enjoying, as it were, the best of both worlds. Further west is An Lionán (Leenane) where John B. Keane`s great story "The Field" was filmed. Near here, on the Renvyle Peninsula there is an Aquarium and Maritime Museum, a fascinating and informative exhibition of Connemara`s marine heritage. The Partry Mountains sweep down along the shores of Lough Mask, sheltering Tuar Mhic Éadaigh (Tourmakeady) with its woodlands and waterfalls. Pleasure boats are available on Lough Mask, and Tourmakeady has a great Irish Knitwear tradition.











































































 

 

This is a luxury four star holiday home, Ground floor: Lounge, dining room, kitchen, utility, main bathroom with coner bath, separate shower, bidet, toilet and basin, 2 double bedrooms both en-suite. First Floor: Reading area plus 3 bedrooms, 2 double, 1 single all en-suite.

The cottage comprises 5 bedrooms in total; 4 double, 1 single, 5 of the bedrooms with en-suite facilities. . This gives room for up to 8 people. Bed linen and towels are provided for your use.

The cottage has 6 bathrooms and 6 WCs for your party's use. Central heating keeps you snug and warm.

The cottage has television video, dvd. The music system will play cassettes, cds, radio.

There is room for 9 in the living room and 8 in the dining room. To prepare food you will find a cooker, an oven, a microwave, a fridge, a freezer, a kettle, a toaster. You will also find a dish washer, a washing machine, a clothes drier, an iron and ironing board. The owner has also provided cutlery, crockery, glassware, cooking utensils.

Smoking is allowed in this cottage.

Pets are not welcome 

Not suitable for wheelchairs 

The cottage is in a very quiet area. It has a west facing garden, a south facing patio area, sea views, panoramic views. If you are driving there is private parking with the outside areas of the house having external lighting.

The cottage is right beside a beach, swimming, walking.

Close to the cottage you will find sailing, wind surfing, fishing, horse riding, golf, historic sites, a restaurant, a food shop.

Within easy reach of the cottage you will find climbing, tennis, a theatre/cinema, shopping areas.

Situated in the Gaeltacht area, right in the heart of Irish Culture

The cottage is....

69 miles from Knock airport.
72 miles from Shannon.
24 miles from Galway.
136 miles from Dublin.
154 miles from Cork.

Steve and Mare says: "When my wife and I talked about a return visit to Ireland, we always spoke about returning to Galway. When we decided to return with our 3 children and their grandma, we stumbled upon Sean's house on the Internet. The house could not have been more ideal. We were a bit stunned about how Ireland had changed in the past 13 years but Sean's house helped us connect with the "true" Ireland. The location of Sean's house as well the hospitality he and his relatives showed us had much to do with that. The spacious house, with its large windows providing beautiful panoramic views left us in awe. Step outside and Cocoa (the 'house' dog) greets you, along with the beautiful silence as you catch sight of a few horses off in the distance. Take a short walk down the lane to the beach and you can spend days with your kids (as we did!) exploring the beach. While, the beauty and quiet brought home the true Ireland to us, it was also an ideal location for day trips to Galway and the towns in between (Spidell was fun!) We consider ourselves lucky to have met Sean and found his beautiful house and we're definitely planning on a return trip! Go and enjoy the house! Best, Steve, Mare, Janice, Sean, Shannon and Kendall "

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Long stay discount!! 10% discount if booking length is more than 2 weeks.
Long stay discount!! 10% discount if booking length is more than 3 weeks.
Early Bird stay discount!! 5% discount if booking start date is greater than 20 weeks away.