Bearna to Inverin Gaeltacht

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 landmark 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.

Ceardlann an Spidéil (Spiddal Craft Centre)

An attractive complex of workshops, producing a variety of crafts not generally available in other retail shops – a working craft centre and art gallery where latter-day artisans fashion items inspired by the beauty and heritage of the region.
Contact: Spiddal Craft Centre, An Spidéil, Co. Galway | Tel: 091 553376 | Web: https://www.spiddalcrafts.com/

Sean Scoil Shailearna

Sean Scoil Shailearna is a restored primary school situated in Indreabhán housing a film club showing world class films every week.
Contact: Sean Scoil Shailearna, Indreabhán, Co. Galway | Web: https://www.facebook.com/ClubScannan/

Cnoc Suain

Cnoc Suain provide week long courses in cultural, environmental or spiritual themes. Situated in An Spidéal, courses provided range from Traditional Irish Music, Natural History and Archaeology, Painting, to Landscape Photograpy, Traditional Story Telling and Song. Accommodation is provided on site.
Contact: Cnoc Suain, An Spidéal, Co. Galway | Tel: 091 555703 | Web: www.cnocsuain.com