Welcome to Roundstone village which lies on the western arm of Bertraghboy bay in Connemara, Co. Galway, 48 miles (77km) north-west of Galway city. This Connemara village is beautifully set on one of the most spectacular coastal drives in Ireland overlooking the Atlantic at the foot of Errisbeg Mountain.
Today Roundstone is a popular holiday resort renowned among artists and naturalists for the remarkable beauty of the surrounding mountains and seascapes. It has a traditional craft centre and local activities include Connemara Pottery, Connemara Jewellery and Connemara Instrument making. Connemara Farming, Connemara Fishing, Connemara Forestry and Connemara Quarrying are carried out extensively in the area. Two miles from Roundstone, you will find two spectacular beaches, Gurteen and Dog’s Bay who lie back to back forming a tombolo and jut into the Atlantic Ocean. They are a favourite with water enthusiasts due to the crystal clear water and perfect for water based activities. Click the links to discover what events , activities and what can be seen in the surrounding areas.
In Roundstone you will find a busy harbour where local fishermen prepare and return with the day’s catch, featuring a mix of Lobster, Crab, Shrimp, Mackerel, Cod plus a wide variety of other fish. Strolling through the town you will discover some fantastic craft shops and places to eat and drink.
Roundstone has a wide range of accommodation available for the potential visitor, Caravan Parks, Bed and Breakfasts , Self-Catering, 2, 3 and 4 star hotels, there is something for all tastes and budgets. For more information, visit our accommodation section to select the type of accommodation that suits you the best, and if you didn’t find what you are looking for, you can visit booking.com for more options and alternatives.
Over the years Roundstone village in Connemara has attracted national and international artists to work in Roundstone. Roundstone thus features in many famous works of art. In Roundstone itself, you will find numerous works of art in local peoples homes and local businesses.
Rosie McGurran, Yvonne King & Aoife Dowd are the artists displayed below
The village was founded in the mid 1820s by the celebrated Scottish engineer Alexander Nimmo who, as engineer for the Western District, built houses, roads and harbours throughout the West of Ireland. It was then settled by Scottish fisher folk. In 1835 a Franciscan Monastery was established in Roundstone and by the 1840s 75 houses had been built and the village supported an active fishing industry and a population of some 400 people. The village derives its name from the Irish “Cloch Na Ron” or Rock of the Seals.
If you wish to know more about the History of Roundstone there is a book available Click on the link to find out more…