A – The Fairy Tree
Adult Information:
Welcome to the Roundstone Fairy Trail, a free, family-friendly walking route through the village.
The trail combines fairy storytelling for children with local information for adults and encourages slow, mindful exploration.
Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Geography – A Village Between Land and Sea.
Roundstone is beautifully shaped by its geography. The village sits gently between the Atlantic Ocean and the rolling landscape of Connemara, where land and sea are never far apart.
From almost anywhere, you can sense both: the salt in the air and the solid presence of hills and bogland behind the village.
Its sheltered harbour has always been one of Roundstone’s greatest natural gifts. Protected from the strongest Atlantic storms, it provided a safe place for boats and people long before modern infrastructure existed.
At the same time, the surrounding open coastline connects Roundstone directly to the wider Atlantic world. The changing light is one of the most striking features of this place. Clouds move quickly, colours shift constantly, and the sea reflects everything from soft greys to bright blues and greens. This ever-changing scenery shapes daily life here, encouraging people to slow down, look around, and notice small details.
Roundstone’s geography doesn’t just define where the village is – it shapes how it feels: open, calm, and closely connected to nature.
Next stop …. Station B , The Library.
B – The Library
Libraries play an important role in small communities, offering access to knowledge, stories, and shared learning. They are places of connection, curiosity, and quiet reflection for all ages.
Next Stop will be down at the old Monastery where Bodhrans and Pottery are made by hand.
Geology – Ancient Stone Beneath Your Feet
The landscape around Roundstone is very old. Much of the rock beneath your feet was formed hundreds of millions of years ago, shaped by immense geological forces long before people arrived here. Granite, quartz, and other hard stones dominate the area, giving Connemara its distinctive rugged character.
These rocks were slowly sculpted by glaciers during the last Ice Age. As the ice moved, it carved valleys, smoothed hills, and left behind the uneven, rocky terrain that defines the region today. What may look wild or untouched is actually the result of long, patient natural processes.
Stone has always been an important part of daily life in Roundstone. It appears in walls, paths, buildings, and boundary markers throughout the village. Dry stone walls, built without mortar, are both practical and beautiful, reflecting generations of skill and care.
The geology of the area reminds us that Roundstone is part of a much larger natural story – one that continues quietly beneath the surface, steady and enduring
Next stop Station C Music / Pottery / Art
C Music / Pottery / Art
Roundstone has a long tradition of creativity, including music, pottery, and visual arts. Artists and craftspeople contribute strongly to the character and identity of the village.
History – From Settlement to Village Life Roundstone began as a small fishing settlement and developed gradually over time. Like many coastal villages in Ireland, its early history was shaped by the sea, the land, and the resilience of its people. Life here was never easy, but strong community ties helped the village endure challenging periods.
The 19th century was a time of major change. Fishing, kelp harvesting, and small-scale trade supported many families, while emigration also became part of village life. Roundstone, like much of Ireland, carries stories of those who stayed and those who left.
Over the years, the village grew into a recognised community with churches, schools, shops, and shared spaces. These places became anchors for social life, marking moments of joy, loss, and everyday routine.
Today, traces of the past remain visible in buildings, paths, and local traditions. History here is not locked away in books – it lives quietly in the landscape and continues to shape the character of the village.
Next stop Station D – Gate to the Catholic Church
D – Gate to the Catholic Church
Churches in Irish villages often serve as important historical and social landmarks. They are places for gatherings, celebrations, remembrance, and community life.
Next Stop will be on the gates of St. Mary’s Church -> pass the Recycling Place and the Health Center and follow the Fairgreen road for about 250 m
Faith & History in Roundstone
Religion has played an important role in the history of Roundstone and the wider Connemara region for centuries. Long before the village was established, the area was shaped by early Christian monks, hermits, and small monastic communities who chose this remote landscape for prayer, reflection, and solitude.
St. Mary’s Church continues this tradition of spiritual presence in Roundstone. Built in the 19th century, it became a focal point for a growing community of fishermen, farmers, and craftspeople, offering not only a place of worship but also a centre for gathering, support, and shared identity.
The surrounding landscape reflects the deep connection between faith and nature that characterises Irish Christianity. Isolated chapels, holy wells, and traces of early monastic life can still be found throughout Connemara, reminding visitors of a time when spirituality was closely linked to the rhythms of the land and sea.
Today, St. Mary’s Church remains an active place of worship and a symbol of continuity between past and present. Visitors are welcome to pause here, reflect on the quiet atmosphere, and appreciate the role religion has played in shaping the cultural and spiritual life of Roundstone.
Next stop Station E – St Mary’s Church
E – St Mary’s Church
Churches in Irish villages often serve as important historical and social landmarks.They are places for gatherings, celebrations, remembrance, and community life.
Next Stop will be the Harbour -> follow the Fairgreen road for about 250 m, go down the steep hill and cross the street carefully. Then walk down to the water and go back to the wall where you can look over to Inisnee
Creativity Inspired by Place
Roundstone has long attracted artists, musicians, and craftspeople. The landscape, light, and sense of space inspire creativity in many forms. Painters, potters, writers, and musicians often speak of how deeply the surroundings influence their work.
Art here is not separate from everyday life. It appears in small studios, workshops, homes, and community spaces. Creativity is woven into the village rather than displayed formally.
Traditional Irish music also plays an important role. Sessions, informal gatherings, and shared tunes connect generations and visitors alike. Music becomes another way of telling the story of the place.
The strong artistic presence in Roundstone reflects a broader truth: creativity thrives where people feel connected to their environment. Here, art grows naturally from the land, the sea, and the shared experience of living between them.
Next stop Station F – The Harbour
F – The Harbour
Roundstone Harbour has long been central to village life, supporting fishing, sailing, and trade.It remains a peaceful and important meeting point between land and sea.
Next and already last Stop will be somewhere on the big wall outside the “Coffee Cottage”
Shipping & Fishing – Life Shaped by the Sea
The sea has always been central to Roundstone’s identity. Fishing and maritime activity provided food, income, and connection to the wider world. Small boats once filled the harbour, and the rhythm of tides shaped daily routines.
Fishing was never just an occupation – it was a way of life that required deep knowledge of weather, currents, and seasons. Skills were passed down through families, along with respect for the sea’s power.
While commercial fishing has changed over time, the harbour remains an important symbol of the village’s relationship with the ocean. Sailing, small-scale fishing, and maritime traditions continue to connect Roundstone to its coastal roots.Standing by the water today, it’s easy to imagine the generations who watched the same tides, waited for safe returns, and built a community shaped by the sea.
Next Station G – The Wall of Coffee Cottage6
G – The Wall of the Coffee Cottage
The Fairy Stone Wall
Thank you for taking part in the Roundstone Fairy Trail. We hope it added a little magic to your visit and encouraged you to explore the village with fresh eyes.
Next Stop: Collect the magical Fairy Stone just where you started the Tati’s Bake-Away
Roundstone Then and Now – A Living Village
Roundstone has changed over time, but it remains a living village rather than a museum. In the past, daily life revolved around fishing, farming, and practical survival. Today, while those roots are still present, the village has grown more diverse in how people live and work.
Modern Roundstone is a mix of long-established families, newcomers, artists, and visitors. Old traditions exist alongside new ideas, creating a dynamic but balanced community. Children grow up with both a strong sense of place and a wider view of the world.
What hasn’t changed is the importance of connection. People still greet each other, share news, and look out for one another. Community events, local businesses, and shared spaces remain central to village life.
Roundstone today reflects its past without being trapped by it – a place that continues to adapt while holding on to what truly matters.
Last Stop: Tati’s Bake-Away
Well Done & Fairy Reward
The stones can be collected during the Café opening hours. They will be around 3-4 cm big, collected at the beaches and they will be hand painted. The children can choose a stone out of a box.