Sea Kayaking in Connemara
40 nautical miles over four days
We travelled up to Connemara on the Friday morning of the bank holiday weekend. We were staying for four days on Lettermullan Island, so the plan was to kayak around this island on the first day.
Putting in near Dog Island, we headed west and around the signal tower. We stopped for lunch on Trá Mhór and then headed north, weaving in and around the islands. Our landlady’s husband lived on Inisherk, and the old houses are still standing – an intriguing look back in time.
Further north is Dinish Island, with one of the finest beaches in all of Connemara – Furnace beach. An absolutely wonderful fine, white sandy beach, with wonderful views.
Day 2, we headed towards Clifden, and out along the spectacular Sky Road. We put in at Eyrephort Beach, which is another fantastic beach. Our paddle took in Omey, Inishturk & Turbot Islands.
A nice lunch spot up on the flat slab rocks on the west side of Inishturk and then a paddle around Turbot island.
We stopped again on the east side of Inishturk, where there is a beautiful hamlet of fishing cottages.
Day 3 we headed to Roundstone, putting in at a lovely inlet, just to the south of the town.
Heading out of the harbour and west along, we took in Dog’s Bay and Trá na Feadóige, before stopping for lunch at a lovely beach north of Mutton Island.
On the return leg, we rounded Inishlackan Island. Stopping at the south eastern side, we explored the abandoned settlement. This has been reclaimed by nature and herds of sheep (and a lone donkey)! The atmosphere on this side of the island was wonderful and again felt like we were stepping back in time.
Roundstone is a beautiful harbour, with the majestic twelve Bens as a stunning backdrop. A fantastic evening paddle back into the harbour, before heading for a fine feed at O'Dowd's Seafood Bar.
On Day 4, we opted for a put in close to Lettermullan Island and headed for Ardmore Pier. Another fine put in spot.
The plan was to take in Finish, Inishmuskerry, Duck & Birmore Islands.
Again, we were spoilt with an endless choice of fine white sandy beaches and stunning views. Lunch was on an unspoilt beach on Inishmuskerry (which we had all to ourselves).
Highlight of the paddle was a 10-minute sighting of a solitary bottlenose dolphin. An absolute treat to witness these wonderful animals in the wild.
Getting to each of our put ins allowed us the opportunity to also explore the wonderful Connemara countryside.
From the beautiful Twelve Pines island on Derryclare Lough, to the sunset light dappled on the Twelve Bens.
Stunning countryside, with an equally stunning coastline.
