Lake and River Fishing
Sea Fishing
Scubadiving
Walking
Adventure Sports
Golf
Horse Riding
Swimming
Gardens
Traditional Music and Irish Dance
Killary Cruises
Lake and River Fishing
There are a number of excellent fisheries nearby with good runs of Salmon and Sea Trout and large numbers of Brown Trout.
The Culfin Fishery has two lakes and a river and is just 5 minutes drive from The Coach House. The fishery is open from March to September for both fly fishing and spinning. Other fisheries nearby include Delphi, Kylemore and the Eriff. All offer an excellent chance of catching Salmon and Trout.
Sea Fishing
For those who want to fish from the shore, there is excellent fishing at the mouth of the Little Killary which is just 5 minutes drive from The Coach House. Anglers can fish from the rocks for mackerel, pollock, dog fish and ray. Glassilaun and Lettergesh beaches are also ideal for beach casting for plaice.
For those who prefer to fish from a boat, Blue Water Fishing in Clifden offer the opportunity to catch a wide variety of species ranging from Tuna to Turbot. Skipper John Brittain has 20 years experience and has helped both beginners and experts catch many fine specimens.
Scubadiving
Scubadive West offers diving for all levels from beginners to experienced divers in the pristine waters of the Killary and surrounding area. The purpose built dive centre is a PADI 5 star resort and also a National Geographic Dive Centre. Scubadive West is just a five minute drive from the Coach House or two minutes by boat on the dive taxi.
Walking
We are surrounded by superb walking routes for all levels of fitness and experience.
The Western Way passes right beside The Coach House. This is a 66km route starting in Oughterard and finishing in Leenaun and is of moderate difficulty. Full details can be found at irishtrails.ie.
The Diamond Hill in the Connemara National Park in Letterfrack has a path all the way to the top where the views are spectacular in all directions.
For the more experienced hill walker the Twelve Bens are 20 minutes away and offer many routes from difficult to very challenging.
In order to get the most out of your day out you might like to consider a guided walk. Paul Phelan of Walk Connemara offers guided walks which include a wealth of information on the heritage of Connemara that really brings the area to life.
Adventure Sports
Adventure racing has taken off in the West of Ireland in recent years. The two main events near us are Connemara Rough Diamond and Gael Force West. Both of these start within 3 miles of the Coach House and Gale Force actually passes the house. Whether you are training for these events or taking part, the Coach House makes an ideal base for competitors and spectators alike.
Killary Adventure Company and Delphi Adventure Centre both offer many activities for those who like the outdoors. These include surfing, sailing, kayaking, cycling, rock climbing, high ropes, archery and many more. All levels of ability are catered for and all the family will have a challenging and active day out.
Golf
Connemara Golf Links in Ballyconneely is 40 minutes drive from the Coach House. This spectacular course is nestled between the scenic splendour of the Twelve Bens mountain range and the rugged Atlantic ocean. From the testing dog leg opening hole through to the breathtaking back 9, which have been acknowledged as the "equal to any in the world", the course is an enduring monument to its designer Eddie Hackett.
Horse Riding
Cleggan Beach Riding Centre is 20 minutes drive from The Coach House. It is an approved riding school offering beach and mountain trekking on safe, well schooled horses and ponies. There are 3 resident qualified instructors and all levels of ability and experience are catered for.
Swimming
There are a number of beaches nearby which are safe for competent swimmers although none are patrolled by lifeguards. The nearest swimming pools are in Clifden at the Station House Hotel and in Westport at the Leisure Park.
Gardens
A trip to Kylemore Abbey is a must for all visitors to Connemara. The abbey has a fascinating history from its original construction in the 1860's by Mitchell Henry to its current status as an abbey for the Benedictine Community. The abbey is open to visitors and there is also a very beautiful gothic church which is described as "a cathedral in miniature" that is well worth a look.
In the grounds of the abbey there is a 6 acre victorian walled garden. Originally built in the 1860's, the gardens were restored to their former glory in the 1990's and are open to visitors all year round. Building the garden was a significant challenge as it is located in the middle of a bog. Only plants and vegetables that grew in victorian times are used in the garden today and a good deal of the vegetables and herbs are used in the tea rooms and restaurant at the abbey.
Traditional Music and Irish Dance
At the Teach Ceoil (House of Music) in Tully village there is a seisiun each Tuesday in July and August at 9pm. This is a presentation of Irish music and dance by some of the most talented performers in the area. It has been running for over 20 years and is always very popular so it is advisable to get there early. The entry fee is €10 and further details are available by phoning 095 43446.
Killary Cruises
Killary Fjord is nine miles long and surrounded by spectacular scenery. Killary Cruises offers you the chance to view this beautiful landscape from the comfort of their ship the Connemara Lady. Food and drink is available on board and they also offer sunset barbeque cruises during July and August.