Roundstone Harbor
Roundstone, Galway
The Twelve Bens range rises on the horizon while fishing boats bob in the water at the picturesque Roundstone Harbour. Behind the harbor is Roundstone village, a colorful cluster of houses, craft shops, and galleries, as well as pubs, cafes, and restaurants specializing in seafood hauled in fresh from the Atlantic.
Travelers can visit Roundstone as part of day tours from Dublin, departing by train early in the morning, before boarding a coach in Galway for a scenic tour of Connemara. Multi-day tours move at a slower pace, allowing visitors to explore Roundstone in a more leisurely manner, as well as visiting a wider range of sights, such as Galway City, the Cliffs of Moher, the Aran Islands, and the Ring of Kerry.
- Roundstone Harbour is a must for seafood lovers and scenery seekers.
- Arrive hungry; Roundstone has an array of restaurants serving locally caught seafood, from lobster to crab to mackerel.
- There are several scenic swimming spots nearby so bring along a swimsuit and towel.
Roundstone is situated along Bertraghboy Bay in County Galway, about a 25-minute drive from Clifden via the N59 and the R341. Public transport is sporadic so it’s best to drive or come as part of an organized tour.
Roundstone swells in size from June through August as vacationers pour in. This is also when the village experiences the warmest, and often driest, weather, making it a good time for beach visits and outdoor fun. The village is especially lively during the Roundstone Regatta in July, when a festive atmosphere spills out onto the streets.
Roundstone is a good jumping-off point for beach excursions. Just 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) from the village, visitors will find two spectacular back-to-back beaches: Dog’s Bay and Gurteen Beach. On a sunny day, the fine seashell sands here beam, while the waters, which are sheltered from strong currents, appear bright turquoise.
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