Golf

Connemara - Land Of Golf

The links and parklands which form the golf courses in the west of Ireland are extensions of a superb, naturally beautiful landscape which, together with the generous acreage enjoyed by the clubs and courses, constitute a most exciting golfing challenge.

Designers have fashioned the layouts around the Atlantic Ocean, the natural lakes and rivers and the woodlands which were planted long before a golf

ball ever saw a fairway.

We invite you to enjoy the benefits of this natural environment. The superb golf courses which Ireland West has to offer and the naturally friendly people you will meet, combine to guarantee a memorable golfing holiday.

Tá an-fhlaithiúlacht agus saoire spóirtiúil le fáil in larthar na hÉireann maraon leis an réimse iontach siopadóireachta atá ar fáil dóibh siúd ins an gelann nach nimríonn Gailf.

Céad míle fáilte róimh go léir go dtí an Iarthar.

Local Golf Courses

There is a selection of Golf Courses within easy access

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Walking

Hillwalkers Delights

Galway offers many fine routes for hillwalkers and among the finest are Errisberg near Roundstone and Benlevy (also known as Mount Gable) near the village of Clonbur.

Errisberg is considered by walkers to offer some of the finest panoramas in the region with stunning views of the coastline and the surrounding Twelve Bens and Clifden with its two prominent spires. The Irish Walk Guides for the

West and North Region stated that 'it would be hard to recommend a better short hill walk in the whole region'.

Benlevy dominates the area between Lough Corrib and Lough Mask and guards one of the major routes into Connemara from the East. It also commands some of the most splendid views in the region and the climb will repay the efforts of any walker who completes this modest ascent.

For further information see New Irish Walk Guides, West and North, by Tony Whilde and Patrick Simms or Hillwalkers Connemara and Mayo by David Herman, available from Easons, Galway Tourist Office and good bookshops. If you plan on doing some hillwalking you should purchase an Ordnance Survey (Discovery Series) map of the area.

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Horse Riding

One of the most enjoyable ways of seeing the countryside and getting lots of fresh air, is on horseback. There are plenty of horses and ponies for hire so you can accompany a group on a pony trekking expedition and trot at leisurely pace through Galway's countryside. If you like the view from mountains, but not the climbing, try exploring the nearby hills on horseback rather than on foot.

On the same theme, try an alternative day out at the beach by going on a trek, or explore a hidden world in some of the

forests of Galway. You can see the abundance of flora and fauna, and trot in the undisturbed silences of the woods. Pony treks are organised on some of the most interesting routes. The cost varies from place to place and it is advisable to book the stables in advance.

Rusheen Riding Centre

Located on the shores of Galway Bay only 15 minutes walking distance from Salthill. The scenic treks are varied and cater for beginners as well as riders who are more advanced. The centre is A.I.R.E. approved with qualified instructors and experienced riders. Facilities at the Rusheen Riding Centre also include a cross-country course, countryside hacks and an enclosed manege. Children are welcome

Tel: 091 521285

Clonboo Riding School

Situated ten minutes drive from Galway City. Experienced and qualified instructors offer scenic hacks on quiet country lanes, suitable for novice or advanced riders. Facilities include enclosed manege, liveries and changing rooms. Side-saddle lessons and day/week courses for children. Unaccompanied children welcome.

Tel: 091 761362

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Watersports

Galway, with its miles of beaches and expanse of ocean, is the ideal venue for watersport enthusiasts. Swimming, sailing, surfing, rowing or even scuba diving can be enjoyed in clean water and pleasant surroundings.


Sailing

Anyone coming to Galway, to sail can bring their own boat, board or vessel. Clubs in the areas include Galway Bay Sailing Club located two miles from

Oranmore Village. Organised races take place
Tel 091 794527

In Clifden, Clifden Boat Club is located near the town centre. Club racing also takes place
here. Sailing courses are also held during the Summer.

Location for Dinghy Sailing
Facilites for dinghy sailing are available at the following locations: Clifden, Kilary Harbour, Gurteen Beach near Roundstone, Salthill, the Claddagh, Loch Atalia, Kinvara, the Sailing Club in Rinveille, Oranmore, north of Lough Derg near Portumn, at Kilbeg Pier near Headford, Lisloughry Pier near Congand in numerous seashore and inland locations around Galway.


Windsurfing

If you have not attempted windsurfing before, why not do so when you visit Galway this year. It’s a real physical; and mental challenge.

Where to Windsurf
Salthill – Silver Strand – Rusheen Bya – Spiddal – Gurteen Beach – Dogs Bay – Clifden Bya – Little Kilary – Tracht Beach – Rinville – Oranmore.


Rowing

The River Corrib is the main rowing venue and there are a number of major competitions. Clubs in the city include Galway Rowing Club, Woodquay and Tribesman Rowing Club, Earl’s Island. Major sporting competitions include the Galway Regatta, which is usually held in June.


Water Safety

• Get information from local people
• Bring an adequate supply of appropriate clothing, safety equipment etc.
• Tell someone your plans and expected return time.
• Participate in watersports in company where possible
• Get information about weather and tides before setting out
• Tel : Weather Dial (Sea Area) 1550 123 855

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Fishing

Salmon and trout fishing

There are many salmon rivers and loughs in the Western Fisheries Region as well as manylarge and small wild brown trout waters. Sea trout have been scarce in recent years because of the effect sea-lice have had on stocks. At present stocks are protected by having a ban on the killing of the species in the region. It is illegal to kill sea-trout in these areas.

Some of the better salmon waters in our

region include the Galway Salmon Weir Fishery, The Erriff Fishery and the Delphi Fishery. The Dawros River and the Kylemore Lakes are also well known salmon waters and fish well from June onwards. These waters fished well last season for salmon and there was an improvement in the numbers of sea-trout caught.

The Galway Weir is best from April through to the middle of July, and again in September. May and June can be outstanding for grilse catches to fly, shrimping or swimming and the spring salmon fishing is usually best in April and May. The Erriff is best in June, July August and September, if the water levels are right. It’s a spate river so plenty of rain is important for good runs and better catches.

The Delphi produces a good few spring fish and they can be caught there from opening day, February 1, but it’s April before the better catches are made. The June/July for the large runs of grilse.


River Angling

Rivers that are reasonable for good brown trout are the Clare River and Robe River, both of which can produce trout to mainly dry fly on summer evenings and during daytime in Mayfly time.

The River robe flows through Ballinrobe and enters Lough Mask, while the Clare river flows into Lough Corrib, on the eastern side. The last tow weeks of April and early May can be outstanding for dry fly on the Robe, the Iron Blue Dun, Orange Quill, Pheasant Tail, Pale Watery and Sherry Spinner providing the means of taking fish with falls of Hawthorn giving the real sport when about. The Blue-winged Live hatches on summer evenings on both the Robe and Clare river will entice quality trout, the latter giving trout to five and six pounds, a three-pounder being common. Recently the Clare produced trout over 8lb as well as many over 5lb, all to fly.

Another place well worth thinking about – that’s if you are a dry flu angler – is the outlet from Lough Mask, known as the Cong Canal where you can get outstanding dry fly fishing in late evening time, just beside the outlet. It is mostly Sedge flies that are effective here. Trout to 3lb are common.

The Clare River is one of the few brown trout waters where a permit form a local Club is required.

The contact there for both trout and salmon fishing is Michael Cullina, Corofin Anglers Association, Lydilan, Claregalway , Co Galway.


The Corrib System

The Western Regional Fisheries Board continues to develop and protect the famous brown trout loughs, rivers and streams on the Corrib system, which extends through louhgs Mask and Cara. Lough Corrib – the largest – where the seamon opens on February 15, gives excellent fishing to wet fly from early April. The Mayfly period, which is from about mid-May to early in June is an outstanding time for wet fly, dapping and other methods.

Dapping is by far the most productive method in Mayfly time, and also the same method in August and September is also productive, provided conditions are suitable. Trolling can take salmon and big ferox trout, the salmon from April onwards. In certain areas of the lough, fresh run grilse are caught on fly from about the third week in May. But one needs to know the area well to locate them.

A boat and outboard can be hired for a day for a week at tome angling centres.


Coarse Fishing

There is excellent coarse fishing in the Moycullen area where beam, roach, hybrids, perch and pike can be caught in the small lakes there. The Fishery Board with the co-operation of the local community, farmers and Coillte provided first-class access, parking and fishing stands at the lakes. There is also coarse fishing waters near Tuam (Lough Aclaureen with excellent fishing stands). Milltonw/Irishtonw are (several lakes with stands provided), and the lakes around Claremorris where the Fishery Board has also provided first-class fishing stands.

There is no licence required for coarse fishing.


Sea Angling

For the sea angler there is excellent deep sea angling for a wide range of different species from May onwards to about October.

Blue Shark from the end of July is particularly good around the Aran Islands where some of the boats take up to twenty a day, all of which are released again.

Roundstone and the Clifden areas are also good for blue shark and the occasional porbeagle is caught there, too.

There are a number of well-equipped boats at the different locations around the coast and a day’s fishing costs from fifteen to thirty pound, all gear and bait supplied.

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