Activities

WALKING     CYCLING     GOLF    

SIGHTSEEING     OUTDOOR PURSUITS

BOAT CRUISES     HORSE RIDING

CULTURAL EVENTS

WALKING

 

There are walks in the area to suit all levels of experience. From  the Cottage, you can take a ramble to the end of the Dooras peninsula or do the circuit up and around the High Road, with its views of the lough on both sides of the peninsula, and several species of wildflowers to see. 

 

A longer ramble is Siúlóid Bhinn Shléibhe [Ben Levy Walk] or an seanbhóthar, [the old road] from Corr na Móna to Clonbur/An Fháirche - ask Sorcha for a map/leaflet.

Other walks in the Joyce Country region include a number of forest trails around Clonbur and Cong where you can view the limestone pavement, rich in fossils, or spot the large variety of wildflowers (including orchids and hellaborines), lichens and fungi along the paths. You can download further information and maps of the trails from CoillteOutdoors.ie or, again, ask Sorcha for copies.  These trails are suitable for adults and children.  The Tourmakeady Loop Walk (Siúlóid Lúibhe Thuar Mhic Éadaigh) is one of many trails/walks to be found throughout County Mayo - check Mayotrails.ie or Mayowalks.ie.

Another rambling option would be to join one of the Western Lakes Historical & Archaeological Tours which take place in and around Cong.

For more demanding walking, head for Maumtrasna, the Maumturk mountains, the Twelve Bens, the Sheffrys, Croagh Patrick and Nephin.   Maps and guide books are available for guests to borrow or can be purchased locally.  A knowledge of map reading and use of a compass, together with suitable clothing, comfortable walking boots. Local weather forecast available on request. 

JOYCE COUNTRY WALKING FESTIVAL

The Joyce Country Walking Festival takes place each year in early March and further details can be had from Joyce Country Tourism.

 

CYCLING

Off from the main routes, the roads are quiet and you can explore this area which is known locally as Dhúiche Sheoigheach in Irish. 

One such route would be to follow the Joyce Country Drive past the Post Office in Corr na Móna village, past the townland of America, through Clochbreac to Finny.  Continue on the road that runs along the shore of Lough Nafooey and after a bit of a climb, drop down towards The Larches Pub, where you can get a cup of tea/coffee or something stronger. Before you take the steep climb out of the valley, call to see Joe Hogan, renowned basket maker or watch a demonstration of working sheep dogs (More details on request). 

The "beach" at the end of Lough Nafooey is a suitable rest stop and then on through the tiny village of Shanafaraghaun to the start of the hill.  As you wend your way uphill, stop, and look back at the wonderful view behind you.

The road continues through wild moorland scenery and then drops down in to the Maam Valley.  Turn left at Maam Valley Pottery and head back towards  Maam (An Mám). Refreshments can be found at one or other of the pubs along the way.  The last leg of the journey brings you on from Maam village up the hill where you can get a sight of Castle Kirke below you.  At the top of the hill, you will see a different aspect of Corrib and the Dubhros peninsula as you look north-east.

Bicycles can be hired in Cong and Guided Cycling Tours arranged at Cunga Bike shop in Cong run by David O'Loughlin who participated in the Bejing Olympics in 2008.

  

GOLF

18 hole courses at Ballinrobe, Oughterard, Ballyconneely, Westport. For children, have fun on the Quiet Man miniature golf course in Cong.

 OUTDOOR PURSUITS

A variety of outdoor pursuits are available at Petersburg Outdoor Education Centre, 2.5km from Clonbur. Campa Samhradh/Summer Camps, take place during July and August (both residential and non-residential). These camps are fully supervised by trained instructors.  Some of the activities included are:  Rock climbing, Kayaking, Windsurfing, Abseiling, Hill walking, Sailing, Gorge Walking, Caving, Orienteering. Contact:  www.petersburg.ie or telephone 094-9546416/9546483

  

BOAT CRUISES

Corrib Cruises, based in Cong, offer a choice of cruises on Lough Corrib including a 1hr Scenic History Tour; a 2hr cruise including 30 minutes on Inchagoill Island (largest island on Lough Corrib and location of several historical remains) (June-October and August); a 1hr Cocktail Cruise with live Traditional music (July/August only).  Cost of fares: Adult €20/Children €10. Family: 2 adults & 2 children €50.

 

CONNEMARA

Connemara is an area of wild and rugged landscape, wonderful views of mountains, lakes and beaches with places of interest to visit such as the Connemara National Park, Kylemore Abbey and Garden and Dan O'Hara's Heritage Centre.  It is also an area noted for the richness of its flora with some species unique to the region.  Follow the link for further information. 

  

HORSE RIDING

Horse riding is available in Cong, at the Ashford Equestrian Centre, close to the village and Ashford Castle Hotel. Ride through the wooded countryside between the shores of Lough Corrib and Lough Mask.

  

DISCOVER  

the wealth of botanical sites both locally and throughout Connemara including the Dooras peninsula, Ballykyne Woods, Connemara National Park or Brigit's Garden, Roscahill. The world reknowned Burren landscape is just one hour's drive from Corr na Móna

WILD FLOWERS OF THE DOORAS PENINSULA

 

Ramble along the Dooras peninsula and see the great variety of wildflowers that abound in the hedgerows.