Grasshopper Cottage

The Centre for Wild Brown Trout and Salmon Fishing in the West of Ireland

Activities

WALKING

Joyce Country

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.  You could  follow the "old road" (an seanbhóthar) from Corr na Móna to Clonbur/An Fháirche  - a map leaflet is available. Siúloid Bhinn Shléibhe

Other walks in the Joyce Country region include a number of forest trails around Clonbur/An Fháirche and Cong where you can view the limestone pavements and the rich abundance and variety of wild flowers, fungi, lichens etc. You can download further information and maps of the trails from CoillteOutdoors.ie  These trails are suitable for adults and children.

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 the use of a compass, together with suitable clothing, comfortable walking boots and a check on the weather forecast are all advisable if walking in these mountains.

CYCLING

Lough Nafooey

Away from the main routes, the roads are quiet and you can explore and discover this area which is known locally as Dhúiche Sheoigheach in Irish.  Follow the Joyce Country Drive from Corr na Móna through Clochbreac to Finny.  Continue along the shore of Lough Nafooey then climb up the steep hill at Shanafaraghan.  From there you have a wonderful view back down the valley.  The road then drops down in to the Maam Valley and back via Maam An Mám to Corr na Móna village. 

GOLF

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

CANOEING, ORIENTEERING, WINDSURFING

All are available at Petersburg Outdoor Education Centre, 2.5km at Clonbur - advance booking required.

BOAT CRUISES

Take a trip with Corrib Cruises to the island of Inchagoill, largest island on Lough Corrib and visit the 5th century monastic ruins.

CONNEMARA
Turf 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

Wildflowers on roadside 

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