Go the extra mile... We do! - Clifden Station House Hotel

S T
A
E
I O N
C L I F
T
D
E N
H O U
S
Go the extra mile...
We do!
Come join us in the heart of Connemara
www.clifdenstationhouse.com
CLIFDEN, CONNEMARA
THE WEST AWAITS
Clifden is the beating heart of Connemara – a thriving town renowned for boutique shopping,
gourmet food, world-class music and an unrivalled variety of festivals. On its doorstep is the
Wild Atlantic Way, which winds through the majesty of the Twelve Bens mountain range and the
breathtaking beauty of Connemara’s bogs and lakes. With so much on offer, it’s worth going the
extra mile to experience this special place. At the Station House Hotel, we do that every day.
Inset: Clifden’s Station House Hotel – the perfect base
from which to explore all that Connemara has to offer
E
I O N
C L I F
Main image: Clifden town, as seen from the Sky Road
T
Clifden town is recognised worldwide
Travelling west from the city of
for its rich landscape and
Galway, the beauty of Connemara
S T
N
heritage, a place of contrasts,
will unfold before you.
E
A
D
colours, wilderness and
Each town and village has
warm welcomes on the
its own distinct character
west coast of Ireland.
and local culture, and
From the bogs and lakes
visitors can use Clifden as a
S
of the Irish-speaking South
base
to explore Oughterard,
H O U
Connemara, to the mountain
Maam, Recess, Roundstone,
vistas of North and West Connemara,
Cashel, Carna, Ballyconneely, Cleggan,
the diversity of the landscape and the Claddaghduff, Letterfrack, the Renvyle
people who populate it offers much to peninsula and Leenane – not to
the visitor.
mention the remote and beautiful
islands of Omey and
Inishbofin.
As the capital of
Connemara, Clifden town
is home to a large number
of festivals, events, fairs
and shows throughout the
year, from the Connemara
Pony Festival to Clifden
Arts Week. The town also offers an array
of retail experiences, from stylish
boutiques to gastro pubs and unique
coffee shops.
For those who have an adventurous
streak, Clifden offers activities from
walking, hiking and cycling to golfing,
fishing, horse riding and a huge range
of water sports.
So take a deep breath of fresh salty
Connemara air, as clean and crisp as
you will find anywhere on the planet
and immerse yourself in this special
place – it might just be a journey you
will never forget!
To book, call 095 21699 or visit
www.clifdenstationhouse.com
while you’re here...
treat yourself
Fine dining
Dining at the Clifden Station House Hotel is an
experience you will want to write home about. With
our Head Chef Liam O’Connor cooking up a storm in
the kitchen and the great, friendly hospitality of our
staff, it’s no wonder we are winning awards.
YOUR ROOM
The Clifden Station House Hotel boasts
78 luxurious ensuite bedrooms. When
booking, you can choose from a variety
of accommodation options, with rooms
to suit today’s discerning traveller.
Liam uses nothing but the finest, freshest
ingredients and keeps a focus on local produce to
ensure quality of a high standard. Choose any dish
from a mouth-watering menu, which is carefully put
together with an emphasis on giving the guest more
choice of quality dishes. The amazing choice of
dishes makes this one of the most sought after hotel
restaurants Galway has to offer.
You can dine in the main Dining Room of the
Station House’s award-winning restaurant or in either
of the Station House bars (the Signal Bar and Library
Bar). Whatever your tastes these restaurants are sure
to impress!
Renew Spa
Renew Beauty & Spa is located adjacent to the hotel,
with direct access from hotel bedroom floors and is
one of the finest spas Connemara has to offer.
Whether it’s soothing relaxation after a busy day
in the National Park, or just an hour away from the
hustle and bustle that comes with a family holiday,
you’re sure to leave our exclusive spa floating!
IS READY
We have beautifully appointed rooms
with double beds, or you can upgrade
to our spacious Junior Suites which
feature a king-size bed.
All of our bedrooms are equipped with
tea and coffee making facilities, ironing
facilities with trouser press, hair dryer,
direct dial telephone and a 21” TV
with full interactive multimedia
entertainment system, including movies,
music and internet access.
We also offer 24 hour room service. The
rooms are non-smoking and there is
free Wi-Fi in public areas.
book now
Main image: Deluxe Family Room
Above: Junior Suite
www.clifdenstationhouse.com
Summer 4 Night Package
Midweek Breaks
Includes 4 nights Bed and Breakfast
with 3 Evening Meals
from only €329 per adult sharing
Includes 2 nights Bed and Breakfast
with 1 Evening Meal from €125 pps (June)
€145 pps (July) €165 pps (August)
Up to 2 kids share parents’ room
on a complimentary B&B basis
Up to 2 kids share parents’ room
on a complimentary B&B basis
Summer 3 Night Package
Weekend Breaks
Includes 3 nights Bed and Breakfast
with 2 Evening Meals
from only€259 per adult sharing
Includes 2 nights Bed and Breakfast
with 1 Evening Meal from €145 pps (June)
€165 pps (July) €185 pps (August)
Up to 2 kids share parents’ room
on a complimentary B&B basis
Up to 2 kids share parents’ room
on a complimentary B&B basis
Large family rooms and interconnecting
upgrades available
Large family rooms and interconnecting
upgrades available
explore...
the wild atlantic way
The Wild Atlantic Way is the world's longest coastal
touring route. It's inspiring, renewing, relaxing and
invigorating – just like Connemara. With the Clifden
Station House Hotel as your base, you’ll be within
striking distance of a number of the route’s
highlights. You can spend the morning on a pristine
beach at Dog’s Bay, Roundstone, and be back in
time for lunch. And why not pop out to Kylemore
Abbey, or take a cruise around Killary Harbour, or
work up an appetite for dinner with a hike around
the National Park? It’s yours to explore any way you
want – and Connemara is the perfect place to
discover your Wild side. www.wildatlanticway.com
Leisure Centre
Our guests have full access to the facilities of the
Leisure Centre, including swimming pool, sauna,
steam room, jacuzzi and gym.
Connemara National Park
Connemara National Park covers almost 3,000
hectares of scenic mountains, expanses of bogs,
heaths, grasslands and woodlands, and makes up part
of the Twelve Bens mountain range. There are four
trails to explore, ranging from a relaxing amble around
the Lower Diamond Hill Walk and nature trail, to the
Upper Diamond Hill Walk, which on a clear day repays
your exertions with breath-taking views of the area.
The park also features picnic areas and a children's
playground. www.connemaranationalpark.ie
Discover a home from home with
our family-friendly apartments
Visit Kylemore Abbey
No trip to Connemara is complete without a visit to
Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden. With
miles of woodland and lake shore walks, a nature
trail, tree trail and children’s play trail – as well as a
six-acre Victorian walled garden to explore – there’s
plenty to keep the whole family engaged in the great
outdoors. And if the weather turns wet, why not take
a tour of the beautifully restored Abbey and Gothic
Church – all topped off with lunch in the Tea House or
Mitchell’s Café? www.kylemoreabbeytourism.ie
Take to the water
Tours with the Killary Fjord Boat Tours company start
at Nancy’s Point, just West of Leenane Village, on the
south side of the Killary fjord. The views during the
90-minute trip are superb – hills rising steeply from
the silvery sea, with frequent shifts in light and
shadow creating different colours on the peaks and
valleys. The cruise offers a great way to take in the
dramatic sweep of the landscape, as you pass
between the Twelve Bens and the Maam Turk
mountains to the south, and the Mweelrea
mountains to the north. If you’re lucky, you might
even have dolphins for company.
Letterfrack Bay Water Tours offer one-hour scenic
and wildlife tours of the waters around Letterfrack and
Ballinakill Harbour. The operator’s boat has underwater viewing panels, so you can discover a ‘world
beneath the surface’ in one of Europe's most scenic
and well protected harbours. The company also runs
angling trips and a ‘Sunset Cruise’, which offers a
chance to watch the sunset on a fine summer's
evening from Letterfrack Bay as it turns the sea
crimson and violet behind Letter Hill – as beautiful a
sight as you will find anywhere in the world.
Fish the Owenglin River
The Owenglin River is a narrow, easily fished river that
flows through Clifden. It can be fished for about eight
miles upstream of the town, with excellent grilse
fishing in spate conditions. The fishery is owned by the
Clifden Angling Association, and visitor permits are
available from Stanley’s Fishing Tackle shop in Clifden.
If you’re looking for a self-catering
break, the Clifden Station House offers
a range of two- or three- bedroomed
apartment suites.
Ideal for family breaks, and sleeping
up to six, you’ll have the luxury of a
hotel’s facilities with all the comforts of
a fully-furnished, modern home.
www.clifdenstationhouse.com
book now
2 Bed Apartment from
€550 per week (June)
€850 per week (July & August)
3 Bed Apartment from
€650 per week (June)
€950 per week (July & August)
FALL FOR THE CONNEMARA PONY
A week-long Connemara Pony Festival
takes place every August in Clifden,
featuring the largest display of
Connemara Ponies in the world. The
highlight of the festival is the famous
Connemara Pony Show, which takes
place over three days. Young stock,
brood mares, stallions, ridden ponies
and working hunter ponies all compete
at this unique event, which attracts
visitors from all over the world. The
festival also features a Parade of
Champions around Clifden town.
Not just an outing for the
aficionado, the Connemara Pony
Festival is an opportunity for the
whole family to experience a
traditional Irish festival that’s very
much at the heart of the
community.
www.cpbs.ie
saddle up
THE GRAND TOUR
FOR
Whether you are a novice or
experienced cyclist, it would
be hard to find a more
beautiful part of Ireland to
explore than Connemara
E
I O N
C L I F
book now
T
Offering wonderful coastline and
stunning country cycling routes for all
tastes, whether you simply want a
leisurely, gentle tour or are an
experienced cyclist looking for an active
challenge,
at
the
Clifden
Station
S T
E N
A
House we can help
D
you to arrange
your dream trip.
With the help
S
H O U
of cycling expert
and
writer
Barry
Mehan, from thecyclyingblog.com, we
have developed a selection of routes to
suit all tastes and abilities.
You can follow suggested routes or
discover the beautiful scenery for
yourself – the cycling distance will
wholly depend on your own choice and
the detours you may want to take; we
can advise you on distances and cycle
routes to suit your plans for the day.
We can recommend local bike hire
prior to arrival, and for those travelling
with their own bikes we have a secure
lock up.
Midweek Breaks
Weekend Breaks
2BB+1D+1 day bike hire from
€140pps (June), €160pps (July),
€180pps (August)
2BB+1D+1 day bike hire from
€160pps (June), €180pps (July),
€200pps (August)
In September 2014, cycling journalist Barry Mehan stayed in the Clifden Station House
and recorded his exploration of the area in blog posts and videos posted online:
‘I arrived at the Clifden Station House just after 3pm today and was itching to get out on the
bike. This part of the country is truly unique and has so much to offer cyclists with spectacularly
scenic roads and challenging climbs.
‘Leaving the hotel and passing through the small scenic town of Clifden you get a taste
of why this quaint picturesque place is so popular with visitors from both home and abroad.
Taking the Sky Road out of town gives you another reason again. The view at the summit is
one of the most photographed in the country, and justifiably so.
‘The descent is short and fast and leads to another shoreside meandering road that keeps
you looking out across the water as the scene changes, sometimes dramatically from bend
to bend.
‘Boats and goats, donkeys and mounds of turf; old stone cottages with thatched roofs
and new bungalows designed to blend in with the environment. It all grabs your attention.
‘What you do not notice are cars or vans, as the traffic is so light on the road once you
pass the main viewing point...’
To read more about Barry’s stay at the Station
House Hotel, see www.thecyclingblog.com
www.clifdenstationhouse.com
explore...
inishbofin
Inishbofin is located 10km off the north
Connemara coast and a 30 minute
ferry crossing from the fishing village
of Cleggan. The island is a haven of
beauty, boasting magnificent scenery
from cliff top walks, to the sea on all
sides, to white sandy beaches and an
abundance of rare flora and fauna.
www.inishbofinislanddiscovery.com
www.inishbofin.com
dive into...
the blueway
Inspired by the Great Western
Greenway cycling route, the Blueway is
a sequence of kayak and snorkel trails
that have been mapped out so you can
experience a variety of water-based
activities in a safe, controlled
environment.
This will give a glimpse of another
world: energise yourself with drift
Call today on 095-21699
snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking,
boating, kite-surfing, fishing or just
some relaxing swimming in the
turquoise water by a sandy beach.
There are a number of water-sports
providers operating in the area who can
introduce you to snorkelling and
kayaking in addition to a range of other
water sports. To avoid disappointment
you are advised to contact and book in
advance.
Our Blueway partner is www.realadventures.ie
INDULGE
in a little retail therapy
store. Stocking on-trend brands
including Frugi, Seasalt and White Stuff –
and an old-school selection of sweets
interested in beautiful fashion
that will bring back memories for
S T
E N
A
(www.designplatform.ie).
mums and make new ones for
D
Millars Connemara has been
their children – shopping in
trading in a landmark building
Ohh! By Gum is a unique
on Clifden’s Main Street for more
experience that brings both
S
H O U
than a century. The store houses
locals and visitors back again
exclusive designer collections from
and again (www.ohhbygum.ie).
The Courtyard is also home to
John Hanly, Dubarry and Foxford to Bi Ti
Clifden’s best coffee (Steam), Renew
Mo and Gabi Lauton.
One of Ireland's first eco-chic Beauty and Spa, and internationally
boutiques and a one-stop destination renowned hairdresser Damien Manning
for organic cotton and fairtrade fashions at Hedz Salon – so you won’t have to go
for women and children, the award- far for the perfect day of retail therapy
winning Ohh! By Gum is a gem of a and pampering!
T
E
I O N
Design Platform, in the Station House
Courtyard, has been proudly bringing
an amazing array of Irish and
international design-led fashion labels
to the west since 1998. Known for
having
unique
and
exclusive
collections, you will also find many wellknown and hugely popular European
labels such as Annette Gortz, Sarah
Pacini, Eva Kayan and more. With a
recently expanded range of homeware,
including soft furnishings, cushions,
throws and occasional furniture pieces,
Design Platform is a must visit for all
C L I F
Whether you’re treating yourself, or looking for the perfect gift (or maybe
a little bit of both!) Clifden’s gorgeous shops have something for all tastes
www.clifdenstationhouse.com
CONNEMARA
FOUR SEASONS
walking festivals
Connemara is heaven for walkers,
offering the perfect combination of
dramatic coastline, deserted mountain
ranges and windswept islands.
Whether you are scrambling along a
rocky foreshore, taking in the view from
the cliff tops, or strolling on a sandy
beach, the chances are you will have
only the sound of the breaking Atlantic
surf for company.
Join us at Clifden Station House
during our Four Seasons Walking
Festivals and explore Connemara with
guide Michael Gibbons, who will
provide an insight into the unique
cultural, archaeological and historical
heritage of the area.
The walks are suitable for beginners through to
advanced... all you need is a good pair of walking boots!
DIAMOND HILL
CONNEMARA NATIONAL PARK, LETTERFRACK
golf...
on the edge of europe
GUEST DISCOUNT
Connemara Championship Golf Links offers
exclusive discount rates for guests at
the Clifden Station House Hotel
Add a round of golf from just €40!
Connemara Championship Golf Links is nestled
between the scenic splendour of the Twelve Bens
mountain range and the rugged Atlantic Ocean. This
beautiful isolated links course, designed by Eddie
Hackett, lies to the west of Clifden along the Wild
Atlantic Way’s signature discovery point of
Derrigimla Bog and Mannin Bay Blueway.
From the testing dog leg opening hole through to
the breathtaking back 9, the course is a test for all
levels. In 2000 an additional 9 holes were unveiled to
add a further dimension to the exhilarating
Connemara golfing experience.
When playing Connemara you are always
mesmerised by the landscape around you. Whether
it’s Slyne Head Lighthouse, the Twelve Bens
Mountains, the Atlantic Ocean or Grainne O’Malleys
Castle, there is something special on every hole.
The club offers fantastic facilities with a modern
clubhouse bar, coffee shop and restaurant, a
proshop, practise range and putting green.
The proshop has everything you need, from golf
carts and rental clubs to tuition and all top clothing
brands. With many wonderful beaches, pony
trekking, walking, hiking and biking available nearby,
Connemara Golf Links has a lot to offer not only the
experienced golfer but any visitor looking for unique
adventures.
www.connemaragolflinks.com
Take the family pony trekking!
Horseback offers a unique opportunity to discover
some of the most breath-taking scenery in the west
of Ireland. The Twelve Bens offers your backdrop and
the Atlantic Ocean cushions your feet. The Pony
Trekking Centre in Ballyconneelly, Cleggan Riding
Centre or Errislannan Manor offer rides
accompanied by an experienced instructor who will
guide you along the sandy beaches or the rugged
countryside. All levels of experience are catered to,
and the memories are guaranteed to last a lifetime.
T H AT ’ S
ENTERTAINMENT
F O R A L L T H E FA M I LY !
Throughout the summer there’s plenty on
offer for the whole family at the Station
House Hotel. One of the highlights for
2015 is a new version of the classic tale of
Goldilocks and the Three Bears, brought
to life in a stage show that is sure to
delight young and old.
With a little help from Ruff the Dog,
the popular tale takes a few twists and
turn along the way and children will learn
that music can be found everywhere, as
they sing and dance to all their favourite
songs.
Throughout the show there are
interactive moments that children and
parents alike can enjoy – joining together
in renditions of “Heads Shoulders Knees
and Toes” and “Twinkle Twinkle Little
Star”, as well as many other all-time
children’s favourites.
With different adventures from every
character, the show will have parents and
children alike laughing, playing, and
singing. Featuring fantastic costumes, an
amazing stage set and colourful lighting,
it will be an experience for all the family
to remember and cherish.
On Wednesdays there will be a
magician on hand, conjuring this and
conjuring that, while Thursdays will
feature Balloon Crafts.
Railway Kids Club
Our Railway Kids Club is a complimentary
service operating during the summer
months of July and August, and also
during the midterm breaks.
We aim to delight and excite our
younger guests (from age 4 and up),
giving parents a chance to relax while the
kids are well looked after. Activities
include arts and crafts, movie time,
supervised swimming and organised fun
and games.
www.clifdenstationhouse.com
TRAD
IN THE WEST
All-Ireland Champion Marie Walsh will
return to Clifden Station House this
summer for another installment in the
Trad in the West concert series.
Now in its sixth year, this extremely
successful summer show, which features
the very best of traditional Irish music,
song and dance, takes place on Mondays
in July and August. As always, the concerts
will feature lots of new tunes, songs,
arrangements and a few surprises that the
organisers are keeping under wraps.
The series, which has proved hugely
popular with local trad aficionados, also
provides visitors to Connemara with a
great opportunity to experience a
professional performance of Irish music,
song and dance in a comfortable theatre
setting. Early booking is advisable. Tickets
cost €15, with concessions for families,
groups and children.
www.tradinthewest.com
S T
A
E
I O N
C L I F
E N
T
SUMMER
SPECIALS
D
H O U
S
Three Night Summer Break
€518 per family
based on 2 Adults and 2 Children sharing
BREAKFAST INCLUDED
3 nights B&B and
Dinner on 2 evenings of choice
unwind with the whole family in the heart of Connemara
2BB+1D
from €145pps midweek
2BB+1D
from €165pps weekend
FREE KIDS CLUB AND LEISURE CENTRE ACCESS
LIVE MUSIC, MAGIC SHOW AND KIDS’ THEATRE ALL SUMMER!
l
add a round of golf from €40 l add a spa treatment for €30 l explore the Wild Atlantic Way for free...
To book, call +353 95 21699 or visit www.clifdenstationhouse.com
your room is ready...
E N
S T
A
E
I O N
C L I F
T
D
H O U
S
WE to
CAN’T
WAIT
welcome you to clifden
www.clifdenstationhouse.com
o
design by Rowan Tree – call 085-8613277 or email [email protected]
o cover image: aoifeherriottphotography.com