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Killary Fjord Before returning to the Wild Atlantic Way route, you
could drive half an hour to Westport, which has been
Killary Fjord forms a natural divide between voted the best place to live in Ireland. The surrounding
Ireland’s two giants of tradition and heritage Partry Mountains are calling out to be climbed, and
Galway and Mayo. From the shore, Killary’s views are nearby rivers Erriff and Delphi are excellent for angling
truly spectacular and on the water you can experience (ask locally about fishing permits).
something a world apart. Hop on board Killary cruises
catamaran for a hot lunch or even a hot Irish coffee - you Omey Island
may even catch some live music as part of your cruise.
To top it all, the fun loving school of Killary dolphins During the months of summer, Omey Island hosts
may decide to stop by and make an appearance- they do its unique beach-racing day. At low tide, you can
love the attention ! head for the sound of cheers rising from the beachfront.
There’s plenty of music, dance and food to keep you
Leenane- An Líonán entertained between race times. Just follow the road
ack on land is the picture-postcard village of signs and the enthusiastic crowds… but when they
announce the tide is rolling in again, be sure to follow
BLeenane (Leenaun on Irish signposts). Sitting at those same crowds back onto dry land, too.
the mouth of Killary harbour it is almost dwarfed by Seanfhocail (Old Saying)
the Connemara Mountains surrounding it. The Film Is mór í luach na foighne.
of John B Keane’s play “The Field” was filmed here in It is not easy to put a price on patience.
1989 bringing it to international attention. Much of the
action took place on film here at Gaynor’s pub and today
in real life you can sample one of their great pints and
tasty toasted sandwiches. Of course you can expect a fair
bit of chat on the side! Other sets from the film can be
visited also if you simply ask locals where to go.
The Connemara Pony
The only horse breed native to Ireland - the sweet little Connemara Ponies are found here aplenty. Local and native
to this region, these darling animals are rumoured to have arrived on Ireland’s shores when the Spanish Armada
crashed off Connemara’s coast during the 16th century. Locals say that their ancestors were Arab stallions that swam
to shore from the wrecked Armada ships to settle into a new life in Ireland.
These days the ponies are the favoured form of transport across the beaches and bogs of Connemara. You may have
seen that famous Irish postcard of a Connemara Pony carting a days turf-load on it’s back. When the tide is low,
these friendly animals are happy to wade out to the nearby islands of Finish, Mweenish and Omey.
Horse Racing on Omey Island © Joe Shaunessy
164
could drive half an hour to Westport, which has been
Killary Fjord forms a natural divide between voted the best place to live in Ireland. The surrounding
Ireland’s two giants of tradition and heritage Partry Mountains are calling out to be climbed, and
Galway and Mayo. From the shore, Killary’s views are nearby rivers Erriff and Delphi are excellent for angling
truly spectacular and on the water you can experience (ask locally about fishing permits).
something a world apart. Hop on board Killary cruises
catamaran for a hot lunch or even a hot Irish coffee - you Omey Island
may even catch some live music as part of your cruise.
To top it all, the fun loving school of Killary dolphins During the months of summer, Omey Island hosts
may decide to stop by and make an appearance- they do its unique beach-racing day. At low tide, you can
love the attention ! head for the sound of cheers rising from the beachfront.
There’s plenty of music, dance and food to keep you
Leenane- An Líonán entertained between race times. Just follow the road
ack on land is the picture-postcard village of signs and the enthusiastic crowds… but when they
announce the tide is rolling in again, be sure to follow
BLeenane (Leenaun on Irish signposts). Sitting at those same crowds back onto dry land, too.
the mouth of Killary harbour it is almost dwarfed by Seanfhocail (Old Saying)
the Connemara Mountains surrounding it. The Film Is mór í luach na foighne.
of John B Keane’s play “The Field” was filmed here in It is not easy to put a price on patience.
1989 bringing it to international attention. Much of the
action took place on film here at Gaynor’s pub and today
in real life you can sample one of their great pints and
tasty toasted sandwiches. Of course you can expect a fair
bit of chat on the side! Other sets from the film can be
visited also if you simply ask locals where to go.
The Connemara Pony
The only horse breed native to Ireland - the sweet little Connemara Ponies are found here aplenty. Local and native
to this region, these darling animals are rumoured to have arrived on Ireland’s shores when the Spanish Armada
crashed off Connemara’s coast during the 16th century. Locals say that their ancestors were Arab stallions that swam
to shore from the wrecked Armada ships to settle into a new life in Ireland.
These days the ponies are the favoured form of transport across the beaches and bogs of Connemara. You may have
seen that famous Irish postcard of a Connemara Pony carting a days turf-load on it’s back. When the tide is low,
these friendly animals are happy to wade out to the nearby islands of Finish, Mweenish and Omey.
Horse Racing on Omey Island © Joe Shaunessy
164
