Roundstone.
Four days on the wild Atlantic coast. White-sand beaches, mountain walks, long pub lunches and the odd pint of Guinness.
Big views, little adventures, and no particular rush.
Our base is Roundstone, a small fishing village on the edge of Connemara. Here’s the plan. All times are relaxed and subject to the weather, the children and the natural rhythm of an Irish pub.
Our four days
Beach walks &
harbour pints
- EarlyKennards land at Knock at 08:00. Collect the car and make our way towards Roundstone.
- MorningExplore beautiful Dog’s Bay, with a wander across towards Gurteen Bay.
- LunchInto Clifden for lunch, a coffee and a potter around the town.
- EveningBack to Roundstone for drinks and dinner at O’Dowd’s.
A walk in
the wild
- MorningHead to Connemara National Park for the easy Sruffaunboy Yellow Trail, a 1.5 km loop with mountain views and a pony paddock.
- LunchTraditional pub lunch at Paddy Coyne’s in Tullycross (subject to opening).
- AfternoonHead back for a slow afternoon at the house.
- EveningPossible adults’ dinner at the Owenmore Restaurant, Ballynahinch Castle. To be confirmed.
River walks &
Irish stew
- MorningMore seaside time. Mannin Bay if the weather’s kind, or an easy return to Gurteen Bay.
- LunchPub lunch at The Fisherman’s Pub, Ballynahinch Castle (booking to confirm).
- AfternoonA gentle wander along the Owenmore River through the castle estate.
- EveningHome to Roundstone. A pint at O’Dowd’s while Vicky cooks us a traditional Irish stew. A cosy night in.
One last look
at the Atlantic
- MorningSlow breakfast, packing up and a final wander by Roundstone harbour.
- DaytimeFree for one more coffee, short walk or lunch before heading towards Knock.
- EveningKennards fly out of Knock at 18:25, arriving at Stansted at 19:50.
Photographs: scenic editorial and illustrative images. Itinerary is provisional.
The flights
The Kennards
Ryanair · Confirmed itinerary detailsCheck airline messages for any schedule changes.
The Urwins
Flight details to be addedTo be confirmed
Return flight
To be confirmed
Good to know
Weather first
Late October can bring rain and big Atlantic winds. Bring waterproofs, warm layers, wellies and spare clothes for the children. We can swap the beach days around.
Sunday’s walk
The Sruffaunboy Yellow Trail is officially 1.5 km and graded easy, although there’s a steep descent near the end. Trail map ↗
A few bookings
Monday is an Irish bank holiday. Best to confirm Paddy Coyne’s lunch, Fisherman’s Pub lunch and the optional grown-ups’ dinner at Owenmore.