4 Places to Book for the Perfect Connemara Staycation this Winter

Striking that perfect balance of get-away-from-it-all vibes and not-too-far-from-home handiness, you can't beat Connemara for cool and cosy winter escapes. Here are four of our favourites.

Best for couples: The Stilt House @ Fernwood

Time moves slower at the architecturally designed Stilt House, perched on 57 stilts above the forest floor. Just outside of Clifden, on a small rural road, expect a warm welcome to Anne and Simon’s farm, a home they share with a herd of Dexter cows and their very own vegetable garden. 

Following a small path through the woodland, you’ll find the Stilt House.

“On the balcony, a wood-fired hot tub takes its time to light, burn and heat the water. Ample time to sit, sip my coffee and nature watch,” says Galway Now Art Director Jenny King. “Deeper in the woodland is the stream-fed plunge pool and wooden lakeside sauna house – alternating between both at intervals is a must.”

The Stilt House has a way of connecting you with nature while providing you with everything you need and nothing you don’t. “We left feeling renewed, with a heightened awareness of all that nature provides,” says Jenny. 

Best for friends: Norah’s Cottage 

As if its picturesque location in Claddaghduff and its tasteful chic beach house interiors weren’t enough, Norah’s Cottage has an ace up its sleeve – its owners Mel and Andy also run the catering service Norah’s Kitchen. This means you can have your self-catering cake and eat it too, and get tasty meals to tuck into during your stay. 

The cottage, which has been in the owner’s family for over 40 years, has four bedrooms, and sleeps nine. For days spent exploring, there are also picnic backpacks available, complete with a flask of soup, gourmet sandwiches, a sweet treat and drinks. 

Best for families: Curraghduff Alpaca Farm

Goats and alpacas and hens – oh my. Curraghduff Farm Glamping is the stuff of toddler dreams. Set on a working alpaca farm just outside Oughterard (and yes, do take that as your cue to stop at Sullivan’s for supplies en route), wander past some pecking hens to arrive at your home for the night, a charming pastel wooden hut. 

“Inside it's not nearly as rustic as it seems,” says Galway Now editor Nathalie Marquez Courtney. “Mod cons include a comfy double bed, cosy lighting and tea-making facilities. The interior design leans heavily into the alpaca theme, but that will only charm your tiny companions all the more.”

And while it definitely is glamping – you have to put your shoes on to go to the bathroom – those facilities are clean and well-tended. There is also a large, fully-fitted kitchen as well as barbecue, herb garden and fire pit, so be sure to pack marshmallows. 

Best all-rounder: Within The Village at Roundstone 

From the espresso machine to brew freshly ground Calendar Coffee to the evocative prints on the walls by local artists like Cliodhna Prendergast to the Tweed Project throws on the sofa, Within The Village brings a fresh idea to Roundstone, while being so clearly proud of its location. 

A picturesque Irish fishing village that seems too small to have so much to offer, Roundstone is a joy all year around – a spot for ice creams and beach supplies in the warmer months, and cosy pub lunches with stunning views in the colder ones. 

A  collection of five luxury cottages and townhouses that’s open year-round, Within the Village is ideal for retreats, workshops, big birthdays or group breaks, but each cottage can also be booked individually for a more intimate retreat.

Inside the cottages, delightful design details abound: the concrete worktops are patterned with shells and stones from local beaches, the handmade bespoke oak kitchen benches and cabinets are filled with handsome handmade stoneware by Roundstone Ceramics. - Ben Marquez Keenan