My Connemara Summer, with Rachael Coyle
Feature image by Nathalie Marquez Courtney
Where’s your favourite spot to mark the start of summer – somewhere you return to every year?
We mark the start of summer by heading out for a day trip to one
of the beautiful islands off the coast of Connemara – Inishbofin, Inishturk or Clare Island, where my husband Shane O’Grady, is from. Once we get to the Doonmore Hotel in Inishbofin, summer is definitely underway.
How does summer change things in Connemara?
There is a great atmosphere around the place and even more variety, with seasonal food venues, food trucks, events and shows. It never gets too busy though – you can still find a beautiful beach all to yourself.
What are you eating and drinking in summer that you can’t get any other time of year?
Connemara seafood, of all sorts. Whether it’s local lobster served simply with new potatoes and leaves from the garden, garlic butter, shrimp from Streamstown Bay and pan-fried mackerel, which we catch ourselves, and all the lovely local produce we pick up throughout the summer.
What’s the one event or moment in the Connemara summer calendar you’d never miss?
St. John’s Night on the 23rd of June traditionally marked the height of summer, and that tradition still continues in Connemara, when bonfires are lit along the coast at sunset and can be seen for miles around.
What are some favourite spots around Clifden that you always recommend to visitors?
In town, we recommend my sister’s small but great coffee shop, Coyles of Connemara, on the Square. Apart from the best Calendar Coffee (roasted in Oughterard), they sell delicious bakes and breads from local bakers including the So-Doh bakery and sell locally-grown produce.
We also recommend food in our own Guys Bar, followed by music in one of the great music venues around town, Lowry’s, Mullarkeys and McGraths. Further afield, we recommend eating in Vaughan’s in Roundstone, Little Fish in Cleggan and the Fisherman’s Pub in Ballynahinch Castle for lovely lunch.
What are you most looking forward to this summer?
We are looking forward to a busy summer and, in between, days on the beach, whether early morning swims at Coral Strand or afternoons until sunset on Eyrephort Beach or Omey Strand.
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