Guest Directory | Connemara Sands Hotel

We warmly welcome you to The Connemara Sands Hotel

Kathy & Dean, and all the team

Dear Guest,

We warmly welcome you to The Connemara Sands Hotel & Spa and we hope your stay with us will be one you truly enjoy. This page provides detailed information about our facilities and the local amenities.

Food is central to the Connemara Sands Experience. We offer Connemara on a Plate, which comprises of our seasonal, locally sourced food; this is no surprise as the West of Ireland offers a rich abundance of fresh, seasonal products.

We are privileged to be located in an area of outstanding natural beauty along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, a region that is richly steeped in local history and culture. There are a wide range of nearby places to explore during your stay, whether, walking, cycling or driving.

On site activities, include our Tennis Court that overlooks the beach. Complimentary tennis rackets/ball are available at reception.

Sands Seaweed Spa allows you to relax indoors with a variety of pampering and indulgent Voya treatments to choose from.

New for 2025 season enjoy a touchless spa experience in our Barrel Sauna and take in the panoramic sea view while alternating with sea dipping or swimming to cool off. You can enjoy our outdoor Hot Tub and our Outdoor Seaweed Baths.

Real Adventures are located at the hotels beach and offer a variety of water activities.

If there is anything you require to make your stay with us more enjoyable and comfortable, please do not hesitate to contact our Reception Team by dialling 100.

The Team of the Connemara Sands Hotel & Spa wish you a relaxing and memorable stay.
Kathy and Dean

A chara,
Ba mhaith linn fáilte mhór a chur romhat chuig an Óstan Connemara Sands & Spa agus tá suil againn go mbainfidh sibh taithneamh agus sult as bhur treimhse linn anseo í gcroí-lár Conamara.

Istigh sa pacáiste seo ta eolas le fail ar na h-aiseanna atá ar fail san óstan agus na h- imeachtaí atá ar siúl sa gceantar alainn seo.

Is í an bheatha an cúid larnach don eispéireas anseo sa Connemara Sands. Is féidir leat trial a bháint as “Conamara ar Phláta” deanta suas as tairgí séisúracha atá ar fail go h-áitiúl sa taobh seo tire.

Tá an t-ádh linn go bhfuil múid lonnaithe in ait lán le áilleachtaí ar an Slí an Atlantaigh Fhián, réigiún atá báite agus saibhir sa stair agus cultúr.

Tá reimse mhór aiteanna sa cheantar gur feidir leat cuirt a thabhairt orthú le linn do trémhse anseo pé siúl, rothaíocht nó tiomáint atá tú.

Ar ndoigh tá imeachtaí ar fail anseo ag an Óstan chomh maith. Tá cúirt leadóige taobh thiar den Óstan agus níl múid ach céad méadar ón trá.

Oibríonn an comhlacht “Real Adventures” ag an trá agus tá a lán imeachtaí spóirt uisce á chur ar fail acú ar nós “kayaking”, “Coasteering” agus a leithid.

Más mian leat fanacht tirim is feidir leat lúi siar agus scíth a ligeann taobh istigh sa Spa anseo ag an Sands. Is iomaí rud gur feidir leat a dheanadh anseo, bhfeidir gur “massage” deas atá ag teastail uait. Má sin é an scéal buail isteach chugainn agus ní bheidh tú mí shásta gealaim dúit.

I mbliana tá eispéireas nua ar fail anseo ag an Sands, sin é an “Voya Spa Experience”. Is feidir leat suí isteach sa “Barrel Sauna”, “Toban Te” agus ailleacht na haite a sú isteach agus ina dhiadh sin lui siar sa folcadán feamainne.

Má tá rud ar bith uait le linn duit a bheith linn anseo sa Connemara Sands nil ort ach glaoch sios ag an uimhir 01 agus tabharfaidh múid aire breá duit.

Báin taithneamh as do tréimhse linn anseo sa Connemara Sands & Spa.
Le gach dea-ghuí
Kathy agus Dean

Hotel Information

Please note that this information is a guide only. While we endeavour to keep the contents current at all times there may be changes to the information that is not included in this page. We apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused.

Cancellation Policy 
Please note we do not offer any discount for early departures. Reception (Dial 100) Reception staff are on duty from 9am to 5pm 7 days a week. For help outside of these hours please ask another member of staff.

Check Out Times
HOTEL 
Check in 4pm
Check out 12noon

SELF-CATERING 
Check in 5pm
Check out 10am

Late check out up to 2pm is possible if booked in advance with a fee of €30. Please advise reception staff.

Please, inform reception staff if you would like early morning check out to enable documents to be prepared in advance.

Baggage Store 
We can store your baggage for you in the event you need to wait for check in. Please ask at Reception in advance. This service is complimentary.

Payment Information 
We accept Mastercard & Visa as well as most other major Credit/Debit Cards.
Unfortunately, at this moment in time we do not accept American Express.

Hotel Information

Fire alarm
Please note that smoking inside the hotel may cause the fire alarm to be activated and the building may need to be evacuated.

In the event of the fire alarm sounding a member of staff will call to each room to evacuate if necessary. In the event of a false alarm the sounder will be silenced within 1 minute.

There is no need to vacate the premises in the event of a false alarm. Management apologises in advance for any inconvenience caused by false alarms.

Smoking Policy
We operate a strict non-smoking policy throughout the hotel. Designated smoking areas can be located outside the main door of the hotel.

If cigarette smoke is detected in a room, a charge of €150 to have the room professionally cleaned will be charged to guest room.

Medical Emergency
(dial 100 for reception or 999 for ambulance)
In the event of a medical emergency, please contact reception for assistance at 100

Pet policy
Pets are not permitted in the hotel bedrooms unless special assistance is required.

We do offer pet friendly option for the Self-catering houses at an additional fee. Pets are welcome in hotel communal spaces.

Telephone
Should you wish to use the phone in your room please dial 9 for an outside line then the number you wish to dial.
Dial 100 for Reception.

Hotel Parking & Electric Car Chargers.
Parking in the hotel car park is free of charge. We have our Electric Car Chargers on Site.

The hotel is not liable for vehicles or contents parked on the grounds of the hotel. Please drive within 5mph speed limit when entering and exiting the car park.

Small children can be difficult to see.

Food & Drink

Our Menu
It is inspired with the philosophy of using the freshest ingredients available locally. We are proud to support our local suppliers of the area for sharing our passion for the delicious produce Connemara has to offer.

Breakfast
Served from 8 am – 10.30 am during peak times.

For guests who require breakfast earlier, please arrange with reception the day before or earlier.

From 8am to 9 am, enjoy a leisurely breakfast in peace and quiet.
From 9am to 10:30am enjoy breakfast in an energetic environment however please expect small delays of up to ten minutes during peak season .

Self-catering can purchase breakfast for €25 per adult and €20 per child under 12 years.

Lunch
Served in Sands Bar from 1.00pm to 4.00pm 7 days a week.
Enjoy a light snack of homemade fruit scones with clotted cream and jam available all day

Dinner
Served in Sands Bar each evening.

Cocktails & Drinks
We have a selection of local Connemara brewed draught & bottled beer as well as European. Our Mixologist does both classical & signature cocktails, wines, sparkling, spirits, liquers & Aperitifs.

Sands Bar
Sands bar is open from 12.30pm 7 days a week and stays open late for residents only.

Room Service
Available for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Please see attached room service menus.

Please note that a €5 per tray service charge applies to all room service orders – please dial

Reception for removal of Tray.

Dietary Requirements.
Food safety is very important to us. Food allergen information is noted on all menus. In addition, we kindly ask that you inform your server of any allergen or dietary requirements. Trace amounts of all allergens can be found in the kitchen.

PLEASE NOTE THAT MENUS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. WE APOLOGISE IN ADVANCE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE

WE KINDLY ASK THAT YOU MAKE ADVANCE DINNER RESERVATIONS TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT

APV_6690ASTRIDPVELASQUEZ PHOTOGRAPHY & FILM

Seaweed Spa & Activities

Sands Seaweed Spa

We use Voya Organic Certified Seaweed harvested in the West of Ireland for all our treatments.

Sands Seaweed Spa is open from 10am 7 days a week.

Sands Seaweed Spa offers therapeutic treatments including indoor seaweed baths & outdoor seaweed baths, Hot Tub and our Sauna on the Beach, seaweed wraps, scrubs, hot oil massages & facials.

All Spa Bookings can be directly booked through the Website www.connemarasands-hotel.com

All Outdoor Touchless Treatments can be booked directly through the Website
www.ruggedretreat.ie

Outdoor Seaweed Bath: €60.00 per person
Hot Tub (minimum 2 Guests): €40.00 additional guest extra charge
Sauna & Sea Swim (minimum 2 Guests): €40.00 for 2 guests only extra for additional guests
Seaweed Bath & Hot Tub: €100.00 per person
Seaweed Bath, Hot Tub/Sauna: €120.00 per person

Please see treatment & retail brochure and book your treatment at reception. We advise to make bookings well in advance as it books up very quickly.

Our Voya Retail Products are also available for sale at Reception or during Spa hours. Sands Seaweed Spa offers a selection of Voya seaweed products for purchase.

Please ask your Therapist for advice on suitable products.

We have a List of Products for sale in your room folder.

Activities

There is so much to see and do in Connemara!

Hotel Outdoor Tennis Court complementary

Real Adventures: CS2025 10%
Kylemore Abbey: Connemarasands20 20%
Killary Fjord Boat Tours: SANDS25 20%
Clifden Bike Shop: Contact Directly for Discount.

Please see in your room experience brochure offering information on a variety of onsite and offsite activities

If you do not see what you are looking for…….…………..no problem just ask at reception for expert advice and we will be happy to help.

TV Channels
All our hotel rooms offer a variety of Irish and English aerial and satellite channels.
Please do not attempt to install USB sticks in to the TV.
To switch from Irish to English TV Channels instructions are below your TV

Complimentary WI-FI
We offer complimentary Wi-Fi service throughout the hotel and self-catering houses.
Virgin media is the Wi-Fi supplier.

To connect to Wi-Fi

Select virgin Wi-Fi on your device settings.
Click log in and enter your email address, first and last name.

At times and for reasons beyond our control, the Wi-Fi can be slow or inaccessible.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Room Amenities

Complimentary Tea & Nespresso Coffee provided
Iron & Ironing Board
Safe. Please see instructions provided
Hairdryer
Mini Fridge
Voya Products, which are also available for purchase at Reception
Bamboo Memory Foam Mattress Toppers on Double & King Beds

Emergency

Emergency calls: 999 & 112

Clifden District Hospital 095-21301
Clifden Garda Station 095-22500
Hotel also has an emergency defibrillator on site.
Westdoc general inquiries: 091-747700
Urgent calls 081-836 0000/091-747710

Hotel
Reception 100
Bar 300
Night Porter the above hotel numbers.

Doctors
Clifden Medical Practice 095-21224
Dr. Aongus Flavin 095-35851

Banks
AIB 095-21129
BOI 095-21290

Restaurants
Ardagh Hotel 095-21384
Marconi Restaurant 095-21801
Mitchells 095-21867
Off The Square 095-22281
Vaughan’s Restaurant 095-35864
Willow Tree 095-21717

Bars & Cafes
Lowry’s 095-21347
Guys Bar & Snug 095-21130
McGraths Bar 086-603 9299
Mannion’s Bar 085-216 5982
Griffins Bar 095-30716
Steam Café 095-30600
Up Stairs Downstairs 095-22809

Hairdressers
Hedz 095-22202
Hair Gallery 095-21901
Pauline’s 095-21927

Beauticians
Renew 095-21881

Taxis
Robert Mitchell 087-4161796
Clifden Taxi 095-30000
Lucas 085-1171222

For general enquiries, room service, or 24hr emergency assistance please dial 100

En Francaise Pour toute demande generale, service en chamber ou assistance d’urgence 24h/24 veuillex composer le 100

Auf Deutsch Fur allegemine anfragen, Zimmerservice oder 24-Studen-Notruf wahlen Sie bitte 100 Per domande generali, servizio in camera o assistenza d’emergenza 24 ore su 24 chiamare il numero 100

In Italiano Per domande generali, servizio in camera o assistenza d’emergenza 24 ore su 24 chiamare il numero 100

En español Para consultas generals, servicio de habitaciones o asistencia de emergencia las 24 Horas, marque 100

Real Adventures

We are Real Adventures and we are specialists in outdoor adventure activities and explorations in Connemara. Connemara is home to a beautiful coastline with coves, cliffs, bays, and caves just waiting to be explored. We offer a range of activities that will get you active and rediscovering the fun of the outdoors. Join us for coasteering, kayaking, rock climbing, and surfing with your friends, family, and loved ones to truly experience the Irish coast. Ideal for the young and young at heart!

www.realadventures.ie

Contact Clare on 085-146 2526

Connemara Golf Links

T27 Hole Championship Links course set in the beautiful Connemara, one of Ireland’s top destinations to visit. The course is ranked Number 1 in Galway and was voted Best Links Course in Connaught in 2013, 2016 and 2018!

Beautiful elevated greens and amazing views of the 12 Bens Mountain range and the Atlantic Ocean from almost every hole.

Facilities include

Putting Green, Practice Range, Club Hire, Buggy (Cart) Hire, Trolleys, Golf Lessons, Caddy, Full Bar & Restaurant, Free Wi-Fi, Showers & changing facilities & Proshop.

Open all year round, membership available, visitors welcome. This Golf Course is one of a championship Golf Links well- known worldwide.

Location: Our GPS coordinates are: N53.42100 W10.14419

Directions From Clifden:
Follow signs for Ballyconneely on the coast road. After approx. four miles bear right at Ballyconneely (at Keogh’s Pub). Take first right past Bunowen Castle. Follow Golf Course Road to entrance.

Connemara Smokehouse

Connemara Smokehouse is idyllically perched atop Bunowen Pier, overlooking the raging Atlantic waves and in the shadow of the castle of the famous Pirate Queen.

The smokehouse is located on the very edge of Connemara – a place of enchanting and unspoilt serenity which is outlined with a beautiful jagged coastline.

Visitors to our smokehouse often describe a feeling of being perched at ‘the end of the world’ with the ocean stretching out for thousands of miles before them. It’s a magnificent place which people have fallen in love with for centuries and a home of which we are very proud.

Connemara Smokehouse has won an array food awards and is a favourite of chefs – celebrity and otherwise – both in Ireland and internationally.

Among the many prestigious accolades amassed by Connemara Smokehouse are:

Georgina Campbell – Irish Breakfast Award
Irish Food Writers’ Guild Awards

www.smokehouse.ie

Killary Boat Tours

The incredibly beautiful inlet is dramatically surrounded by mountains and forms a natural border between Galway and Mayo.

A fine addition to any Galway Road Trip, the area can be admired from land and water (on one of the Killary boat tours).

Sailing Times
April/October: 12:30 & 2:30
May/September: 10:30, 12:30 & 2:30
June /July/August: 10:30, 12:30, 2:30 & 4:00

Prices

ADULT: €27.00
SENIOR/students: €23.00
STUDENT: €21.50
YOUTH (11 – 17): €15.00
CHILD (0 – 10) FREE
FAMILY YOUNG CHILDREN (0-10 yrs) €54.00
FAMILY OLDER CHILDREN (11-17 yrs): €69.00

**Family ticket includes up to 6 children. “Older Children” refers to children aged 11 and over.

Promo Code for 20% Discount is SANDS25

Book on line: www.killaryfjord.ie

DK Connemara Oysters

Oyster Farm Tours & Oyster Picnics

A tour of the DK Connemara Oyster Farm is truly a sensory experience.

Smell the fresh wild Atlantic air amid stunning scenery and enjoy the succulent Taste of the Atlantic. See the farm crew working hard in the water to grow the most perfectly formed oysters. Shuck your own oyster as you learn more about the process of producing our perfect oysters. Finish your tour with a taste of our beautiful fresh oysters!

Originally the whole of the Dawros peninsula belonged to J McSheehy Esq to whom licence number 171 was granted on 9 November 1893. On 13 April 1894 this was confirmed on appeal by the Lord Lieutenant and Privacy Council of Ireland. In 1897 the whole estate including the oyster licence and associated fisheries were sold to JJ Darcy. During the period 1900 to 1912 there were several interested parties and eventually they were acquired by the West of Ireland Fisheries who maintained and worked them until 1937 when they were taken over by East Atlantic Fisheries.

In 1941 to 1962 they were the property of a gentleman named Shields who sold them to a French national J Mauger whose family continued to maintain an interest in the fisheries until 2014. In 2014 David Keane FCPA formed a wholly owned Irish company to acquire and run the business. The last few years have been spent restoring the farm and with the help of our hard- working staff we have successfully reignited the magical taste of Connemara Oysters from Ballinkill Bay.

Ballinakill Bay,
Dawros,
Letterfrack
Co. Galway
H91AC6K

oysters@dkconnemaraoysters.com