Carna Accommodation Including Cashel, Kilkieran, Rosmuck
Carna, in the heart of Gaeltacht on the shores of Galway Bay is an area where Irish is the everyday language. This is an area rich in ancient culture and tradition. In the sixth century St. McDara built a small church on one of the islands off the coast. The unique stone roof of the church has recently been restored. The saints feast day is celebrated in mid July when people make their way to island for the celebration of mass. This is also an area renowned for its skilled boat makers the best known of these being the Galway Hookers and the small craft used commonly along the west coast called the currach.
Patrick Pearse (1879 - 1916) - the executed leader of the 1916 uprising, spent some of his leisure time in this modest thatched cottage where he took the opportunity to improve his knowledge of the Irish language among the local speakers. The interior, although burned during the War of Independence, has been reconstructed and contains a number of mementoes of Pearse, the idealistic school teacher, whose rebellion and death are considered to have been a turning point in Irish history. Guided tours available on request. Access for people with disabilities is restricted.
Cashel Bay
Lying at the head of the beautiful Cashel Bay the townland derives its name from the ringfort or cashel which surrounds the present day graveyard. Cashel Hill stands majestic at the top of the bay. It is worth taking a walk up this hill. From the summit one can behold some of the most breathtaking views of the surrounding area. There is also a megalithic tomb. Hundreds of lakes lie amid the bogs, the Twelve Bens and Maamturks to the north and the sandy coves and glistening seaweed of the waters of Bertraghboy Bay.
Currach Racing
Currach are traditional rowing boats still much used in the Aran Islands and all along the west coast. They are made of wooden slats which are then covered in several layers of tar. In the olden days they would have been covered in hide. They were designed thus because wood was (is) scarce along the coastal region. They are versatile boats, able to carry large heavy loads as they are so buoyant.
Traditionally they are manned by a crew of three, and they carry it up the beach to store it upside down to protect it, sitting it on trestles or large stones. Quite often nowadays they are fitted with outboard motors but the basic design is the same as it has been for generations. Currach racing is also popular along the west coast.
Carna Dun
Carna Dun (below) is one of the most famed Connemara ponies. His influence on the Connemara pony breed was a profound pedigree and lasting one. He was on the Society stallion list from 1951 until 1966 but he remained in the district and available to mare owners for a further seven years. In the 1960's the Clifden show ring winners were dominated by his progeny and for this reason he became a very popular sire. He endowed his young stock with the extra quality, freedom of action and presence, which was required as the breed moved on from the traditional work pony to the all purpose popular riding pony of the 70's and 80's.
The well-known Carna Loughs are a group of lakes in the Carna-Kilkieran district of south Connemara. They all hold brown trout and occasional sea trout. The sea trout run from mid-June and fishing lasts from then until the end of September or early October, depending on the weather. Carna Anglers' Association control the fishing on Lough Keeraun, Lough Truskan, Lough Sheedagh and Lough Skannive.
Carna is situated at the head of Iorras Aintheach Peninsula and is an ideal place from which to explore this vast area of rocky hills, lakes, endless shorelines with fine sandy beaches and islands. It is also a lobster fishing centre and University College Galway operates a marine biology station here. One can now drive on to Maoinis (Mweenish) Island, where many of the old Connemara sailing craft (Galway Hooker,Gleoiteoigs, Leath Bhaids and Pucans) were built, and enjoy the wonderful views of deep blue/green seas filled with islands stretching as far as the eye can see southwards towards Golam Head off Lettermullen.
