The 'Bog & Beach' Experience

"An exceptional residential experience in an international award-winning cultural retreat."

The Bogland & Seashore of Conamara

Connect with nature on relaxed guided walks  |  Stimulate your taste buds with local artisan foods  |  Enjoy an inspiringly creative rush-craft workshop  |  Experience authentic local Irish culture  |  Stay in distinctive accommodation in a Conamara hill-village.       ..... & breathe in the pure fresh air of Conamara's seashore & bogland!

"A beautifully restored hill village that literally sits on layers of Irish history, Cnoc Suain offers a thorough immersion in local culture." Travel + Leisure Magazine.

A Walk on the Wild Side !

Experience the Natural history & archaeology of the Conamara landscape with a Nature workshop & guided walks. Engage, if you wish, in a stimulating discussion on the environment & sustainability.

Trace the human story of life in Conamara - in the bog & by the sea - down through the millennia.

Enjoy a stroll on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean and explore Conamara's coastline habitat.  Learn of seaweeds many uses - in cooking, health-care, cosmetics & gardening.

Explore the wondrous nature of Conamara's Ancient Bogland - it's mysterious flora & fauna, powers of preservation & use in skin care  ....... and also, of it's fascinating role in Climate Change.

The Flavours of Local Foods

Delight in a unique tasting menu of locally sourced food - organic where possible.

Experience a traditional cooking demonstration of Irish Soda Bread, Carrigeen Moss Pudding.

Enjoy Herb garden experiences - the traditional uses of herbs and wild plants, including nettles !

An Irish Cultural Evening

Join in a memorable Irish evening of music, song, dance & storytelling - hear the haunting & distinctive sounds of Gaelic song & poetry by the open fire. If you wish, participate in an Irish céilí dance ... an enjoyable fun occasion !

Learn phrases, salutations & a song in the Gaelic language.

"While we ourselves are bilingual (Gaelic & English speakers), the ‘Bog & Beach' Experience is conducted in the English language (with some Gaelic phrases used)." Dearbhaill Standún & Charlie Troy.

The 'Bog & Beach' residential experience is suited to Independent travellers and groups.

"The hill-village includes tiny dry-stone wall cottages, fabulously unfussy and toasty, with underfloor heating and walk-in showers, beds are cosy and window cills deep and whitewashed." Alastair Sawday's  ' Ireland Guide '.

Included:- The above mentioned programme (Friday evening to Sunday morning), 2 nights accommodation, 2 Dinners, 1 Lunch (Day 2), Tea/Coffee breaks, Breakfast (self-catering) - ingredients supplied in the cottages. Taxes & gratuities.

Not included:- Transportation to/from Cnoc Suain.

"All this is laid on, in one of my favourite natural retreats, by two of the finest hosts I know, leading conservationists of both natural and cultural heritage, Dearbhaill Standún and Charlie Troy." Catherine Mack, The Irish Times.

The 'Bog & Beach' Experience - for dates & rates - please contact: Cnoc Suain