Roundstone: Coast, Harbour and Culture

Roundstone offers a range of things to explore during your stay: the coastal scenery around Dog’s Bay and Gurteen Beach, the history of the harbour and local crafts. The harbour is close to the village centre; paths start in the village or follow the shoreline from there. You can focus on coastal views, local history or seasonal cultural events.

Coast and paths from Roundstone

About two miles from Roundstone, on the road to Clifden, lies the tombolo of Dog’s Bay and Gurteen Beach. Dog’s Bay has a horseshoe-shaped white sand beach, with sand made entirely of shell fragments. The beaches are near Roundstone, not in the village itself.

The route up Errisbeg Hill starts in the village. From the summit, there are views of the coast, including Gurteen Beach and Dog’s Bay; visibility depends on the weather. The Ervallagh walk follows the shoreline from Roundstone and reaches a small harbour after about 30 minutes. Weather and shoreline conditions can affect this route. The two walks offer different experiences: Errisbeg Hill focuses on the summit and coastal views, while the Ervallagh walk follows the shoreline and ends at the small harbour.

Harbour and local history

Roundstone’s harbour is close to the village centre and was established in the mid-1820s by Scottish engineer Alexander Nimmo. St. Mary’s Church was built in the 19th century and became the centre of a growing community of fishermen, farmers and craftspeople. The harbour and church offer insight into different aspects of the village’s history.

Culture and crafts

The Roundstone Fairy Trail combines storytelling for children with local information for adults. The annual Arts Week programme includes a music trail, street performers and visual art exhibitions.

Roundstone’s traditional craft centre offers pottery, musical instruments, silver, Celtic jewellery and handmade stoneware. The selection of goods at individual businesses may change.

The Roundstone Music and Craft Shop is housed within the walls of a former Franciscan monastery. Bodhráns are sold there and can be hand-painted with Celtic designs or a family crest. The shop also offers coffee and an outdoor picnic area beside the bell tower of the former monastery, right by the water. Check the current availability of these offerings before visiting.

Market and food

The Roundstone Country Market is held on Sundays during the summer, from 11 am to 4 pm, at the tennis court beside Roundstone Hall. The selection may vary from one market day to another and includes freshly caught fish, organically grown fruit and vegetables, homemade cheeses, locally baked bread and pastries, and handmade goods. Fresh crêpes, fudge, coffee and Irish ice cream are also available.

O’Dowd’s Seafood Bar, Restaurant, and Café in Roundstone is renowned for fresh local seafood and a pint of Guinness. Before travelling, check the dates of Arts Week and the Country Market, as well as current availability at the shop and O’Dowd’s.

Discover more destinations: Athenry, Headford, Castlegar, Cleggan, Ballinasloe, Furbo, Barna, Maam Cross

For the main travel overview: Galway.