Right on the beautiful white coral strand at Mannin Bay, near Clifden, this boutique-style four star hotel is blessed with a dream location. It's a perfect holiday destination, especially for families, also a great place to drop into when touring Connemara.
The unusual, colourful style of the Connemara Sands is striking on arrival and continues throughout the public areas, although decor in the accommodation is much simpler and restful.
Rooms in the hotel include some superb two-bedroom family suites which not only have a double and twin bedroom plus a separate living area, but each of these seaview gems also has its own private decked patio area and access to the beach. Quality self-catering accommodation is also available on site and there's a 'Sandy the Seal' kids' club in the summer school holidays.
With so much to do on the doorstep there is an emphasis on outdoor activities - golf, horseriding, coasteering and many more - but there's also a Voya Seaweed Spa for those who prefer pampering.
There has always been a focus on good local food at the hotel and, in 2017, the bar was raised in no uncertain manner with the arrival of renowned Executive Head Chef Stefan Matz and Head Chef Sinead Quinn who are responsible for the food in both the new fine dining experience, Erriseask Restaurant at Connemara Sands Hotel, and The Sands Bar where casual meals are served.
The Sands Bar
Cocktails, craft beers and ciders, good coffees and interesting food based on locally sourced seasonal ingredients are all part of the fun at this family-friendly casual dining destination - and there's often music here as well. It's a good place to drop into for afternoon tea too.
Erriseask Restaurant at Connemara Sands Hotel
A homecoming for Stefan Matz, who ran the iconic Erriseak House Hotel here in the 1990s with his brother, Christian - and earned national acclaim for stunning cooking that showcased the foods of Connemara as they had never been seen (or tasted ) before. Now - working in a theatre style kitchen at the centre of the dining room - Stefan and Head Chef Sinead Quinn present “Connemara on a Plate”, a contemporary celebration of the best seaonal ingredients that Connemara has to offer. As always with Stefan Matz, you can expect simple menus and elegant, flavourful cooking.
