Things to do in Connemara, Western Ireland: The Best Museums

Buried beneath the Connemara Mountain lies a way of life long abandoned and almost forgotten just waiting for you to explore! Let the team at Glengowla Mines lead you on a journey of discovery of how lead and silver were mined from the roots of the Connemara Mountains in the 1800’s. The constant dripping of water, the ‘miners breath’ and if you are brave enough - a moment of darkness will set the scene! Delve into the depths of Glengowla mines where you can explore the caverns of marble studded with lead and silver. Follow the veins of copper pyrite which will lead you to the ‘miners gold’ - Galena. Marvel at the rare and beautiful crystals of quartz and fluorite. Learn of the working conditions the miners worked under before the mines closed in 1865. A firm favourite with adults and children alike is to pan for gold and gems at our gold panning station and keep any gems you find! Not only will you enjoy guided tours of the mines,

Ceardlann/Spiddal Craft & Design Studios is a small complex of craft workshops situated right on the coast of Galway Bay, with beautiful views of the Burren and the Aran Islands.Visitors get a chance to see some of Ireland's finest craft items being made right in front of their eyes. The crafts include Handweaving, Jewellery and Stained Glass making, Screenprinting, and various forms of art, Traditional Basket Weaving and a Photographic Studio. An Spailpin Fanach, the Irish Cultural shop, produces it's own unique designs in quality T-Shirts and Hoodies, as well as a wide range of books and music, representative of this Gaelic speaking area. The craft village also boasts one of the finest cafes in Ireland, An Builin Blasta. IIt certainly is well worth a visit.

We have been making unique porcelain and stoneware in Roundstone since 1981. Rosemarie O'Toole decorates porcelain thrown by her husband Seamus Laffan. She also makes an extensive range of porcelain jewellery. Her artwork on paper is available framed and unframed. A wide range of durable handmade tiles decorated by Rosemarie is on offer & we can design plaques for house names or business use. We also make a wide range of distinctive domestic stoneware and are happy to take on orders for same. Our work is available exclusively from our studio, opening daily 10-6. Off season please ring to confirm but we are there most days. It should not be confused with the imported industrial ware sold as ' Roundstone Pottery ' throughout the country since 2011, which has no connection with us or this village.

Joyce's Craft Shop has been owned and managed by the Joyce family for over three generations. We specialise in the best of Irish craft, both traditional and contemporary. The Joyce family also own and mange the famous 'Connemara Green Marble' quarries. We always stock our own marble jewellery, as well as an extensive range of Irish blankets and throws. We have an eclectic bookshop and a great selection of Irish woollen sweaters. Joyce's Craft Shop regularly commissions unique pieces of craft that are sold only here.