Cnoc Suain Cultural Heritage and Nature Experiences

Authentic Irish cultural experience

in an atmosphere of learning and fun!

Cnoc Suain Culture, Nature & Heritage Experience

“Ireland’s Best Cultural Experience” - ITIC Awards 2017

An immersive exploration through time and place at Cnoc Suain, an enchanting hillside settlement nestled within a special area of conservation in Connemara on the west coast of Ireland. Your hosts are natural scientist Charlie Troy and local native Gaelic speaker and musician Dearbhaill Standún, both teachers and co-founders of Cnoc Suain.

Marvel at the mysteries and wonders of the surrounding Atlantic blanket bogland and explore the intriguing culture and environmental importance of this ancient landscape. In Tigh Ellen - our lovingly restored 200-year old thatched cottage - listen to fascinating stories of customs and tradition, past and present. In our Gathering House, you will be introduced to aspects of Traditional Irish Music and given an opportunity to learn and participate in a Traditional Irish folk group dance.

Booking Information

Cnoc Suain Experiences are for Organised Groups Only - Tour Operators, Incentive Groups, Special Interest Groups, Academia

We do not take bookings directly from independent travellers

Pre-booking is required

A minimum group rate applies

Participants must be 16 + years of age

Student Groups: Cnoc Suain offers immersive learning packages for University and College students - see our Academic page.

For Further Information or to make a Booking:

Please complete the contact form below or email us info@cnocsuain.com

Contact us

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Message (PLEASE NOTE: Cultural Experiences are for Organised Groups only (eg Tour Operators, Incentives, Special Interest, Academia). We do not take bookings directly from independent travellers)

What our visitors say…

This was a wonderful experience for learning about the rural culture of Ireland. The presenters were warm, welcoming and entertaining. We learned how to make bread and how families lived in the restored cottage. We were given a fascinating presentation on the bogs and hands on demonstration of the production and uses of Sphagnum (bog moss). The tour ended with a demonstration of some of the musical instruments of Ireland and learning a dance. It was a truly enjoyable experience.
Ruth B.
I was in a tour group and this was one of the day trips. What an amazing experience! Off the beaten path (as it should be) you go back in time to learn about the making of peat blocks for warmth, bread making for food, and song and dance for fun. Loved it!
Lorraine P.
Great historical area! Loved learning about the history and being able to interact with the culture of the area.
Joanna C.
A couple hours while on tour with Collette. Very informative of the life in this area. Home life, information on the importance of the bog and music/dancing. Well worth the time.
Gregg H.
We had a wonderful experience touring a traditional Irish farmstead with its buildings and their functions, the learning demonstration of Charlie's talk about formation of peat bog and how the people harvest and use peat, the demonstration with the recipe of making soda bread and tasting it, and the thrill of live Irish music and a dance lesson in Irish dance. Very impressive!
Deanna S.
Great way to learn about the "old" Ireland. A husband and wife team teach you about how the Irish lived and ate (with a demonstration of baking brown bread), and about their music. Got a demonstration on the tin whistle and accordian. Then some of our group got to dance a jig. The lecture on the peat bog was fascinating - only thing better would have been to actually go out in one.
Judith C.
We visited as a group which is the only way to visit if not staying at the cottage. It was wonderful. The husband and wife are passionate about teaching the history of the community. We enjoyed it. The surrounding scenery is amazing.
Donna M.

PLEASE NOTE : Cnoc Suain is not open on a drop-in basis.