Restful Stays at Cnoc Suain… 

  

Stay

β€œStaying in one of these cozy cottages is one of the most authentic experiences you could have in Ireland."

- National Geographic

Nestled into a secluded quarter of Cnoc Suain, lies β€˜An Baile Íochtar’ (The Lower Village), a cluster of enchanting slate-roofed and thatched stone cottages.

In harmony with the surrounding fragile ecosystem, these cottages have been lovingly restored and reimagined with reclaimed timber, salvaged slates, local field stone and a renewable heating system.

Situated in the Conamara Gaeltacht (Irish / Gaelic speaking region) on the Mountain Road between the villages of An SpidΓ©al and Maigh Cuilinn, An Baile Íochtar is immersed in the tranquil surrounds of Cnoc Suain’s privately owned 200 acre nature sanctuary, conveniently located just 5km from the coast, on the Wild Atlantic Way, and 15 km from Galway City, Ireland’s cultural capital.

  • An Sceach Gheal

    Enchanting centuries-old two-bedroom thatched roof cottage

  • An Nead

    Artist’s quirky and cosy one-bedroom Bangor-slate roof cottage

The Grounds

Described by one of Connemara’s leading archaeologists, Michael Gibbons, as a β€œmini national park”, Cnoc Suain’s landscape is laced with natural & built heritage, from quaking Atlantic bog pools to a c3,000 year old standing stone. Guests can enjoy being fully immersed in this privately-owned owned 200 acre Special Area of Conservation during their stay.

Cnoc Suain is home to many native wildlife including hares, stoats, badgers, fox, bats and a wide variety of birds, both native and migratory, making it an excellent place for birdwatching, particularly during the nesting months beginning in March and through to September.

On clear nights, count the stars from your cottage door, or grab the torch and walk to the top of the hill where the standing stone is to get a full 360 degree view. Watch beautiful sunrises from this same spot and breath-taking sunsets over the vast, open bogland.

We have a small herd of Kerry Bog Ponies who graze our bogland in summer and the green fields in winter. (Please note - Unfortunately we cannot guarantee that you will see/meet the ponies during your stay as they graze and help us manage many acres that are not all accessible to guests.) The Kerry Bog Pony is Ireland's rarest native equine breed. Once used as a pack animal to transport, peat, seaweed and other heavy loads, their numbers declined over the years. However, although now recognised as an endangered breed, there has been growing interest in this hardy pony in recent decades. Able to withstand the harshest Irish winter, these ponies adapted, and were bred, to live and work on the bog, with their sturdiness, sure-footedness, and distinctive high-knee action. As browsers and selective grazers, they live in harmony with the land, grazing the various delights of our blanket bogland here at Cnoc Suain, while allowing flora and fauna to flourish.

Don’t let wet weather stop you from exploring the grounds - grab a pair of of our guest wellington boots available for use during your stay.

We would like to let guests know that there are wind turbines in the locality, however they do not impact your stay at Cnoc Suain.

View our PHOTO GALLERY for images of Cnoc Suain.

       

                  Connemara &                

          Surrounding Region Here      

        What our guests say…      

  • If a rating higher than 5 stars was available, that’s what this accommodation deserves! An actual dream to stay in, the innate magic you feel just from being on the grounds, to the wonderful things we encountered during our stay, such as seeing their lovely ponies at sunset, exploring the amazing habitat of the bog, the standing stone on the property, and much more. The cottage we stayed in was both out of a fairytale and a step back in time to living in the Irish country side. A true labor of love this place is, with absolutely wonderful hosts, stunning grounds (with beautiful Connemara to explore nearby, and Galway city close, too), and we felt so fortunate to have been able to stay here. Will absolutely be back our next trip around!

    Megan

  • Just as all the other reviews state, this place is a dream. Breathtaking surroundings, very comfortable and clean, and worth every penny. Hosts are fantastic, provide plenty of recommendations, and everything in the home is explained in detail. I wouldn't stay anywhere else near Galway, and would recommend at least 2 nights here if you're passing through.

    Joshua

  • The reviews from previous guests were so high I was wondered if it could possibly live up to my expectations, but I worried for nothing. This was perhaps the best trip we have had anywhere in the world. The cottage was simply, but sweetly appointed, with an "Indiana Jones" type story to go along with it. The rest of the property was really something special too, and located in an area of Ireland that was breathtakingly beautiful to explore. The warm and welcoming hosts were full of historical, ecological, and cultural knowledge about Cnoc Suain and the surrounding area. I don't simply want to return again, I wish I could live here! Charlie and Dearbhaill have won awards for being Ireland's best cultural experience. If you are coming to the area I guarantee you will not be disappointed in your stay here.

    Carol

  • The cottage itself just optimises Irish culture from the local produce that was waiting for us, through to the Irish music and books. The location was ideal it was just a short distance from the beach and a short drive to Galway. Every little touch was thought of and I was really impressed that all of the cleaning product was Eco and sourced locally. I really loved it and we will be back.

    Greg & Josh

  • Cnoc Suain is a magical place. It is the perfect combination of historic and comfortable. You will feel like you have stepped back in time, while still having everything you could possible need for a peaceful stay. The location is removed but not remote, and will itself be one of the highlights of your sightseeing. The Troy family is wonderful to work with, communicative, helpful and informative. I will remember and dream of this trip for a lifetime.

    Liz

  • This was one of the nicest and cutest places I have ever stayed in. The hosts were very sweet and caring. The location was perfect balance between feeling isolated in the country side, but also a short drive away to the nearest town. We will most probably stay here again.

    Abdulla

  • The cottage is a gem. Charming, cozy, and full of character. We were there such a short couple of days and wish we could have settled in longer. The bird song was incredible, and the delicious breakfast set out for our stay. We loved the array of books and the music provided. This was a great entry into Ireland for us.

    Scott

  • This is an amazing place to stay outside of Galway. It's so quiet and peaceful. It is a great place to unplug and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The hosts are amazing, the service was very personable and they thought of everything you could need. I can't recommend this place enough!

    Katie

  • A beautiful place 🀍 Serene and peaceful, and a great base for day trips into Galway city and to the Aran Islands!

    Poppy