‘For solitude, the Atlantic beaches along the West Coast of Ireland are unbeatable: mile upon mile of deserted sands, blustery, melancholy and magnificent. This bleak and fractured coast is at its best at Tallabaun Strand, Louisburgh. Its virtually uninterrupted seven-mile stretch of hard sands interspaced with rocky pools and little coves. There are dunes beyond the sand and marshland beyond the dunes and rarely another soul in sight’

WHAT HOLIDAY MAGAZINE

Down from the house, the vista of Silver Strand stretches into the distance. Fringed by ocean and dunes, its broad expanse of sand extends for miles towards a rocky headland. Just five minutes’ walk and you are there, with little more for company than Gulls and Oystercatchers.

A left turn will take you towards the dooagh, where the dunes turn into peaty moors and green fields where you can camp in the lee of Mweelrea, pictured here nestled beneath the cloud. A brave hiker can summit the mountain on a clear day and gaze at the panorama below them.

To the right, a walk along the coast takes you to Devlin, a perfect spot for a beach barbeque and rock pooling. Go straight, and in half an hour you reach a rocky crag – an ideal spot to throw out a spinner for Mackerel and Pollack amid the crashing waves, or enjoy a cold beer as the sun sets. If you carry on hugging the coast, you reach White Strand.

Activities

On arrival our house manager will show you a folder detailing the fabulous activities the area has to offer. She will be on hand to help you experience as much of this as you like.

Surfing/Kite surfing

The area has a reputation for some of the best surfing in Europe, and is the site of the legendary Aileen. Board and wetsuit rental at Carrowniski Strand | The shallow incline of Silver Strand and exposure to the wind makes it excellent for kitesurfing

Walking

Mweelrea, the mysterious mountain range, its lakes and streams and 360 views | Croagh Patrick, the site of an annual pilgrimage to its summit monastery | Delphi, for inland walks by rivers and through woods

Fishing

Beach casting for Cod, Sea Bass, and Plaice | Spin from the rocks for Mackerel and Pollack

Island Visits

Inis Turk, Inis Boffin, and Inis Clare offer the chance to stay with the isolated communities at the outermost reaches of Ireland’s West

Wildlife

The naturally lonely setting is rich with wildlife, including Hares, Whales, Dolphins, Seals, Otters, Curlews, Whooper Swans, Terns, Oystercatchers, Starlings, and Ravens: bring your binoculars!

Eating and Drinking

Plenty of pubs, bars, and restaurants in Louisburgh and Westport. Closest is a 10 minute drive

Adventure Activities

Delphi Adventure Centre offers a range of wet and dry adventure activities, such as coasteering, high-ropes, archery, and raft building