Nature spot · County Galway

Bá Bhun Abhann

Bunowen Bay

Beach

Bunowen Bay — Photo: Fáilte Ireland

The EPA does not monitor this beach for bathing water, so there is no water-quality record. Check locally and follow the signs before you swim.

On the eastern side of the Slyne Head promontory is Bunowen Bay, a small, sheltered beach with crystal clear waters.

Not far from the beach is a small harbour, where you'll find the Connemara Smokehouse. On the other side of the promontory is Connemara Golf Club, a links style course laid out in the rocky landscape that is typical of the region.

Outdoors in County Galway this week

Best day outdoors: Sun, 1 Nov — dry by day, light winds, up to 11°C

Thu, 29 Oct14° / 11°Scattered cloudsGreat day outdoors
Fri, 30 Oct15° / 10°Grey cloudGreat day outdoors
Sat, 31 Oct13° / 5°Grey cloudGood day outdoors
Sun, 1 Nov11° / 4°Clear weather sunGreat day outdoors

Forecast: Met Éireann · outdoor rating by Winsome Planet

Make a day of it

The nearest trails, beaches, woods and heritage within 25 km.

Trails & walks

Trail · 8.8 km awayMarconi Loop4.5 km1 hr 45 minEasyLoopThe walk follows a roadway and gravel tracks with small sections of boardwalk through sensitive areas, as it passes through the Industrial Heritage site of the first commercial wireless radio station, also the landing…

Trail · 11 km awayClifden Cycle Hub Loop 116 km1 hr 15 minChallengingLoopThe Sky Road Loop follows the route of the Sky Road around the peninsula between Streamstown and Clifden Bays, with a section along the N59. The terrain is relatively flat, particularly towards the end of the peninsula…

Beaches & bathing waters

Beach · 2.3 km awayAillebrack/Silverhill BeachWater quality: Excellent (2025)<p dir="LTR" align="LEFT">Aillebrack/Silverhill is a beautiful sandy beach located on the Ballyconneely Peninsula in County Galway. The beach is located approximately 5 km west of the village of Ballyconneely and is…

Beach · 5.5 km awayMannin Bay, BallyconneelyDogs on a leadMannin Bay located to the southwest of Clifden has a small roadside beach which you enter from the small car park. The sand is made up of the remains of a type of coralline seaweed and the skeletal remains of barnacles…

Parks, gardens & islands

Nature spot · 19 km awayGlinsk (Cé na Glinsce)BeachA small, secluded sandy beach with lovely views of the bay and its many rocky outcrops.

Nature spot · 20 km awayConnemara National ParkParkLetterfrackVisit County Galway and explore the spectacular Connemara National Park. It covers some 3,000 hectares of scenic mountains, expansive bogs, glorious grasslands and enchanting woodlands.

Nature spot · 21 km awayCashel House Hotel GardensGardenConnemaraStanding at the head of Cashel Bay, County Galway is Cashel House Hotel and Gardens, a mid 19th century gracious country house. Set in 20 hectares, the hotel boasts beautiful, award winning gardens and woodland walks.