Two years ago, I drove to catch the ferry from Cleggan Pier to Inishbofin, and I’ll never forget the drive after bypassing Galway, heading towards Clifden through Maam Cross. The sheer beauty of the landscape took my breath away. So when the chance came up for a Connemara road trip, I jumped at it. First stop: the unique village of Leenane and a two-night stay at the Delphi Resort, tucked into the spectacular Delphi Valley on the northern shore of Killary Fjord – Ireland’s only fjord.
If you love resorts that are a little off the beaten track, packed with things for families to do and hidden away in the heart of the Connemara mountains, the Delphi Resort is a perfect choice. The resort reveals itself around a curved road, and as you drive in, it feels like stepping into a scene from The Hobbit. The hotel’s exterior is so magical, with two front windows that look like eyes and a curved frontage built from wood, slate and concrete boulders. There are endless nooks and crannies for the kids to explore – but somehow they always end up back at reception!
Top class dining is what you can expect here with a great range of food choices in the restaurant and also in the bar all washed down with a signature bespoke cocktail. There is a gorgeous library where you can go have some quiet time while watching the children in the playground, from the comfort of a cosy armchair.
What I love most about this hotel is that it’s not just a stay – it’s an adventure break. With over 20 unique activities in the Delphi Adventure Centre – for both kids and adults, there’s something for everyone. They have kayaking on the Killary Fjord, zip lining, a bog obstacle course, mountain biking, tunnelling, hiking, orienteering, bushcraft – the list goes on. You should never hear the words ‘I’m bored’ from the kids while here. And if adventure’s not your thing, the adults can unwind in the Delphi Spa, taking in the incredible mountain views from the comfort of their large jacuzzi.
There’s a great mix of accommodation too – from hostel-style dorms to spacious balcony suites and even two-storey suites that are perfect for bigger families – ideal for bringing the grandparents along. The two-bed suites can sleep up to seven and are spacious and cosy. The interiors echo the beauty outside, with earthy tones and soft textures, while features like the grey slate walls in the courtyard subtly blend the landscape into the unique hotel design. What I found most inspiring here was the cultural blend of the hospitality and adventure hub team. The team are a mix of nationalities from all over the world and it was great to hear about all their travel experiences and stories. You can tell they loved their jobs and working in this beautiful location. The Delphi was established in 1982 and began as an adventure place for local children and has expanded over the years. Their returning customers are testament to what this hotel means to many families and generations who have been coming back year after year. This hotel is highly recommended for families and I look forward to visiting again. My only negative is that we wanted more time, so aim for five days, if your planning to visit in the Summer.
The Connemara Sands Hotel was our next stop for a night. We took the Connemara Loop drive towards Clifden and added a stop at the stunning Dog’s Bay beach. This beach is a 20 minute drive from the Connemara Sands Hotel and an hour from the Delphi Resort Hotel. It is well worth a visit and I recommend stopping in the quaint Roundstone village for a cuppa, an ice cream or a creamy pint of Guinness.
Dog’s Bay beach has the whitest sand I have seen at a beach in Ireland and the sea is aqua blue on a good sunny day, it’s equally still as beautiful on a mild, spring day. A quick dip and a hot cuppa and we are on our way to the hotel. I can see how this part of Galway is an artist’s dream with mountains that seem to go on forever. The charming villages like Leenane will keep you enamoured with their picturesque locations and kitsch shops on the side of the roads.
My first impression of the Connemara Sands Hotel is of a giant beach house where the whole family have come along to meet up for the weekend. The constant flow of people coming and going certifies it as a popular spot. You have a mix of coastal vibes on the sandy beaches, scenic mountain drives on winding roads while driving through charming villages rich in history – it has a bit of everything that is authentic and traditional about Galway. Don’t forget to look out for the beautiful Connemara ponies too, right from your hotel window overlooking Mannin Bay.
The furnishings are a mix of bright aquamarine, lively reds and earthy tones while also remaining bright and airy throughout the hotel. There’s a real mix of tradition and modern. It feels like the outside is inside and your been embraced by the sea. The circular mirrors and window port holes throughout the hotel make you feel like you are on a ship and stopping at a port in Connemara. And you can’t visit this hotel without experiencing the unique seaweed baths, outdoor jacuzzi, plunge pools and outside mobile sauna located right on Mannin bay, a short stroll from the hotel. It is a unique wellbeing experience in the wilds of Connemara.
Whether you’re staying in the valley shrouded by the spectacular mountains or beside a picturesque beach with sand the colour of snow, there’s plenty of places to visit, or treat yourself to some self-care treats. For me it’s a mix of both, the children can run free and exhaust themselves in the adventure park of the Delphi Resort or I can soak in a seaweed bath overlooking the most stunning landscape of the West of Ireland.
Pack up the car and head off on a adventure road trip to Galway. You will come back entranced, revitalised and exhausted; a perfect family adventure.
Published in the Irish Daily Mail on 24/5/2025
Travel facts
Two bedroom suites at Delphi Resort start from €300 per night (remember you could split this between two families) Mini-Staycation -2 Nights Midweek B&B with Extras & 1 evening dinner, Room Per Night From €369 www.delphiadventureresort.com
The Delphi Adventure Centre activities are all individually priced – Delphi Adventure Center
Connemara Sands Hotel Superior Suite which sleeps up to 4 people approx. €300 per night including breakfast. Or they have self-catering houses available, pet friendly for €350 per night (you could split the costs between a larger family group) www.connemarasands-hotel.com