5 Activities for a Rainy Day in Connemara

We know that the weather in the West of Ireland is less than predictable, it will be forecast for sunshine in the morning and by the afternoon you’ll be wishing you packed your raincoat. While the Galway Connemara region has some of the most beautiful and natural landscapes the world has to offer, it’s hard to appreciate it in the pouring rain. 

As a mother of two, I know the dreaded feeling of having your day's plans go out the window because the weather decided to change its mind. That’s why I put together this list of 5 things to do in Connemara indoors, so you can enjoy those days you are looking to take cover and dry off!

Of course I had to place Connemara Sheep & Wool Centre at the top of the list! For over 25 years, our family business has been welcoming individuals, families and tour groups. Explore the rich history of Connemara’s past and get an insight into the history of the local Irish sheep farming, woollen industry, and the process of how sheep’s fleece is made into cloth in our woolcraft tours with Seamus our amazing Weaver and let the children try wool carding and spinning for themselves. 

Buy Irish gifts to remember your stay in our gift shop and stock up on knitting wool and crafts tools, before being tempted by our homemade cakes in Killary Cafe and wander down the Art Corridor. 

The constant dripping of water, the “miner's breath” and if you are brave enough - a moment of darkness will set the scene! Delve into the depths of Glengowla mines where you can explore the caverns of marble, studded with lead and silver. Follow the veins of copper pyrite which will lead you to the ‘miner's gold’ - Galena. 

Glengowla Mines & Family Farm Experience offers a fun day out for all! Buried beneath the Connemara Mountain lies a way of life long abandoned and almost forgotten just waiting for you and your family to explore! Let the team at Glengowla Mines lead you on a journey of discovery of how lead and silver were mined from the roots of the Connemara Mountains in the 1800s while enjoying an underground tour of Connemara’s only show mine. 

Overlooking the Burren and the Aran Islands of county Galway, Spiddal Craft & Design Studios is a small complex of craft workshops situated right on the coast of the crystal clear waters of Galway Bay. 

See some of Ireland's finest craft items being made right in front of your eyes such as Handweaving, Basketmaking, Jewellery and Stained Glass making, Screenprinting, and various forms of art. An Spailpin Fanach, the Irish Cultural shop, produces its own unique designs in quality T-shirts and hoodies, as well as a wide range of books and music, representative of this Gaelic-speaking area. The craft village also has a lovely cafe, An Builin Blasta that is certainly well worth a visit.

Roundstone Ceramics has been making unique porcelain and stoneware since 1981. Rosemarie O'Toole decorates porcelain thrown by her husband Seamus Laffan. She also makes an extensive range of porcelain jewellery and artwork. They also design unique handmade plaques for house names or business use. 

Within the walls of an old Franciscan Monastery (1845) in the quaint fishing village of Roundstone Connemara, here you can see Ireland's oldest craft - Bodhran making! The Bodhran or Irish Drum is Ireland's oldest musical instrument. The ancient craft of Bodhran making is carried on at Roundstone Music where they perform regular talks and demonstrations are given about this famous instrument. 

Not only are these activities great for keeping all the family entertained during a rain shower they are also great for those who enjoy a slower placed holiday. While the Wild Atlantic Way offers an abundance of adventure activities it also is dotted with cultural treasures to be explored. From learning the traditional crafts of Connemara Ireland to exploring Irish wool shops there are plenty of indoor activities outside of Galway city to keep your family entertained on a rainy day!