Explore Connemara heritage and ecology

Retreat and Heritage Centre Cnoc Suain launches its 2008 Program

Its increasingly rare that Ireland's mature tourism landscape should sprout up something natural, organic, and altogether different. But that's just what has happened in the bog lands outside of Galway, on the edge of Connemara.

Set on a 200 acre farm and natural bog land and comprised of a constellation of skillfully restored pre-famine cottages, Cnoc Suain is an award winning retreat and heritage centre devoted to preserving all aspects of traditional Irish culture and the ecology of natural bog lands. The pre-famine village embodies and enlivens the Conamara landscape and its traditinal culture of this Gaeltacht (Irish speaking area). Wandering among the grounds of Cnoc Suain guests can gain an insight into a true living tradition, unfettered by modern life, undisturbed by any built-up landscapes.

Cnoc Suain has recently announced its 2008 programme, which features Week-end residential programmes as well as a number of Half-day programmes that could be of interest to independent travelers.

Cnoc Suain's half-day Programme are three hours long and run in the mornings (10.00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m) and Afternoon (2.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m). Participants engage in a variety of activities, exploring bogland ecosystem and its unique flora and fauna, enjoy an introduction to Irish traditional music, performed by Dearbhaill and other local musicians; and even peer into the fine art of Poitín-making (moonshine); relish tea and scones around the open fire in a 200 year old thatched stone cottage, and enjoy conversations of traditional culture of this rural region. Cost of the half-day programme is €45 (tea/coffee and scone included). Pre-booking is essential and numbers are strictly limited, due to the sensitive nature of the landscape surrounding Cnoc Suain and the desire to provide a high caliber visitor experience.

Go receive the full therapeutic benefits of Cnoc Suain an extended stay is highly recommended. Cnoc Suain also offers three and four day residential programmes on various topics, including Irish traditional music and song, Herbal cures and traditions, landscape painting, Natural history, the Irish language and Irish cultural heritage.

Cnoc Suain cottages, which have a Fáilte Ireland four star rating, are available for rent at certain times of the year. The cottages date as far back as 1691 and have been masterfully restored to preserve their original historic character, while still providing a four star accommodation.

Cnoc Suain is the realized dream of Charlie Troy and Dearbhaill Standún, who are driven by fierce passion and commitment, having spent 10 years authentically restoring the hill-village. Dearbhaill and Charlie are certainly well prepared for the task: both qualified teachers, with a combined background in tourism, Irish traditional music, the Irish language and Natural history.

Opened for business in 2007, Cnoc Suain earned immediate praise, having been been proudly showcased by Tourism Ireland and prominently featured on national television programs. Leading archaeologist Michael Gibbons descrives Cnoc Suain as “ a mini National Park, for its vast expanse of pristine bogland and numerous archeological treasures. Cnoc Suain has been awarded the 2007 Connemara Heritage Award by Failte Ireland.