Glassilaun Bay

Glassilaun Bay is yet another gem set within Connemara on Galway’s west coast. A tight crescent of soft white sand, the beach faces into the relatively sheltered, crystal clear waters just south of the mouth of the Killary Fjord.

To one end of the beach is a low grassy headland whilst at the other are a clutch of grass-topped islands. Behind the beach are dunes and yet more grass but beyond this things take a turn for the more dramatic with the hulking form of Mweelrea rising 814 metres (2,700 feet) from the coast.

And it isn’t just us who appreciated the rugged and beautiful scenery at Glassilaun beach. Scenes for the 2006 Tristan & Isolde film were shot here.

The location of Glassilaun Bay is about as remote as it gets in Ireland. The beach is almost an hour’s drive from the nearest significant town and it will take you over an hour and a half from Galway. Therefore most people would include it as part of a days exploring this beautiful part of Ireland’s west coast.