Connemara's the Quay House perfect place to explore idyllic village

YOU ON holiday? — a man out walking his dog asked, as we stepped out of the car on the quayside at Clifden.

“Welcome to Connemara,” he said, rescue dog wagging a tale in agreement. We were off to a great start.

It was a long-ish drive from Cork and the road from Galway city to Clifden appeared to drag, nonetheless it is a beautiful spin through a landscape of lakes and mountains. We were, however, happy to check in to ‘The Jolly Room’ at The Quay House, tucked away nicely in a quiet corner of the harbour in this quaint village.