Connemara Coast Hotel

Set on the exposed southern shore of Galway Bay, the Connemara Coast Hotel occupies a uniquely dramatic position between rural Connemara and the Atlantic. With 340 metres of foreshore and constant coastal influence, the site demanded a landscape strategy that could stand up to salt-laden winds while elevating the hotel’s guest experience. Our brief centred on transforming the courtyard spaces between existing buildings into a family-friendly, welcoming environment, maximising the extraordinary bay views, and strengthening access to the much-loved communal viewing point overlooking Black Head and the Aran Islands.

Our masterplan approached the landscape as a sequence of sheltered, resilient outdoor rooms stitched together by durable hard surfaces and robust plant communities. Wind-pruned, salt-tolerant planting frames the courtyard, softening the architecture and providing year-round structure. Low, layered beds and sculpted evergreen forms safeguard sightlines while creating a calm microclimate for seating and family use. Hard materials—selected for longevity and coastal performance—anchor circulation routes and subtly guide visitors toward the gazebo, the hotel’s signature vantage point for sunsets and wedding photography.

Biodiversity and sustainability were embedded throughout: native species tolerant of Atlantic exposure, planting schemes that reduce inputs, and layouts that optimise sunlight, shelter and habitat value. The design celebrates the site’s natural character while improving comfort and accessibility for guests.

The result is a cohesive, resilient coastal environment that enriches daily use and amplifies the hotel’s unique relationship with Galway Bay—a clear demonstration of how thoughtful design can turn a demanding Atlantic site into a standout amenity.