BUYING FOOD AND OTHER PROVISIONS (SELF-CATERING):
- BUT... for convenience - and to support the local community - we recommend strongly that you shop locally whenever you can.
In Claddaghduff, Sweeney's well-stocked shop (and Post Office and petrol/diesel pumps) can provide you with much of what you will want, and in season you will also find excellent provisions such as succulent Connemara Lamb. Visit Sweeney's own website to learn more: www.SweeneysBarCladdaghduff.com
And in Cleggan village, there is Cleggan Stores, right beside the bus stop.
The shops in Claddaghduff and Cleggan also supply daily newspapers; and both carry a wide range of fuels: coal, peat (turf) 'briquettes', and bottle gas.
FRESH FISH and SHELLFISH:One of the real joys of coming to stay in a location like the Aughrus Peninsula is the fact that it's a real fishing area - not only is there Cleggan Harbour, but around the peninsula are other smaller harbours and piers: Aughrus Pier, and Rossadilisk, for example. And it isn't just fish, but also shellfish - lobster, crab, caught by the many fishermen who daily catch fresh seafood from their small craft. You can enjoy them when eating out locally; and indeed Cleggan crabmeat is widely known for its excellent flavour and taste, and lobster from the peninsula are shipped live to markets in continental Europe. Many visitors gather smaller shellfish such as periwinkle or razor-fish from the strands, too.How lovely to buy and prepare some fresh fish - whether it's white fish in season, or fresh crab or lobster or mussels!You can do just that in Cleggan. Visit Cleggan Seafood - ask for Johnny or Theresa - and buy an excellent range of fruits of the sea - or have it delivered, if you prefer (see right)! If you wish to select the fish yourself, drop in and look at what's available. You'll find them at the harbour: at the head of the pier, turn left at the Tiny Teapot cafe and restaurant, walk along the path for not more than 50 yards, and you will see the steel fish preparation building. If no one is there, call at the front door of the white house just beyond. Any time from 9.00am to 6.00pm; or, if you've forgotten the time, you can try calling outside of those hours and you may still get lucky.