A Journey into the Craft of Smoked Seafood Galway

Guided Smokehouse Visit
Embark on a comprehensive experience of the Connemara Smokehouse, the oldest smokehouse in Connemara, established in 1979 by the Roberts family. Located on the picturesque Bunowen Pier, the smokehouse specialises in producing high-quality smoked and marinated seafood. During the visit, you’ll learn about the meticulous process of smoking fish, including hand-filleting, dry salting, and beechwood smoking methods that have been preserved through generations. You will also witness the magical skill used to hand slice the organic smoked salmon (a technique developed by Graham and his dad John).

Q&A Sessions
Engage with Master Smoker Graham Roberts as he shares his passion for preserving ancient smoking techniques. You’ll gain insights into the art of producing award-winning smoked seafood. This includes learning about the filleting of salmon, understanding salting and smoking techniques, and the hand-slicing and packing of the finished products.

Tasting Sessions
Indulge in a tasting session featuring the smokehouse’s premium products. Sample a variety of smoked delicacies, including our award winning organic smoked salmon, honey-roast smoked salmon, gravadlax and one other surprise product. Each product offers a unique flavour profile, reflecting the pristine waters of the Atlantic and the traditional methods employed in their preparation.

Scenic Coastal Setting
The smokehouse’s idyllic location on Bunowen Pier provides breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the majestic Twelve Bens mountain range. The serene coastal backdrop enhances the overall experience, making it both educational and visually captivating.

Seasonal On-Site Café and Factory Shop
Conclude your visit at the seasonal on-site café, where you can savor freshly brewed coffee while enjoying stunning sea views. The adjoining factory shop offers a selection of locally sourced products, allowing you to take home a taste of Connemara’s culinary heritage. Visitors are welcome to drop into the factory shop beside the pier and chat with the team to learn more about their processes.

This experience not only showcases the craftsmanship behind traditional fish smoking but also immerses you in the natural beauty and cultural richness of Galway’s coastal landscape.

• Connemara Smokehouse is Ireland’s first Food Économusée (working museum), a place to visit and learn all about the traditional Irish process of handcrafting smoked seafood.
• We employ local people and adopt programs to educate, train and motivate our team to work in an environmentally responsible manner.
• We strive to minimise our carbon footprint by using wind generated electricity and conserving energy and water.
• Our organic products are certified by The Organic Irish Trust.
• We source our fish locally and won the ‘Best Use of Sustainable Local Fish Award’ at the Good Food Ireland Awards.

• Access to the Connemara Smokehouse with owner and Master Artisan Smoker, Graham Roberts
• Hear how the Roberts have fished the Atlantic for generations and about life in rural Connemara
• Learn about the traditional salting and smoking techniques
• Witness the mesmerising hand slicing of organic smoked salmon, a technique developed by Graham and his dad John
• Taste of award winning organic smoked salmon on soda bread (1 piece per person), honey roast smoked salmon, gravadlax and a surprise tasting of one other seafood product.

• Connemara Smokehouse is all on one level and does not pose any concerns
  for individuals with mobility issues
• The onsite shop and café are fully accessible with no impeding obstacles
• Accessible bathroom available
• Guide dogs and service dogs are welcome in the café and shop but not the
  smokehouse (note dogs must be fully accredited and wearing an assistance
  dog jacket/vest upon entry)

• All experiences are delivered by owner Graham Roberts in English.
• Graham is not a fluent French speaker but can deliver the experience in French on request.

Please arrive 15 minutes before the start of your experience.

Open seasonally.

This experience takes you into the heart of the Connemara Smokehouse, where Master Smoker Graham Roberts shares the secrets of traditional fish smoking. You’ll learn the entire process, from filleting and salting to beechwood smoking, followed by a delicious tasting session. You will also witness the magical skill used to hand slice the organic smoked salmon (a technique developed by Graham and his dad John).

While children are welcome, the experience is best suited for adults and older children who are interested in food, cooking techniques, and seafood. Young children should be supervised, as the experience takes place in a working smokehouse.

As the experience focuses on smoked fish, there are limited non-seafood options. If you have dietary concerns, it’s best to contact the smokehouse in advance.

Yes! The on-site factory shop offers a selection of handcrafted smokehouse products along with other artisan food products, so you can take a taste of Connemara home with you.