Furbo

Furbo is a village in the Gaeltacht area of Connemara in Co Galway. It is located along the coast between Barna and Spiddal. The headquarters of the Gaeltacht Authority, Údarás na Gaeltachta, is located in Furbo. It has a typical Gaeltacht style of settlement with no village street or centre, but rather comprises around fourteen townlands, most of which run North to South from the bog to the foreshore. Although the settlement is approximately 12km from Galway city centre it has maintained its rural nature quite successfully in recent years due to strong opposition to large scale development from locals. Due to its proximity to Galway, and consequential pressure from property developers, housing developments generally have an Irish language clause applied. Currently housing developments have a requirement that 80% plus of housing units are reserved for Irish speakers. The settlement consists of the following townlands: Cnocán an Bhodaigh, an Straidhp, an tSaoirsin, Baile na hAbhann, na Poillíní, Doire Uachtair, Aill an Phréacháin, an Coisméig Mór, na Forbacha Garbha, Seanadh Fhréachóg, and Cnoc na Gréine. Furbo also boasts a very large community pitch which is used by the local Hurling Club, Football club, and by the nearby Bearna Soccer Club. Trá na bhForbacha is a pleasant and safe beach for bathing.