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| County Galway |
I lived in the town of Galway between December, 2002, and July, 2005, and this allowed me to discover a lot of sites outside the town. Galway would be a perfect stopping place before visiting the Aran Islands, Connemara (famous worldwide) and the rest of the county. However, as you can see on this webpage, County Galway has more to offer than small lakes and mountains! Note that Ireland, which was famous for its tortuous roads and its lack of road signs, now has roads in much better shape, thanks to the EU (even if big efforts will be still necessary).The photos on the right-hand side are just "kickers", to show you what you still can find on the small roads in the Connemara. If you plan to stay in County Galway for a few days, here's what you could see, do or visit. If you are more interested in the Aran Islands, click here. |
| 1. See Menlough/Menlo Castle... [   ] Only a few kilometres from the town-centre of Galway you can see the ruins of Menlough/Menlo Castle. This is a 17th century tower house with substantial additions, located on the North Bank of River Corrib. It was occupied by the Blake family until the house was burnt by an accidental fire in 1910. This is apparently still a private property, so respect the site if you set foot in it. |
| 2. Visit the town of Athenry and its Castle... [   ] Athenry is one of the most notable medieval walled towns surviving in Ireland, owing its foundation to Meiler de Bermingham, who built his castle there c.1250. The oldest part of the castle is the hall-keep. It is a large rectangular building originally containing only a hall at first-floor level and dark storerooms at ground level. If you go to the Irish pubs, you may hear the song "Fields of Athenry", which is known by all young Irish people. |
| 3. Visit Aughnanure Castle... [ ] Another Castle, another style... Built by the O'Flahertys c. 1500, the Castle lies in picturesque surroundings close to the shores of Lough Corrib. The castle is a particularly well-preserved example of an Irish tower house. You can also find the remains of a banqueting hall, a watchtower, an unusual double bawn and bastions and a dry harbour. |
| 4. Visit Portumna Castle and its gardens... [ ] Not far from Ballinasloe, don't hesitate to enter Portumna Castle. This is in fact a great semi-fortified house, which was built before 1618 by Richard Burke or de Burgo, 4th Earl of Clanricarde. It was the main seat of the de Burgo family for over 200 years, until it was destroyed by fire in 1826. To the north of the house are formal, geometrically laid-out gardens. The photo, on the right-hand side, shows more or less what you should expect to see. |
| 5. Admire Kylemore Abbey... [ ] Kylemore Abbey is the oldest of the Irish Benedictine Abbeys. A community of nuns have resided there since 1920, and the premises were used as a girls’ school until June 2010. The Abbey is located close to Clifden and has got a nice park by a lake. You can visit the abbey and its victorian gardens for around €12 (figures from 2011). If your budget is tight, a stroll by the lake is still free of charge. |
| 6. Visit Dunguaire Castle... [ ] Dunguaire Castle is a 16th-century tower house on the South-Eastern shore of Galway Bay, near the town of Kinvara. The castle's 25 m. tower and its defensive wall have been completely restored, and the grounds are open to tourists during the summer. If you can, make sure to visit this spot during high tide. The reflection of the castle on the sea can be superb. |
7. Take a break in the little town of Kinvara... |
| 8. Drive through Connemara... [ ] Connemara is part of County Galway, and is characterised by its rocky desolated areas, its lakes (there's more than one!), its mountains and its rivers. A famous French singer (Michel Sardou) sang a song about it in the eighties. |
 Photo 8. Connemara. |
| 9. Walk in the area of Clifden... [ ] Contrary to what one may think, there aren't many walking trails in Connemara. Lots of fields are private, and lots of them are not passable because of the bogs. A detailed map of Clifden's surroundings can help you identify some walking trails. In one of them, it is possible to climb on a hill and to admire the landscape, amidst the sheep, lakes and mountains so typical of the area. |
10. Go to Lettermullen on Lettermore... |
| 11. Observe the small islands of Connemara... [ ] Before the Celts arrived in Ireland, the island of Ireland was most likely covered with trees of all kinds. You will notice that nowadays forests are quite rare on this Island, particularly in Connemara. It is still possible, however, to see small islands covered with trees in the middle of Irish lakes. In the summer season you can actually reach those small islands on Lough Corrib from Oughterard. As for the other islands, they are only visible from a distance, like this one at Clifden. |
| 12. Take a break in Roundstone... [ ] Roundstone is a small village located near Clifden which is worth a quick visit. The view is beautiful over there, and the small roads to access the village are really charming. I believe the area near Roundstone would be the best place in Ireland to use your mountain bike. |
| 13. Play cowboy in Connemara... [ ] Located between Oughterard and Maam Cross, don't forget to see the Quiet Man Bridge. It was called this because a movie, starring John Wayne, was produced in the fifties in this part of the Connemara. This is the view you can see from the bridge in the evening. |
| 14. Say "I do!"... [ ] It's a relief for all the family members. They both said: I do! This is a charming example of a photo you can take in Ireland when you are in the right place at the right time. This photo was taken on the beach at Spiddal (An Spidéal) at the end of March, 2009. If you think it's you, please contact me! |
| 15. Visit Pearse's Cottage... [ ] This is a small restored cottage overlooking the lakes and mountains of Connemara. The cottage was used by Patrick Pearse (1879-1916), one of the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising, as a summer residence and summer school for his pupils from St Enda’s in Dublin. The interior, although burned during the War of Independence, has been reconstructed and contains an exhibition. |
| 16. Participate in Rosmuc's dance festival... [ ] A local Irish dance competition is organised every year (usually the last week-end of January) in Rosmuc, with presenters speaking exclusively in Gaelic Irish. Everyone can participate, youngsters, as well as elders. On the right-hand side, Risteárd and Tom show us how to do it. |
| County Galway in pictures | ||
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 Photo 2. Athenry Castle. |
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 Photo 3. Aughnanure Castle. |
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 Photo 4. Portumna Castle. |
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 Photo 5. Kylemore Abbey. |
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 Photo 6. Dunguaire Castle. |
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 Photo 7. Kinvara. |
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 Photo 9. Walking near Clifden. |
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 Photo 10. Lettermore. |
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 Photo 11. An island near Clifden. |
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 Photo 12. The port of Roundstone. |
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 Photo 13. Quiet Man Bridge. |
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 Photo 14. I do! |
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 Photo 15. Pearse's Cottage. |
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 Photo 16. Rosmuc's dance festival. |
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Legend:
Nice; Worth a visit; Well worth visiting
Please note that this grading system is only based on my interests and personal experience as a French expat in Ireland. Feel free to visit the same locations and share your experience 
.
Free or Not Applicable Entrance fee ≤€5 ; €5<Entrance fee≤€10 ; €10<Entrance fee≤€15 and so on...
These price ranges are indicative only to help you plan your holiday budget and are subject to change. Discounts generally apply for families, groups, children, students and seniors citizens.
While the admission to this site is free, a parking fee may apply.
Heritage Site managed by the Office of Public Works. Most OPW sites are free of charge on the first Wednesday of every month during 2011. A Good tip: the Heritage Card entitles you unlimited admission for one year to all OPW sites (around €21).