Attractions Nearby Galway, Day Trips and Excursions

(Galway, County Galway, Republic of Ireland)

The city of Galway is a great base for touring the historic west of Ireland, whether by bus or hired car, with good roads leading to ancient towns, glorious scenery, natural Atlantic beaches and other coastal attractions.

This county of castles and coasts isn't so very large that you can't see several sites during a day trip, and excursions farther afield from Galway can easily be arranged by staying overnight in a country pub or guest house. Particular attractions within reach of Galway include the Burren, Connemara, the Glengowla Mines, Portumna Castle, the Rinville Forest Park and Tuam.

Aughnanure Castle

Address: Oughterard, County Galway, Republic of Ireland, IE
Tel: +353 (0)91 552 214
Email: aughnanurecastle@opw.ie
Website: www.heritageireland.ie
This stark stronghold was built 500 years ago by the O'Flaherty clan in picturesque surroundings next to lovely Lough Corrib. Aughnanure Castle played an important part during the Cromwellian conquest in the mid-17th century and is today managed by the Duchas Heritage Service - an Irish State body set up to maintain the country's most important historic monuments and buildings. Well-preserved in the main, the tower house and ruins are well worth a visit.
Open hours: April to October, daily - 09:30 to 18:00
Admission: charge, discount available for seniors, students and children

The Burren

Address: Across the bay south of Galway, County Clare
This mysterious, barren place, with its weird and unique rock formations, is home to a diverse selection of wildlife and indigenous flowers, as well as a number of interesting heritage sites, making it popular with visitors who like a touch of witchery in their sightseeing. As you explore the Burren, look out for the Poulnabrone Portal Tomb, the Burren Fence and the Karst Dome.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Cliffs of Moher and Visitors Centre

Address: Cliffs of Moher New Visitor Experience, Cliffs of Moher, County Clare, Republic of Ireland, IE
Tel: +353 (0)65 708 6141
Email: info@cliffsofmoher.ie
Website: www.cliffsofmoher.ie
Farther down the bay from the Burren are the spectacular Cliffs of Moher, rearing over 215 metres / 700 feet tall over the ocean, with sheer drops to the water's edge. The views from the cliff tops across to the Aran Islands, the bay itself and the backdrop of the Connemara Mountains are quite exceptional, attracting around one million visitors each year. Living on the Cliffs of Moher is an estimated population of some 30,000 birds, including various colonies of Atlantic puffins. One attraction of note is O'Brien's Tower, which is built on the highest point of the cliffs and stands next to the coastal village of Liscannor.
Open hours: January to February and November to December, daily - 09:15 to 17:00; March and October, Monday to Friday - 09.00 to 18.00, Saturday and Sunday - 09.00 to 18.30; April, Monday to Friday - 09.00 to 18.30, Saturday and Sunday - 09.00 to 19.00; May and September, Monday to Friday - 09.00 to 19.00, Saturday and Sunday - 09.00 to 19.30; June, daily - 09.00 to 19.30; July and August first fortnight, daily - 09.00 to 21.00; August second fortnight, daily - 09.00 to 20.00. Times may be subject to change so confirmation by telephone is recommended
Admission: charge, discount available for seniors, students and disabled visitors, children under 16 years old are free

Tuam

This charming little town was founded by St. Jarlath some 1,500 years ago, and his memory is alive to this day in a local festival. There are a number of popular attractions spread around Tuam, such as the imposing Cathedral of the Assumption, the 13th-century parish church and the Wheel of St. Jarlath. Situated next to the River Nanny is the Mill Museum, while just outside of Tuam is Hackets Castle (Castlehackett).

Rinville Forest Park

Address: Rinville, Oranmore, near Galway, Republic of Ireland, IE
This park is great for walking, birding and picnicking, and lies close by Galway city, within the quaint village of Oranmore. Rinville Forest Park provides access to Rinville Point and Saleen Point, both of which offer some simply spectacular views. Onsite is a stately home and the ruins of an ancient castle, as well as magnificent farmland, woodland and cliffside scenery.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Connemara

Connemara forms the peninsula of Western Galway and is a stunning setting, appearing as if it has jumped off the pages of a fairytale story. The windswept landscape comprises mountains, bogs and large chunks of granite, and is rich in native Irish flora and fauna. Especially noteworthy are the remnants of past potato rows, which were planted here during Ireland's famous Great Famine. There are many attractions spread around Connemara, such as coastal pathways, official hiking trails through the Connemara National Park, boat trips, scuba diving lessons, outdoor activities at the Killary Adventure Centre, and the Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Gardens, which is perfect for families holidaying in Western Ireland.

Portumna

The massive early 17th-century Portumna Castle is the principal attraction here, with its walled kitchen garden and grounds much as they were when the Earls of Clanricarde were in residence. In the grounds is a ruined Domenican priory dating back to the 15th century. Also of interest is the town's mid-19th-century workhouse, built to hold 600 inmates, and the remains of Portumna Abbey.

Glengowla Mines

Address: Oughterard, County Galway, Republic of Ireland, IE
Tel: +353 (0)91 552 360 or +353 (0)91 552 021
Email: glengowlamines@eircom.net
Website: glengowla.goegi.com
This unique heritage site is the only one of its kind in Ireland. The 19th-century Glengowla silver and lead mines reside just outside Oughterard and are now closed, but visitors can take underground tours of the mine shaft and view an exhibition of the original tools used by the miners. Abandoned in 1865, the Glengowla Mines are still known for their beautiful fluorite and quartz crystals.
Open hours: daily, with tours running every 20 minutes until 17:30
Admission: charge