Islands, Parks, Castles, Fortresses, Gardens, Monastic & Heritage Sites and other places of interest.
Aran Islands
Location
The Aran Islands are a group of three islands located at the mouth of Galway Bay, on the west coast of Ireland.
History
No holiday to Ireland would be complete without a trip to the mystical Aran Islands that are situated in the middle of Galway Bay. The rugged, natural beauty along with thatch roofed stone cottages that dot the islands provide a splendid example of Celtic and early Christian heritage and gives one the impression that they have just travelled back in time..
The islands are Inishmore, the largest, Inishmaan and Inisheer being the smallest. With Gaelic still being the first language of the islanders, a true feel for older Ireland is to be found. Throughout the islands, you will find the ruins of early Christian monasteries and fortifications, the best known being Dun Aengus which dates back over 2000 years, and many churches. The ruins of the House of Saint Edna, the most important Medieval religious settlement on Inishmore, can still be seen. Fishing is still the main industry on the islands and in many cases, the methods of the fishermen’s ancestors are still used. The lives of these fishermen were the subject of the John M Synge 1904 play Riders to the Sea.
There are various options open in travelling to the islands. You may either travel by ferry from Galway city or Rossaveal, or take the very short flight on Aer Arann from Connemara airport. When planning your trip to the Aran Islands, one should take into account that accommodation on the island is limited as well as seasonal. During the peak season, over 1000 visitors make the crossing to the Islands each and every day.
Please note that it is not possible to bring a car to the islands – pedestrian ferries only.
Athenry Castle
Location
Athenry , Co Galway
History
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 great three-storey tower, surrounded by defensive walls, is entered at first-floor level through an unusual decorated doorway. Recently re-roofed, the interior contains an audio visual room and exhibition. Access to ground floor of Castle for people with disabilities
Opening Times
April and May Tues – Sun 10:00-17:00
June – Mid September Daily 10:00-18:00
Mid September – October Tues – Sun 10:00-17:00
Last admission 45 minutes before closing.
Visit Length
1hr
Aughnanure Castle
Location
Oughterard , Co Galway
History
Built by the O’Flahertys c. 1500, Aughnanure Castle lies in picturesque surroundings close to the shores of Lough Corrib. Standing on what is virtually a rocky island , the Castle is a particularly well-preserved example of an Irish tower house. In addition, visitors will find the remains of a banqueting hall, a watch tower, an unusual double bawn and bastions and a dry harbour. Access to Castle grounds is restricted for wheelchair users
Details
Opening Times
Mid June – End September Daily 09:30-18:00
October Sat and Sun 09:30-18:00
May – Mid June Sat and Sun 09:30-18:00
Last admission 45 minutes before closing.
Visit Length
45mins
Boyle Abbey
Location
Boyle , Co Roscommon
History
An impressive and well preserved Cistercian Monastery which was founded in the 12th century under the patronage of the local ruling family, the MacDermotts. Though mutilated during the 17th and 18th centuries when it was used to accommodate a military garrison, Boyle Abbey nevertheless retains its ability to impress the visitor as one of the most formidable of the early Cistercian foundations in Ireland . A restored gatehouse of 16th/17th century houses an exhibition. Restricted access for people with disabilities.
Opening Times
April – End October Daily 10:00-18:00 Last admission 45 mins. before closing.
Last admission 45 minutes before closing.
Visit Length
1hr
Ceide Fields Visitor Centre
Location
Ballycastle Co. Mayo
History
Beneath the wild boglands of North Mayo lie the Ceide Fields, the most extensive stone age monument in the world: field systems, dwelling areas and megalithic tombs of 5,000 years ago. In addition, the wild flora of the bog is of international importance and is bounded by some of the most spectacular rock formations and cliffs in Ireland. The Visitor Centre houses displays and exhibitions in English and Irish. (Script of exhibition available in French, German and Italian). Access for people with disabilities to ground floor of centre and to tearooms. Special parking may be arranged by prior arrangement. As much of the tour is outdoors, visitors are advised to wear weather-protective closing and shoes suitable for walking over uneven terrain
Opening Times
Mid March – May Daily 10:00-17:00 June – September Daily 10:00-18:00 October – November Daily 10:00-17:00 Last tour 1 hour before closing. Advance bookings for groups.
Visit Length
1hr
Connemara National Park
Location
Letterfrack, Co Galway
History
The Connemara National Park covers some 2,000 hectares (4,942 acres), consisting of entirely natural and unspoilt terrain. It is an environment which offers the visitor endless sights, experiences , adventure and activity .
The people are friendly, welcoming and only too delighted to see new faces in the area. There is much to see in Connemara with the scenic Twelve Bens mountain range in the north, the picturesque, golden beaches reaching out into the vast Atlantic Ocean and the Roundstone Bog. Any time of the year it is ideal to take a break here. In spring, the beautiful, spring flowers, the new-born lambs dancing on the hills and the call of the cuckoo make it a unique and magical place.
During the warm summer days, one can take in the awesome Connemara countryside with its gentle hills and golden, sandy beaches which are ideal for safe swimming. On cool autumn days, the Connemara countryside boasts different colours every day. If desired, one can spend the day walking , cycling , golfing , painting, horse riding , shooting or fishing . In any weather, the Connemara countryside and atmosphere is magical. If in the area, a trip to Connemara is not to be missed.
The Connemara visitor centre is situated near Letterfrack and attractions include exhibitions, nature trails, audio-visual show. In addition there is a summer programme of walks, talks and special events for younger visitors. Access for visitors with disabilities in the Visitor Centre.
Opening Times
July and August Daily 09:30-18:30
September – Mid October Daily 09:30-18:30
June Daily 10:00-18:30
2 April – May Daily 10:00-17:30
Grounds open all year round. Last admission 45 minutes before closing.
Visit Length
2hr 30mins
Coole Park
Location
Coole Visitor Centre Gort, Co Galway
History
Coole Park, now a nature reserve, was the home of Lady Augusta Gregory, dramatist and co-founder with Edward Martyn and W.B. Yeats of the Abbey Theatre. Attractions include exhibitions, tea-rooms, nature trail walks, the famous “Autograph Tree”, and a lake and turlough. There are two audio-visual presentations:”The Magic of Coole” and “Lady Gregory of Coole”.
The Visitor Centre is fully accessible for visitors with disabilities.
Opening Times
September Daily 10:00-17:00
June – End August Daily 10:00-18:00
Easter – May Tues – Sun 10:00-17:00
Last admission 1 hour before closing. Park opened all year round.
Visit Length
1hr 30mins
Croagh Patrick
Location
Outside Westport, Co. Mayo.
History
Croagh Patrick is Ireland’s holy mountain, from where St Patrick banished the snakes from Ireland and where thousands of pilgrims come to pay homage to Ireland’s patron saint.
Standing some 765m high, Croagh Patrick towers over Clew Bay and the town of Westport and dominates the coastline of Mayo. The mountain, locally known as the Reek, holds a unique place in Irish culture being the location where St Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint, fasted for 40 days and nights and from where, according to legend, he banished the snakes from Ireland.
For over 1,500 people have made pilgrimages to the summit of Croagh Patrick and today more than 100,000 people climb the Reek each year. The traditional day for doing so is the last Sunday in July, known as Reek Sunday and over 25,000 people of all ages come to Croagh Patrick, where the truly penitent climb barefoot and up until 1973, this pilgrimage was performed at night!
Even before the arrival of Christianity, the mountain was a place of great spirituality. Excavations carried out on the summit date the earliest finds at 3rd century BC and the site was once occupied by a hill fort with stone ramparts and dwellings.
On average it takes around two hours to climb Croagh Patrick and about one and a half hours to descend it. Sturdy footwear and waterproof clothing is advisable and you should also take some food and water with you. On a good day the views from the summit are a spiritual reward in itself with clear vistas out across Clew Bay and around the rugged Mayo countryside. On a bad day when the cloud cover swoops down low around the mountain you may struggle to even see your feet in front of you!
A recently opened visitor centre at the base of the mountain is well stocked with information and souvenirs of Croagh Patrick.
Opening Times
No opening times available
Visit Length
4-5hrs
Dun Aonghasa
Location
Inishmor, Aran, Co. Galway
History
The spectacular stone fort of Dun Aonghasa is perched on the cliff edge of Aran Island; Inishmore, dating back over two and a half thousand years, beaten by the constant swell of the Atlantic Ocean.
Dun Aonghasa is one of the most important and distinctive ancient sites of Ireland. A huge ancient ring fort seemingly cut in half by the sheer cliff face of Inishmore, at the mercy of the elements and the encroaching Atlantic Ocean. The late Bronze Age fort is a succession of stone enclosures covering some 14 acres, protected by an outer defence of jagged stone known as a Chevaux de frise. The outer enclosure spans far and wide and would have protected livestock, whereas the middle and inner enclosures were more defensive in purpose. The inner wall measures some 5m in width and would have been 6m high; it took some 6,500 tonnes of stone to build. At the heart of the fort, situated right on the cliff edge is a rock platform, which formed the focal point in the rituals and lives of those who dwelt here.
Little is known of the fort’s original inhabitants, recent excavations date the earliest human inhabitation as around 1500BC – 1000AD, though the most important period is believed to have been around 800BC. It is believed to have been the political and ritual centre for a group of peoples of common ancestry and only those elite members would have lived at Dun Aonghasa. However the name of Aonghasa comes from a much later period of the 5th Century when the fort was again inhabited. It is believed the name is associated with that of Aonghus Mac Natfraich, King of Cashel in the 5th Century, who had dynastic connections with Aran.
Dun Aonghasa is a fascinating sight; an atmospheric place with unrestricted views along the battered Atlantic coastline of Inishmore and is the most prominent sight of the Aran Islands.
Opening Times
March – October Daily 10:00-18:00 November – February Daily 10:00-16:00 Please note Dun Aonghasa is a particularly vulnerable site. Visitors are asked to co-operate with efforts to protect this monument.
Visit Length
2hrs
Holycross Abbey
Location
Ballyvaughan , Co. Clare
History
Holycross Abbey, situated about four and a half miles from Thurles in Co. Tipperary, is located in a magnificent setting on the banks of the River Suir.
It is a fantastically situated monastery dating back to the early 12th century. It was built by Donal Mór O’ Brien for the Order of Tiron and takes its name from the relic of the True Cross. Before the close of the 12th century, it was passed on to the Cistercians. It became a place of pilgrimage for people from all over the country.
The church has many interesting features including a variety of fascinating windows, mural paintings and many fine carvings.
Opening Times
No opening times available
Visit Length
1hr 30mins
King House
Location
Boyle, Co. Roscommon
History
Situated in the town of Boyle in County Roscommon, King House is one of Ireland’s best-preserved Georgian country houses and today stands as a museum to life in Ireland in the 18th Century. King House dates back to 1730 and was home to one of the most powerful and wealthy families in Ireland. The house was built for Henry King and his wife Isabella, the sister of Viscount Powerscourt, of the equally impressive Georgian residence, Powerscourt in County Wicklow .
The Kings were an Anglo Irish family and landed gentry, who owned vast tracks of land around Boyle. In later years King House was used as a Barracks for the Connaught Rangers up until 1922. This local militia were called into battle throughout the world, fighting in the Crimean Wars and the trenches of World War One. The rich history of King House is told through a range of excellent exhibitions from the Kingdom of Connaught outlining Ireland’s old Gaelic culture and early Christianity to exhibitions on the house and the King family as well as a collection of memorabilia on the famous Connaught Rangers. King House also contains the Boyle Civic Art Collection, one of the finest collections of contemporary Irish paintings and sculptures in the country, with over 150 works on permanent view. Each July, King House and its grounds serve as a venue for the Boyle International Arts Festival with a range of exhibitions and concerts of classical, jazz and traditional Irish music. King House also has a restaurant and craft shop with locally made produce.
Opening Times
1st April – 30th September daily 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. – Last admission 5.00 p.m.
Visit Length
1hr
Kylemore Abbey
Location
Connemara , Co. Galway
History
Kylemore Abbey, located in the Kylemore Pass in Connemara, Co. Galway, has been home to the Irish Benedictine nuns since 1920. The Benedictine nuns bought the house in 1920, having fled their convent in war-torn Belgium in 1914, where they ran a boarding school for girls for over 300 years. They re-established the school here and it is still very much alive today.
The Abbey was originally built in 1868 by Mitchell Henry, in memory of his late wife Margaret. Its architecture is best described as neo-gothic and the house still displays all the characteristics of that period. Kylemore Abbey’s most famous feature is its miniature cathedral, known locally as the Gothic church. It was built by Mitchell Henry in 1870. There is a stark contrast between the dark exterior and the light yellow stone exterior. Marble columns in three colours add to the design’s richness.
Set in the heart of Connemara, Kylemore Abbey shares its woodlands, lakes and rivers with a large variety of birds and animals. A trip to the West of Ireland is not complete without experiencing the beauty and tranquility of Kylemore Abbey and Gardens. Facilities at Kylemore include a visitor centre, an exhibition housed in the main reception rooms of the house and a video which takes the visitor through the history of the house and its occupants. The Visitor Centre and exhibition, Gothic Church and Craft shop are open all year.
Opening Times
No opening times
Visit Length
2hrs
National Museum of Ireland Country Life
Location
Turlough Park Castlebar, Co Mayo
History
Turlough Park House is set in spectacular surroundings, framed by magnificent gardens, reflected in the still waters of its own lake. This is the first branch of the National Museum to be located outside of Dublin, and complements its three sister venues in Dublin.
The National Folklife Collection has been assembled by the Museum’s professional staff. Here, in award-winning galleries, laid out in many ingenious and innovative ways, are the lives of the ordinary people of Ireland from the period 1850-1950.
Details
Opening Times
All Year Tues – Sat 10:00-17:00 All Year Sun 14:00-17:00 Mondays closed.
Visit Length
1hr
Portumna Castle
Location
Portumna , Co. Galway
History
The great semi-fortified house at Portumna was built before 1618 by Richard Burke or de Burgo, 4th Earl of Clanricarde. This important Jacobean house, while influenced by Renaissance and English houses, remains distinctively Irish. It was the main seat of the de Burgo family for over 200 years, until it was gutted by fire in 1826. The ground floor of the house is now open to the public.
To the north of the house is a formal, geometrically laid out garden, a feature often associated with large Jacobean mansions. Exhibitions in the castle and Gate House. (Conservation works are ongoing). Portumna Castle now includes the recently restored 17th century walled kitchen and garden. Following its original plan the garden has been organically planted with fruit trees, flowers, herbs and vegetables, all combining to make it a treat to the senses.
Limited access for visitors with disabilities to gardens and Gate House.
Details
Opening Times
April – October Daily 10:00-18:00 Last admission 45 minutes before closing.
Visit Length
1hr
Pearse’s Cottage
Location
Ros Muc, Co Galway
History
Teach an Phiarsiagh – Pearse’s Cottage is a small restored cottage used by Patrick Pearse (1879 – 1916) leader of the 1916 Rising, as a summer residence. The interior, although burned during the War of Independence, has been reconstructed and contains an exhibition and a number of mementos of Pearse. Access for people with disabilities is restricted.
Opening Times
Mid September – End September Sat and Sun 10:00-18:00 Easter Sat, Sun and Mon 10:00-17:00 Mid June – Mid September Daily 10:00-18:00 Last admission 45 minutes before closing.
Visit Length
45mins
