Perched spectacularly on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic ocean, Dún Aonghasa is the largest of the prehistoric stone forts of the Aran Islands. The fort is about 900 metres from the visitor centre and is approached over rising ground. Please note that Dún Aonghasa is a vulnerable site. Visitors are, therefore, asked to co-operate to protect this monument by not interfering with it in any way. As much of the tour is outdoors, visitors are advised to wear weather protective clothing and shoes suitable for walking over uneven terrain.

Useful Link: Aran Islands

10.00 – 18.00 daily, March – October
10.00 – 16.00 daily, November – February

Kylemore Castle, built in 1868, is one of the great baronial-style Castles remaining in Ireland. In 1920, the Castle was turned into an Abbey when it was purchased by the Irish Benedictine nuns. Visitors to the three reception rooms in the Abbey are touched by its history, steeped in romance and tragedy.

The Community of Nuns re-opened their International Boarding Scheel here, and also established a day school for local girls. Visitors are also welcome to visit the recently-restored neo-Gothic Church (circa 1871), Mausoleum, Restaurant and Craft Shop. Our complimentary shuttle bus will take visitors to the restored Victorian Walled Garden.

Experience the heritage that has inspired craftspeople at Galway Irish Crystal for decades; a memorable introduction to the rich history and culture of the West of Ireland.

• Guided Heritage Tours
• Exhibitions on old Galway, e.g. The Claddagh Village
• Audio-visual presentation on Life in Galway
• Spacious restaurant
• Showroom of Galway Irish Crystal, Donegal China, Belleek Pottery and Aynsley China

Five minutes drive from Galway City Centre (opposite Merlin Park Hospital)

A small restored cottage overlooking the breathtaking lakes and mountains of Connemara, used by Patrick Pearse (1879-1916), leader of the 1916 Rising, as a summer residence and summer school for his pupils from St Enda's in Dublin.

Accompanying Pearse on a visit to Ros Muc in 1915 was Desmond Ryan, a former pupil, who later wrote of the enthusiasm engendered by Pearse on his visits there: "The Twelve Pins came in sight and Pearse waved his hand here and there over the land, naming lake, mountain and district away to the Joyce Country under its purple mist". Ryan also recalled the long walks and cycle rides through the heart of the Connemara Gaeltacht and the stories told by Pearse that had been recounted to him by local storytellers.

The interior, although burned during the War of Independence, has been reconstructed and contains an exhibition.

Restricted access for visitors with disabilities.

Located approx. 12 km from Galway City, the Spiddal Craft Centre is where you can see crafts being made which gives a rare opportunity to buy unique handmade gifts directly from the skilled Artisans themselves.

The Centre consists of a range of workshops, including candlemaking, leatherwork, pottery, screen-printing and siopa Gaeilge, weaving, celtic jewellery, bodhrán making, wood-turning and a restaurant.

Free car and bus park. Home cooking in Bistro. (Opening times may vary slightly in off-season).

The three islands of Inishmore, Inishmaan and Inisheer, are located off the West Coast of Galway.

Inishmore, the largest of the three, lies about 18km out from Rossaveal harbour from which numerous ferry trips operate daily. You can also travel direct from Galway City by boat or by plane from nearby Connemara Airport. Approx. 13km long, and containing 3,092 ha, the island has a native population of about 900, with Kilronan the chief centre and port.

Places of Interest:
Aran's Heritage Centre - Ionad Árann
Dún Aonghasa

Connemara National Park is situated in the heart of the West of Ireland near Letterfrack, and covers some 2,000 hectares of scenic mountains, expanses of bogs, heaths and grasslands. Some of the Park's mountains are part of the famous Twelve Bens range. Attractions include exhibitions, nature trails, red deer, Connemara ponies, and an audio visual show. In addition, there is a summer programme of walks and special events for younger visitors.

Galway Races Summer Festival Meeting has grown from strength to strength each year, and now has an attendance of approximately 200,000 people over the course of the seven-day festival.

With a mixture of flat and national hunt racing, Galway Races attracts punters from all walks of life from the keen race-goer to the ordinary punter to experience this unique sporting event.

Other highlights of the Summer Festival include the big Bash on Monday, 31st July, Ladies Day on Thursday, 3rd August, and Mad Hatters Day on Sunday, 6th August.

You can now book your tickets for the Galway Races online HERE