Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Aran Islands

"Built around 1500, this superbly preserved fortress signposted 4.2km east of Oughterard was home to the 'Fighting O'Flahertys', who controlled the region for hundreds of years after they fought off the Normans. The six-storey tower house stands on a rocky outcrop overlooking Lough Corrib and has been extensively restored."

"A great Tower House to visit with kids in Galway is Aughnanure Castle. Located near Oughterard, it is one of over 200 tower houses in County Galway. Built in the 16th century this castle is a great place to stretch the legs and let the kids run off some excess energy."

"The 'Fighting O'Flahertys' were based at this superbly preserved 16th-century fortress 4km east of Oughterard. The clan controlled the region for hundreds of years after they fought off the Normans."

"Standing guard over Inishmore, Dun Aengus, 8km west of Kilronan, has three massive drystone walls that run right up to sheer drops to the ocean below. Believed to be up to 2000 years old, the fort is protected by remarkable chevaux de frise, fearsome and densely packed defensive limestone spikes. Displays at its small visitor centre provide context and a 900m walkway wanders uphill to the fort itself."

"Dún Aonghasa on Inis MorInis Mor The easiest way to get to Inis Mor is by taking a ferry from Ros a' Mhíl/Rossaveal, which is located about 50 minutes from Galway. You can either drive yourself to Rossaveal, or take advantage of the shuttle bus that leaves from central Galway about 1.5 hours before sailing in the morning."

"Almost hanging over a 100-metre cliff edge on Inishmore, one of the Aran Islands, Dún Aonghasa is thought to be at least 2000 years old. It consists of four concentric circles, their walls sometimes as much as 4 metres thick. Yet for all its obvious defensive might, the fort is thought to have been largely ceremonial."

"If you’re looking for family activities for all ages, the Ailwee Caves and Bird of Prey Centre is a great option for you. Located in the heart of the Burren in County Clare and only 40 minutes from both Galway and Shannon. Perched high on its Burren terraced mountainside."

"Standing guard over Inishmore, Dun Aengus, 8km west of Kilronan, has three massive drystone walls that run right up to sheer drops to the ocean below. Believed to be up to 2000 years old, the fort is protected by remarkable chevaux de frise, fearsome and densely packed defensive limestone spikes. Displays at its small visitor centre provide context and a 900m walkway wanders uphill to the fort itself."

"Dún Aonghasa on Inis MorInis Mor The easiest way to get to Inis Mor is by taking a ferry from Ros a' Mhíl/Rossaveal, which is located about 50 minutes from Galway. You can either drive yourself to Rossaveal, or take advantage of the shuttle bus that leaves from central Galway about 1.5 hours before sailing in the morning."

"Almost hanging over a 100-metre cliff edge on Inishmore, one of the Aran Islands, Dún Aonghasa is thought to be at least 2000 years old. It consists of four concentric circles, their walls sometimes as much as 4 metres thick. Yet for all its obvious defensive might, the fort is thought to have been largely ceremonial."

"Built around 1500, this superbly preserved fortress signposted 4.2km east of Oughterard was home to the 'Fighting O'Flahertys', who controlled the region for hundreds of years after they fought off the Normans. The six-storey tower house stands on a rocky outcrop overlooking Lough Corrib and has been extensively restored."

"A great Tower House to visit with kids in Galway is Aughnanure Castle. Located near Oughterard, it is one of over 200 tower houses in County Galway. Built in the 16th century this castle is a great place to stretch the legs and let the kids run off some excess energy."

"The 'Fighting O'Flahertys' were based at this superbly preserved 16th-century fortress 4km east of Oughterard. The clan controlled the region for hundreds of years after they fought off the Normans."

"One of Ireland's most famous prehistoric grave sites, Gleninsheen lies beside the R480 7km south of Ballyvaughan. It's thought to date from 4000 to 5000 years ago. A magnificent gold gorget (a crescent of beaten gold that hung round the neck) found here and dating from the late Bronze Age is now on display at the National Museum in Dublin. Note: the access gate to the tomb is sometimes locked, and signage is poor."

"For the Barna folk among us, Barcella Café are helping you keep the wolf from the door with their American style pancakes this Tuesday. They’ve got three options with a choice of three toppings to choose from. Bacon, maple syrup, Nutella, mixed berry jam, honey, fresh cream, banana - we’re drooling just thinking about it!"

"Ok, admittedly, this technically isn’t a market, but it has that rustic and beautifully, homemade one-of-a-kind feel that any good market offers, and for that alone, Culture Trip highly recommends a visit. The Spiddal Craft Village is a rural business spot for a host of arty producers, people who blow glass, paint Galway’s sublimely rugged landscapes, weave baskets, cook in beautiful bakeries and a serve up an awarding-winning stop-off at the restaurant and coffee shop. In other words, it’s a very worthwhile aside."

"Not an art gallery as such, but certainly one of Ireland‘s best creative communities, and a corner of Connemara that any arts-loving visitor will want to see. Spiddal Crafts is home to both the production and sale of anything from hand-blown glass to ceramics, coin-based jewellery, and the work of Brazilian resident artist Andrea Rossi, who makes vibrant folk art. Seeing the art in progress is the best part."

"The O’Dowd family have been welcoming visitors to this much-loved pub overlooking the harbour for longer than most people care to remember. There are some new developments from time to time, but the old bar is always the same – or at least ..."

"If you’re looking for family activities for all ages, the Ailwee Caves and Bird of Prey Centre is a great option for you. Located in the heart of the Burren in County Clare and only 40 minutes from both Galway and Shannon. Perched high on its Burren terraced mountainside."