Historic Sites in Oranmore

"Aughnanure Castle is a well-preserved Irish tower house, probably built in 1256 by Walter de Burgos, first Earl of Ulster. Aughnanure means “field of yews” and there is an ancient yew tree nearby. The battlemented castle stands on a low cliff above the Drimneed River, once an essential source of fresh water with boat access for supplies."

"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."

"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."

"A ‘show mine’ that plays tribute to the days of mining in Connemara, West Galway, a trip to Glengowla brings you below ground to explore the dangerous extraction methods of 19th-century silver and lead mining. As well as the roughshod mining buildings and cave below, Glengowla is now home to an open farm, which is popular with local families. Glengowla Lodge, Glengowla East, Oughterard, Co."

"Claregalway Castle is a fully-restored 15th-century Norman tower house, situated on the banks of the River Clare. It was the chief fortress of the powerful Clanricarde de Burgos family, also known as the Burkes, who were descendants of the original 13th-century Anglo-Normans invaders. The castle has a long, bloody history, which you can learn all about on the regular tours at the castle!"

"Now fully restored, Claregalway Castle is a 15th-century tower house on the banks of the scenic River Clare. Its main claim to fame is as the original home of the Brian Boru Harp, Ireland’s national symbol now on display in Trinity College Dublin. Take a guided tour of this Anglo-Norman tower house, former home of the illustrious Clanricard Burkes."

"A post shared by Veronica Bilotta (@veronicabilotta) on Aug 31, 2018 at 3:48pm PDT. The fully-restored castle will make you feel like a King or a Queen for night, as it has lodging options fit for royalty. The friendly welcoming hosts and the expert guides will help you learn more about the rich history of the castle."

"These two reserves, through their combination of deciduous woods, limestone reefs, lakes and turloughs, constitute one of the most interesting Irish vegetation and faunal complexes still in existence. The Coole-Garryland reserve contains a variety of floral habitats including well-formed high forest on deep pockets of soil, dwarf woodland on limestone pavement and a turlough complex in the Callows and Coole Lake. A large portion of this reserve was formerly owned by Lady Gregory, co-founder with W.B."

"One hour south of Galway City is a great place to take the kids for a day out in nature. Covering an area of approximately 400 hectares is the wetland and woodland nature reserve of Coole Park. The two reserves constitute woods, limestone reefs, lakes, and turloughs where you can see interesting Irish vegetation and fauna."

"James Lynch Fitzstephen was the mayor and magistrate of Galway in 1493. So the story goes, when his son was condemned for the murder of a romantic rival Spanish merchant sailor, Lynch Sr personally acted as..."

"Galway’s contemporary arts hub, the Galway Arts Centre is another revolving exhibition space that takes in an incredible array of local art and entertainment, including theatre and visual arts. The gallery is equally fluid, with a penchant for cartoony modern art and statement sculpture. There are classes, too, if you feel like getting your hands dirty."

"In an idyllic setting by a stream, this 16th-century Norman tower was the summer home of WB Yeats from 1921 to 1929 and was the inspiration for one of his best-known works, The Tower. It adjoins a whitewashed cottage with forest-green trim, which contains an exhibition on Yeats' life and work. From Gort, it's 7.2km northeast off the N66."

"Cong Abbey is a beautiful, ancient monastery ruin from the 13th century. Here you feel like you have been transported back a few centuries and can imagine how the monks …. translated by•View Original"

"If you and your special someone are looking for an elegant, award-winning Italian dining experience, Basilico is the place to be. Whether it’s a cheesy personal pizza or a striploin steak, you won’t be disappointed. Well, your date might be once they see you covered in tomato sauce… Worth it?!"

"We know you’d only love to whisk your loved one away to Rome for a romantic date night, but Mona Lisa really is the next best thing!. With rustic interiors, top notch presentation and expert staff – this tapas style Italian eatery is as authentic as it gets. 17 William Street West // MORE HERE"

"Average Rating - 4.3Total Number of Ratings - 50+Location - GalwayAverage price - ££££Review - Food never disappoints so full of flavour. View Mona Lisa Restaurant & Pizza Menu"

"This family-favourite in the heart of Galway City offers a range of Italian and Mexican food such as including pizza, pasta, enchiladas and burritos. Prices won't hurt your pocket, but there is no compromise on quality - Fat Freddy's uses the freshest ingredients and is well-decorated in a vintage, urban style."

"Fat Freddy's  has been serving up great food in Galway for over 30 years. Their broad menu contains pizzas, wraps, quesadillas, sour dough bread sandwiches, pastas and salads with options for meat eaters, veggies and vegans. This relaxed restaurant makes everything to order and welcomes families."

"Fat Freddy's on Quay Street is one of Galway's most beloved restaurants. The dimly lit interior gives off very cosy Roman restaurant type vibes. And their pizzas are always a popular choice."

"Watch chocolate being made in small batches using rare Trinitario cacao beans and raw sugar on a 45-minute tour of this heavenly smelling cottage-housed chocolate factory in a picturesque hillside location. If you don't catch a tour, peer through the factory's glass viewing windows from the chocolate-filled shop. Its on-site organic cafe (dishes €6.50 to €12.50) uses chocolate in creations like parsnip, cacao butter and white-pepper soup, and grilled halloumi and chocolate-and-plum-chutney toasties."

"Ireland’s oldest – as far as anyone knows – guesthouse, run by five generations of the Hodgson family, who have lived in this house since 1840 and on the site since the 17th century. Come here for glorious landscapes, deep history, absolute tranquillity – and traditional Irish hospitality at its best."

"Beautifully situated overlooking Lough Corrib and set in 180 acres of woodlands and gardens, the Hodgson family’s gracious early Victorian manor house was built in 1846 as a wedding present for the present owner, Henry Hodgson’s, great, gre ..."