Top 10 Kid Friendly Things To Do and Attractions in Loughrea

"Dating back to 1320, this church is Ireland’s largest medieval parish church hosting regular services. It is dedicated to St Nicholas of Myra, the patron saint of seafarers and constructed from Galway’s signature grey limestone. In the middle of the 17th century the largest body of Irish genealogical lore, Leabhar na nGenealach, recording the heritage of families across Ireland, was written at this very place."

"A 14th century church near the banks of the Corrib in the heart of Galway city, the name ‘St Nicholas’ is a reference to the Patron Saint of children (modern day Santa Claus). The external walls of St Nicholas contain the unlikely combination of two mermaids, a lion, a dragon, gargoyles and a number of human heads."

"A post shared by jilp24 (@jilp24) on Apr 8, 2018 at 4:37pm PDT. A post shared by jilp24 (@jilp24) on Apr 8, 2018 at 4:16pm PDT. St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church holds the distinction of being the largest medieval parish church in continuous use."

"Once completely covered over and built upon, this archaeological site is a very important piece of Galway City history. It was once the main building in Galway performing the functions of tax office, courthouse and town hall. But after being seized in the 15th century by invading tribes it become abandoned and forgotten about until major excavation work uncovered it in 1997."

"In the 13th century, when the de Burgo family ruled Galway, Richard – the Red Earl – erected a large hall as a seat of power, where locals would arrive to curry favour. After the 14 tribes took over, the hall..."

"Covering over 450 hectares and formerly owned by the Clanrickarde family, Portumna Forest Park is located along the northern shore of Lough Derg and is an excellent place for a family day out in Galway. There are plenty of forest and lakeside walks, a car park, toilet facilities, and observation points. Whether you want to visit on foot or on bike, these are all welcome."

"A post shared by The Curvy Blonde (@the_curvy_blonde_gal) on Jun 22, 2019 at 9:09am PDT. The Portumna Forest Walk offers woodland paths and forestlands that remind you of scenes from Harry Potter and Hagrid’s House. The clean park abounds with wildlife and a rich variety of flora, carefully conserved and cared for."

"Menlo Castle is a beautiful 16th century castle just outside the city on the bank of river Corrib. The castle belonged to the Blake family who lived there from 1600-1910, to were rumored to be the richest Irish family in Galway in 1592 and owned many properties in Mayo, Clare and Galway. Menlo castle was also used as festival grounds for “Maying in Menlo” where villagers were invited to celebrate with the Blakes."

"If you’re looking for an eerie, nature-inspired, and royalty-feel backdrop for your next wedding or vacation photos, then Menlo Castle is a good stop for your Ireland itinerary. The abandoned castle sits on the banks of River Corrib and is overgrown by moss and other green vegetation. It was the home of the Blake family and was established during the 16th century."

"If you’re after something a little more on the unusual side of places to visit in Galway, this should tick the box. Built in 1569, this now abandoned 16th century is so completely overgrown with vegetation that it kind of just blends into the scenery. You’ll find Menlo Castle on the banks of the Corrib River just a short walk from Galway City."

"Enquiries: Recreation & Amenity Department Galway City Council City Hall College Road Galway Tel: (091) 536565 E mail: parks@galwaycity.ie"

"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."

"It’s safe to say that once the midday slump hits, a flat white from Coffeewerk+Press is calling our name. Whatever your coffee order, they’ve got the speciality roast to make it out of this world and if you’re lucky enough to nab one of the seats outside their little yellow door - close by some local buskers - you’ve got one of the best seats in town!. 4 Quay Street // MORE HERE"

"Coffee from here is easily recognisable by their adorable little takeaway cup adorned with a colourful illustration of the café itself. Part design-store, part café; Coffeewerk + Press combines art and coffee to showcase some of the best local and international talent. Make sure to venture upstairs for a birds-eye view of Quay Street in Galway’s Latin Quarter."

"Located just off Eyre Square, which is serviced by bus # 33 direct from outside Clybaun Hotel, the Corrib Shopping Centre is a compact shopping mall featuring a wide range of goods. The main outlet for this centre is the department store, Debenhams. Marks and Spencers have a department store as well as a food court and there are plenty of cosmetics and accessories, menswear, ladies wear and household goods as well as a spacious café and a multi storey car park."

"Menlo Park Hotel is found in a private property, conveniently within walking distance from Downtown Galway, and even nearer to Galway Shopping Center. It is one of the top choices for tourists who like shopping, sightseeing, and city walks. Once done with a full day of exploration, come home to your air-conditioned and WiFi-ready room in this four-star hotel that also has on-site dining with special diet menus waiting for you."

"Located in its own private grounds, this 4-star hotel offers spacious, elegant rooms. It is only 20 minutes’ walk from Galway’s centre and 5 minutes' walk from the nearest shopping centre. The property is within easy access from main roads, and free parking and free WiFi are available."

"If you’re the kind of person to abide by the motto “go big or go home,” this bar will probably suit you just fine. The Front Door Pub, often called just “Sonny’s” (named for Sonny Molloy, a local choir singer who once owned the building), is a huge Galway pub with a dual-street entrance (accessible both from High Street and Cross Street). Like many pubs in Ireland, it’s an older building, but modern renovations have expanded it, and it now encompasses five bars across two floors (yes, you read that right!)."

"Galway is a haven for some high-quality pub grub, and The Front Door is up there with the best. The super crispy fish and chips, the mouth-watering steaks, the sublimely sticky BBQ ribs- are all highly recommended. There is always an electric atmosphere in this place."