Must See Sights and Landmarks in Cong Area

"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."

"Located in the small Irish town of Oughterard lies the beautiful Aughnanure Castle. This castle was originally constructed in the 16th century, by the prominent O’Flaherty family, who was a famous lord family in the region. The castle remained in the hands of the O’Flaherty family until the year 1572, where it was sieged by the President of Connaught, Sir Edward Fitton; the castle changed hands on several occasions throughout the centuries, before later being reclaimed by the O’Flaherty family."

"This 16th-century tower house is one of over 200 in Galway county, located in Oughterard on the banks of the Lough Corrib. Throughout most of medieval history, the land was controlled by the O’Flaherty clan. Around the time of its build, the castle was declared the legal property of the English crown and was taken from the rightful chief, Donal an Chogaidh, and given to Sir Murrough ne doe O’Flaherty."

"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."

"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"

"An earnest conversation takes place between Irish writer Oscar Wilde (1854–1900) and Estonian writer Eduard Vilde (1856–1933), sitting on a granite bench, in this bronze-cast statue by Estonian artist Tiiu..."

"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..."

"Located on the ground floor of Pálás cinema, Merrow’s seasonally shifting menu takes inspiration from the wilderness, coast and countryside we are surrounded by. Baked celeriac steak anyone?. It’s the perfect place to launch a dinner and movie kind of night, as you can head straight to the cinema after your meal."

"Pálás is a cool brand new cinema theatre in Galway funded by the government. With state-of-the-art technology, three screens, a coffee shop and a bar, the cinema is one of Galway’s cultural hubs. Cinemas are a dating staple and choosing this particular cinema is a great way to pity a unique spin on them."

"More than just a hotel dining room, the formal and fashionable AA Rosette Award-Winning Restaurant Gigi's is one of the top places to dine in Galway. Despite Gigi's unique and cool location, in the stunning g Hotel. it's the quality of food that comes from the kitchen, that really captures guests’...See More"

"The g is worth going to for a look even if you don’t get anything to eat or drink. It’s so sumptuous and luxurious and the detail here is worth admiring. The delicate artwork, mirrored globe light fixtures and huge, comfortable sofas."

"The hotel is ideally located between the buzz of Galway city and the relaxed seaside resort of Salthill. Clybaun Hotel provides easy access to Connemara, the Aran Islands and the best of the west of Ireland. The four star Clybaun Hotel is bright and spacious, with plenty of indoor and outdoor comfortable seating areas."

"Guests love Clybaun Hotel’s excellent location that gives them quick access to the vibrant city center, as well as Salthill’s scenic location and charming cafes. There is lots to love about this four-star hotel. It houses an indoor pool, a hot tub, a fitness center, a steam room, and an indoor play area."

"Located in the heart of Galway city’s main shopping thoroughfare, stands the historic building that is Garavan’s Public House dated back to 1650. There is a long-standing tradition of excellent whiskey-brewing in Ireland and Irish Whiskey, whose name derives from the Gaelic Uisce Beatha (‘Water of Life’), has been synonymous with Garavan’s since its inception 80 years ago. They offer an extensive collection of delicious (and some rare) whiskeys, one of the largest in Galway."

"Irish whiskeys are the speciality of this genteel old boozer. Incredible 'tasting platters' generally cost €11 to €14 – choices include an Irish Writers' platter, featuring the favourite tipples of Samuel..."

"The original structure of Quays Bar is over 400 years old and it still retains some of its own original features. The Quays Bar is a famous music venue in Galway which has two floors which play music every night and has played host to famous acts such as Aslan and Nathan Carter. The Quays is also famous for being the home of the television channel TG4’s country music competition called “Glor Tire” and is a popular spot for tourists as it is the perfect place to sample everything that is great about Irish culture."

"As far as historical interior decorating goes, The Quays Pub has pretty much got the ‘cool’ factor locked down. The outside of this Galway pub is quaint and colorful, painted cream and deep blue with red window panes and hanging flower baskets adorning the outer walls. The inside, however, gets cooler the further you go in."

"The unique and antique design of the pub is reminiscent of old taverns of medieval times. Located in the Latin Quarter, the pub is home to some of the best-crafted beers. And with its inlaid woods, stained glasses, and church pews, visitors will have a jolly time with the locals and enjoy their fresh and handcrafted ales."

"Located directly on Eyre Square, the Skeffington Arms Hotel is a relaxing option for young couples and those on city breaks. Resembling a pub from the outside, delve into Irish culture and hospitality here at one of the venue’s six bars. These include one with live entertainment nightly, the Premium Gin Parlour, the Whiskey Vault and even a nightclub."

"If you’ve ever spent a weekend roaming around Galway’s many different pubs, then you’re probably familiar with the Skeff. Overlooking Eyre Square and close to all of the city’s main attractions, The Skeffington Arms Hotel boasts bright, modern rooms, a vibrant bar, and a restaurant. The Skeff is the perfect place to watch a match."

"If you’re looking for where to stay in Galway consider the Skeffington Arms Hotel. This luxury boutique hotel is centrally located and has a cozy yet fun-loving vibe. Each room has pops of bright colours, comfortable beds, and sleek modern bathrooms."

"An ultimate family favourite, the folks at Pasta Factory have created a vegan-friendly menu fit for a king. With a strong focus on supporting local suppliers, their menu changes weekly, pairing seasonal flavours along with their signature homemade pasta. While you’re there, you’ve got to try their staple vegan special; vegan pasta alongside a bottle of refreshing kombucha and a slice of vegan heaven chocolate cake."

"A lovely restaurant with an arts cinema attached - the chef here is Latvian Liga Jarovoja, who used to be at Ard Bia. It's open all day serving up hot baps at breakfast, veggie fry-ups for brunch (including cauliflower hash) while dinner is a modern European menu featuring local produce."

"Art house film is a genre which encompasses content and style which is often artistic or experimental, expressing the filmmakers’ personal artistic vision. In the  Pálás Cinema, the restaurant perfectly reflects this ideology."