Athenry Heritage Centre

Galway & The West

Copyright: Conor Lawless/cc by 2.0/Wikimedia (cropped)

DESTINATIONS ireland galway Do & See Athenry Heritage Centre

Athenry Heritage Centre

Enjoy an immersive medieval experience in the Athenry Heritage Centre. Get into character by borrowing a medieval costume, and try your hand at Archery. The museum is fun for all ages and offers interactive exhibits as well as guided tours.

Do & See

With a young population and a bohemian spirit, Galway's charms are best enjoyed by strolling the Old City lanes and exploring the rugged landscapes that surround it. Known for its artistic spirit, Galway is oozing with culture — from lively traditional music sessions to a calendar brimming with festivals and events, including the world-famous Galway International Arts Festival, the city never fails to captivate and inspire.

Latin Quarter

For a taste of Galway's unique character and charm, be sure to visit the Latin Quarter. A vibrant and historic neighbourhood located in the heart of the city, known for its colourful buildings, bustling pedestrian streets, and lively atmosphere. The Latin Quarter is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, bars, and cultural attractions. …

Aughnanure Castle

Aughnanure Castle

Built in the 16th century as a stronghold of the O'Flaherty clan, Aughnanure Castle — a six-storey tower on the shores of Lough Corrib — crowns the picturesque scenery of Oughterard. Today, visitors can explore the remains of the castle's banqueting hall, a watchtower, an unusual double bawn and bastions, and a dry …

Brigit’s Garden

Brigit’s Garden

Escape into a world of natural beauty and enchantment by visiting Brigit's Garden. Regarded as one of the most picturesque gardens in Ireland, Brigit's Garden is a magical Celtic-themed garden surrounded by 11 acres of wildflower meadows. The nature trail, stone chamber, and nature discovery trail will spirit visitors of all ages into a …

Connemara National Park

Connemara National Park

Covering about 2,000 hectares of scenic mountains, sprawling bogs, heaths, grasslands, and woodlands, the Connemara National Park offers a glimpse of this rich terrain, which has long been a place of discovery and exploration. The Park encompasses a section of the Twelve Bens mountain range, including the county's tallest peak, Benbaun, which stands at 725 …

Dún Aonghasa

Perched on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Dún Aonghasa is the most monumental of the prehistoric stone forts on the Aran Islands. This semi-circular structure, which is over 3,000 years old and enclosed by three massive stone walls, has yielded significant evidence of prehistoric metalworking and various ancient burial sites and settlements through …

Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden

Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden

Home of the Benedictine nuns for the past 100 years, the 1000-acre-wide Kylemore estate is a perfect day trip destination. Take a guided tour and discover an award-winning Victorian Walled Garden, which often hosts musical …

Druid Lane Theatre

Druid Lane Theatre

The award-winning Druid Theatre is one of Ireland’s premiere theatre companies, featuring both classic and contemporary performances. Check out their programme for a taste of local …

Galway Atlantaquaria — National Aquarium of Ireland

Galway Atlantaquaria — National Aquarium of Ireland

The National Aquarium of Ireland is home to the country’s largest collection of aquatic life, with over 150 species of fish and invertebrates. The exhibits provide a unique insight into native marine and freshwater habitats, a perfect opportunity to learn more about the sea which characterises …

Galway City Karting

Galway City Karting

Galway City Karting is Galway’s only indoor karting venue. A fun and safe environment to chase high speeds, the venue is family-friendly with karting options for children from 7 years and …

Galway City Museum

Galway City Museum

Located on the banks of the River Corrib, the Galway City Museum is a spacious and modern building, where visitors can learn all about the city's unique character, with displays on archaeology, local history, art and …

Athenry Heritage Centre

Athenry Heritage Centre

Enjoy an immersive medieval experience in the Athenry Heritage Centre. Get into character by borrowing a medieval costume, and try your hand at Archery. The museum is fun for all ages and offers interactive exhibits as well as guided …

Irish Workhouse Centre

Irish Workhouse Centre

This humbling museum offers insight into an often overlooked institution in Irish history — the Workhouse. From the 1840s until Independence (1920s), Workhouses were the last resort for the destitute poor. Offering minimal living conditions in exchange for gruelling work, these institutions characterise the hardship of life in the era. The centre is composed …

Menlo Castle

Nestled in a picturesque location on the banks of the River Corrib lies the secluded Menlo Castle. Built in the 16th century, this historic castle has since been reclaimed by nature, making it a challenge to spot behind the lush green vegetation that now covers it. From 1600 to 1910, the castle was home to …

Céide Fields

Céide Fields in County Mayo is home to the oldest known stone-walled fields in the world, dating back nearly 6,000 years. The visitor centre offers an opportunity to learn about the spiritual beliefs and culture of the neolithic society which created this landscape. The fields are also worth visiting for their wild ecology — …

Croagh Patrick — Ireland's 'Holy Mountain' or 'The Reek'

Croagh Patrick — Ireland's 'Holy Mountain' or 'The Reek'

Croagh Patrick is a 764-metre-high cone-shaped peak that rises above Clew Bay in County Mayo. Known as Ireland’s ‘Holy Mountain’ or ‘The Reek’ among locals, it’s a site steeped in history, religion, and mythology. The mountain is believed to have been a pilgrimage site for pagans as far back as 3000 BC. It’s thought that …