Top Things to do in County Galway
Countries
10 Sights & Landmarks in County Galway That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in County Galway, Ireland including Glengowla Mines, Dun Aonghasa, Ballyglunin Railway Station, Dun Duchathair, The Irish Workhouse Centre, Killary Sheep Farm, Wild Atlantic Way, Galway Cathedral, Aughnanure Castle, Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden.
Restaurants in County Galway
1. Glengowla Mines
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 426 reviews
Buried beneath the Connemara Mountain lies a way of life long abandoned and almost forgotten just waiting for you to explore! Let the team at Glengowla Mines lead you on a journey of discovery of how lead and silver were mined from the roots of the Connemara Mountains in the 1800’s. The constant dripping of water, the ‘miners breath’ and if you are brave enough - a moment of darkness will set the scene! Delve into the depths of Glengowla mines where you can explore the caverns of marble studded with lead and silver. Follow the veins of copper pyrite which will lead you to the ‘miners gold’ - Galena. Marvel at the rare and beautiful crystals of quartz and fluorite. Learn of the working conditions the miners worked under before the mines closed in 1865. A firm favourite with adults and children alike is to pan for gold and gems at our gold panning station and keep any gems you find! Not only will you enjoy guided tours of the mines,
Reviewed By sarahoR5721WQ
One of the best afternoons spent in Connemara. Great for kids and adults. The staff were all friendly and very patient with my son (and his millions of questions). The Sheepdog display is a must, we loved meeting Jess the sheepdog and watching her herding the sheep to us so we could pet and feed them. The mine tour was great, limited group numbers so not rushed and really interesting with a very knowledgeable and funny guide. We were taught how to pan for gold and even given a little bag to bring our treasure home. A relaxed afternoon in beautiful surroundings to wander around. Great attention to Covid measures, everything we touched was cleaned. I Highly Recommend a visit here!
2. Dun Aonghasa
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,399 reviews
Perched on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Dun Aonghasa is the largest of the prehistoric stone forts of the Aran Islands. It is enclosed by three massive dry-stone walls and a chevaux-de-frise consisting of blocks of limestone set vertically into the ground to deter attackers. Originally constructed c.1100BC, it was re-fortified around 700-800 AD. Excavations revealed significant evidence of prehistoric metalworking, as well as several burials. Visitor safety information: The fort is about 1km from the Visitors Centre and is approached over rising ground. The last section of the path is over rough, natural rock and care is needed, especially when descending. Boots or strong walking shoes are recommended. There is no fence or barrier at the edge of the cliff.
Reviewed By geraldine946 - Western Ireland, Ireland
Well worth a visit, rain hail or sunshine....have been here a few times and loved it, the most amazing views on the island and definitely worth it.
3. Ballyglunin Railway Station
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By Ozzysix - County Kildare, Ireland
A hidden gem in the west of Ireland, went looking for this as it was one of the locations used in The Quite Man. It is been renovated at present and there are great plans for its future. It was like stepping back in time really enjoy my time there.
4. Dun Duchathair
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 143 reviews
Reviewed By redhead_roaming - Seattle, United States
Honestly, it's quite an adventure just getting to this place! We rented mountain bikes in town and we were glad we got those versus gentle city bikes. The road that gets you closest, while it looks smooth and nice on Google Maps satellite view, is full of large rocks that would take out city bikes - there was more than one occasion I almost biffed it even with my mountain bike! While walking is certainly an option, it kinda makes sense just to get bikes for the whole day to explore the island anyway. Anyway, the path ends near the cliff side, with a lone bench. It's not America - there are no signs, no safety rails, nothing. Be safe and be informed as to where you need to go. We left our bikes there and I was really worried they would get stolen but no one touched them - thank you kind people! Walking through the limestone landscape, you have to be careful where you step, as you could easily twist an ankle if you're too busy looking around. You start to notice that the stone walls have a couple entries in them and you can follow some virtually all the way to Dun Duchathair. Once you get there, there's not much to see of the actual fort. There's no signs about not walking on the structure and you kinda have to but we tried to keep that to a minimum, to keep the integrity of the structure for years to come. We sat and enjoyed the views for a while though, especially loving waves crashing along the steep cliffs. As cool as watching the sunset would be here, I 100% do not recommend it. I can't imagine trying to navigate the cliffs or the limestone landscape in the dark. For clothing, it wasn't a terribly cold day but with the wind, it made it. We had lightweight fleece jackets, pants and good hiking shoes.
5. The Irish Workhouse Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 458 reviews
Reviewed By Harrogate2008 - New Romney, United Kingdom
We had a truly interesting visit and our guide was so informative. We would thoroughly recommend a visit.
6. Killary Sheep Farm
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 375 reviews
contains some of Ireland's most awe-inspiring and dramatic scenery including Killary Fjord. Sheepdog Demonstrations with highly skilled working dogs, feeding the lambs with bottles, Sheep shearing using the hand shears, turf cutting using the traditional method which visitors can try out this ancient method for themselves, walking trails, Great day out for all the family.
Reviewed By peteald - Downers Grove, United States
The drive up to Leenane is absolutely stunning. Once you enter the town of Leenane and see the Fjord you will be blown away, the mountains with the water and the amazing flowers are an unbeatable scene. We took a day trip up to the area on one of our last days in Ireland and wish we would have gone earlier so we could have spent more time there! Killary Sheep Farm is spectacular. We went in May, when it was a little warmer than usual for the time, and had a wonderful experience. There was a tour group of about 30 individuals there, and my girlfriend and I were the only ones there not a part of the tour. Tom took time to answer everyone questions and explain how a sheep farm operates. The best part was toward the end, we got to hold baby sheep and feed them. We feed a sheep that was just born the day before, they are so cute! You get a little bottle that you feed them with and you have one of the most adorable experiences ever. The farm is amazing, the family that runs it are so nice and helpful, and the views are impeccable. This day trip was the highlight of a week long trip all over Ireland. If you are on the west coast, or staying in Galway, make the trip up and have a day you'll always remember.
7. Wild Atlantic Way
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,705 reviews
Reviewed By 2hopeless - Chichester, United Kingdom
After spending 3 days in Dublin we headed to the west stopping en route at the diner in Ballinasloe which was good for a quick lunch. We spent 3 nights in Galway, taking in the Galway Food Tour and enjoying the bars and street entertainment in the Latin Quarter. Onward for a few nights in Doolin Co. Clare visiting The Buren, Inis Oirr Aran Island, and the local hostelries. A lengthy scenic drive through Kerry, around the lakes of Killarney (unfortunately on a rainy misty day) to the Beara Peninsula for 4 days. Whilst we enjoyed all of it the change in scenery at each place captured the imagination and we all felt that it was merely an introduction for us to revisit soon. We travelled in June, however, roads are narrow and at peak holiday time it may be annoying as there are so many camper vans and huge tour buses at some of the more well known sights so cars have to move over, getting superficial scratches from the hedgerows. Be careful because there are ditches alongside the roads which are not obvious as they are covered in vegetation and may appear as solid ground.
8. Galway Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,951 reviews
Reviewed By CarolinaNurse323 - Kernersville, United States
My husband & I were travelling with a tour group with Gate 1 Travel and Galway Cathedral was on our list of MUST SEE when we arrived in Galway. This spectacular Cathedral was built with local limestone and Connemara marble and is truly amazing. The awe inspiring sanctuary with its wooden pews, flags, marble floors, stained glass windows, altars, cupola and THAT large pipe organ are exquisite! The plaque with JFK made a lasting impression. THIS CATHEDRAL IS A MUST SEE! TRULY ONE OF THE BEST I HAVE EVER SEEN!
9. Aughnanure Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 416 reviews
Built by the O'Flahertys c. 1500, Aughnanure Castle lies in picturesque surroundings close to the shores of Lough Corrib. In 1546 the O'Flaherty's motto "Fortune favours the strong" and the powerful Mayo O'Malleys Motto "Powerful by land and by sea", were joined in the marriage of Donal an Chogaidh O'Flaherty and Grainuaile/Grace O'Malley. Standing on what is virtually a rocky island, the castle is a particularly well-preserved example of an Irish tower house. In addition, visitors will find the remains of a banqueting hall, a watch tower, an unusual double bawn and bastions and a dry harbour.
Reviewed By bumu17
Getting there is quite an experience if you are driving in Ireland for the first time :-) . Once off the main road the road becomes rather narrow with small areas to pullover on both sides to let oncoming vehicles by. It is well worth the trip though. The walkway up from the parking lot is next to a waterway and shaded by trees. As we approached the castle gate we were welcomed(?) by the guard, a cat sleeping on duty nearby. My wife and I toured the grounds and buildings. We had an enjoyable time. Some restoration is going on to restore interior areas, but was not a problem.
10. Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,429 reviews
Set in a dramatic landscape, Kylemore is an ideal destination for a day out. From its beginnings as a romantic gift in the 1860s to becoming home to the Benedictine Nuns in 1920, Kylemore is steeped in history and tales of tragedy, romance, engineering initiatives, model farms, royal visits, spirituality, and education. Experience the Victorian atmosphere of the restored rooms of the Abbey and neo-Gothic church. Explore the magical Victorian Walled Garden, nature trails and woodland walks. History talks and Garden tours throughout the summer. Dine-in Mitchells Cafe or the Garden Tea House or treat yourself to crepes and ice cream at our Express Cafe. Explore our magical Fairy Village and say hello to our Connemara Ponies and pet rare breed pigs. Shop for unique handcrafted gifts including chocolate, pottery, and beauty products handmade on site. So much to see, do, and discover!
Reviewed By DERtravels - Upland, United States
We had only two hours to enjoy this vast 15,000 acre property. It was not enough. Please take your time to enjoy all there is to be seen. Once a hunting lodge, Mitchell Henry created an iconic castle for his wife Margaret. The property was so vast it included the home for tenants who provided services for the property. Over 300 people. This estate was home to the Duke and Duchess of Manchester for a time and then a speculator purchased it in 1914. Eventually it became those to a group of Benedictine nuns who fled Europe. In 1923 it became a boarding school until 2010, There is the Abbey (home) to tour, the walled Victorian Garden to stroll, two churches to visit and hiking routes. The Visitor center has a very nice self-service restaurant. We enjoyed a ham sandwich, salmon quiche, beet salad and apple pie. There is also an extremely nice Craft Shop and Pottery studio. Items can be shipped home. The grounds are accessible from the Galway City bus station. Call the Kylemore visitor centre for details.
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