Top Things to do in County Galway
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The 10 Best Ancient Ruins in County Galway, Western Ireland
Discover the best top things to do in County Galway, Ireland including Dun Aonghasa, Feartagar Castle, Dun Duchathair, Kilmacduagh Tower, O'Brien's Castle, Church of the Seven Daughters, Dun Eochla, Tyrone House, Teampall An Ceathrar Alainn (The Church of the Four Beauties), St. Caomhan’s Church.
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1. 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.
2. Feartagar Castle
3. 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.
4. Kilmacduagh Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
Reviewed By Susanne900
We found this graveyard coinidentally. This is a beautiful ancient place. Great for pictures. The church ruins, the tower, the graves, all are pitoresque.
5. O'Brien's Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 93 reviews
Reviewed By GaryO148
One of many O’Brien castles near Galway Bay, the one on Inisheer is crumbling but central to the island. Built on the highest point on Inisheer, the hike up is steep but the views are stunning. From the tourists who were climbing up the walls and posing to the busker who was playing guitar, the range of experiences are many.
6. Church of the Seven Daughters
7. Dun Eochla
8. Tyrone House
9. Teampall An Ceathrar Alainn (The Church of the Four Beauties)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
10. St. Caomhan’s Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By eek1201
Beautiful ruins of a former church. We were dropped off to explore during our trip to the Inis Oirr and found this gem. A very old church that almost appears to be underground, and you have to take steps to get down inside. The altar is so neat and a unique piece of history. The cemetery is nearby and able to be visited as well. There are some super old headstones, and fairly new ones as well. A good place to stop if you're on the island
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