Location: Galway
Top Things to do in Galway
Countries
The 5 Best Castles in Galway, Western Ireland
For visitors, the best thing about Galway is that you can walk everywhere. As soon as you arrive, enjoy a walk through the city streets. There, you'll find lively pubs, independent shops and winding cobblestone streets packed with students, artists, writers and craftspeople. You may even hear Gaelic spoken. For a day trip, take a ferry to the island of Inis Mor. You'll return refreshed by the ocean air and Inis Mor's breathtaking scenery. Oh, and be sure to wear sunscreen on the island, no matter how chilly it is. (Just trust us, okay?)
Restaurants in Galway
1. Menlo Castle / Blake's Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By jamesdkp - Medford, United States
Stayed at Menlo Park Hotel where there was an abstract painting of Menlo Castle. Googled it out of curiosity. Castle has a tragic history, destroyed by fire that killed the invalid daughter of the owners and 2 maids. Asked the front desk personnel about it and they were pretty much clueless as to what it even was. One girl told us that you could see it if you went to the sports field of the college across the river from where it is located. I read on trip advisor that it was accessible. Called for a taxi, driver said yes he was familiar with how to get there. It would be walkable from this hotel except that the road to it is VERY narrow and windy with hedges on both sides- so no where to move out of the way of traffic. Driver dropped us off on the narrow road that leads to the site, and told us to climb over the gate at the end of the road. (Easy climb over- metal farm type gate) Told us that it is NOT trespassing as some have worried about, climbing the gate just saves you a long hike around. Had the driver come back to pick us up in an hour which was more than enough time to explore and get some beautiful pictures of the ruins that have been overtaken by vines and birds. Truly lovely site and one of the highlights of my trip. We had the place all to ourselves. I've included pictures of the road in to the ruins as well.
2. Oranmore Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 85 reviews
Reviewed By GolferGIJoe
On our travels we stumbled upon this ancient castle which used to be used as a garrison. The hisotry and the scenery surrounding this castle is awesome. Our party stopped off on the way to County Clare and I recommend anyone in this beautiful part of Ireland to stop and breathe in the history awesome castle and tour guide and history of the island
