Top Things to do in Western Ireland
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Things to do in Western Ireland, Ireland: The Best History Museums
Discover the best top things to do in Western Ireland, Ireland including Glengowla Mines, Hennigan's Heritage Centre, The Claypipe Visitor Centre, Glenview Folk Museum, Finnertys Mills and Museum, Jeremiah Higgins, Connemara Heritage and History Centre, Admiral Brown Centre, The Battle of Aughrim Visitor Centre, Clew Bay Heritage Centre.
Restaurants in Western Ireland
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. Hennigan's Heritage Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 85 reviews
Reviewed By quiggers - Greystones, Ireland
An excellent living history,our guide Tom was brought up in the house that is the corner stone of this family run museum.He explains the history of Co Mayo in a clear and balanced way,so for a novice or a history buff there is plenty to learn from his story. We had been intending to visit the museum for a longtime as we are regular visitors to Co Mayo.The changes to Irish family life in just 2-3 generations are nothing short of remarkable. Happy to recommend this small museum, for older people it is a reminder, for the young it is an eye opener. Tom and Catherine were excellent and welcoming hosts, it was a great chat with tea and biscuits.
3. The Claypipe Visitor Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
Discover the fascinating history of pipe making in Knockcroghery. Enjoy a free demonstration using traditional tools.Browse the interesting photographs and memorabilia. Beautiful local crafts.
4. Glenview Folk Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By bernieg181
We were down from Donegal and were delighted to find this place. The owner has painstakingly restored some beautiful machines from yesteryear and has gathered a treasure trove of items that took me right back in time. The tour guide was so polite and informative too, it was well worth a visit !
5. Finnertys Mills and Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Discover all there is to know about a water-powered Corn Mill. The Corn Mill is a recorded monument and an important part of our industrial heritage. Gain an understanding of how oats and wheat were milled in a bygone era.
Reviewed By Galwaywalks - Galway, Ireland
I stumbled across this gem, an authentic 18th century water-mill in November last year with my brother. We popped in for a look and were amazed at the whole experience. The mill has been lovingly restored buy the current generation of the Finnerty family who can trace their ownership of the mill back over 220 years. When we asked if the mill-wheel and attached machinery still worked, we were treated to a whole lesson in 19th century milling techniques and watched in wonderment as the water turned the massive wheel, setting the grinding wheels in motion. It was just a fantastic experience. And we got tea and scones to sustain us to our next stop. The mill is a wonder of engineering and is such an authentic visitor experience. I was fascinated, your children will be transported!
6. Jeremiah Higgins
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Discover an impressive collection of Historic Documents as well as Accessories, Leather, Gifts and more from the charming and traditional atmosphere of one of Ireland's oldest shops; Jeremiah Higgins. Trading on Main Street in the same family since 1820.
Reviewed By Carolecos21 - Claremorris, Ireland
If your in Claremorris, Co Mayo, do call into this genuinely lovely gift shop with its old Irish charm and interior. I called in on passing by in late December and was annoyed that my Christmas shopping had already been done. There were so many lovely and unusual gifts to choose from.. beautiful hand bags, leather gloves, hats, knitted goods, a veritable treasure trove of delights. The shop itself still retains much of its original fittings and parafinalia which gives the feeling of stepping back in time to a gentler more relaxed time, when shopping was a pleasure, when you could take your time and enjoy the feel and smell of leather, and enjoy the skills of local knitters and crafters. On speaking to Noreen, who was serving that day, she told me her husband was the fifth generation Higgins who had owned the shop from its inception. I happily treated myself to a wonderfully warm wool woven shawl in sumptuous shades of heathens and greens... which has received some lovely comments from friends. It's was so unexpected to find such an individual gem of a delightful shop which still offers old fashioned courtesy and a charming selection of gifts for the shopper who's looking for a special something. Take a deep breath and step back in time, you will be love it.
7. Connemara Heritage and History Centre
8. Admiral Brown Centre
9. The Battle of Aughrim Visitor Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By M5128BQmarym
Excellent, informative and comprehensive presentation by extremely knowledgeable members of Battle of Aughrim Historic Group covering aspects surrounding the battle. I understand this is an annual event and I suggest it is well worth attending. During the presentation I was made aware of the significance of the battle in Irish and European history. Given the importance of this site I was surprised to learn that the Centre doesn’t receive funding from the national coffers and seems to depend on a dedicated group of interested individuals who have gathered and collated battle details. Much needed funding would ensure that the Center could be updated, modernised and that the information gathered would be available to future generations.
10. Clew Bay Heritage Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 77 reviews
*Situated in a 19th century building, the Clew Bay Heritage Centre traces the history of Westport and the Clew Bay area from pre-christian times to the present. Genealogical service available. * A free historical walk of Westport Town every Wednesday , leaving the clock (the top of Bridge St)at 11 0 clock.
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