County Galway
In the lakeside town of Loughrea, 42km southeast of Galway city, St Brendan’s Catholic Cathedral (not to be confused with St Brendan’s Church on Church St, which is now a library) dates from 1903. It's renowned for its modern Celtic-revival stained-glass windows, furnishings and marble columns.
A free 30-minute audio tour of the cathedral is available from the neighbouring parish office (open 9.30am to 1pm and 2pm to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday)
25.71 MILES
Gloriously placed overlooking the River Shannon, 7km northeast of Shannonbridge, Clonmacnoise is one of Ireland’s most important ancient monastic cities…
27.98 MILES
It's easy to spend half a day exploring the attractions and gardens of Birr Castle demesne. The castle dates from 1620 and is a private home, but during…
20.81 MILES
Exhibits at this modern, three-floor museum engagingly convey the city's archaeological, political, cultural and social history. Look out for an iconic…
25.95 MILES
Also known as the Portal Tomb, Poulnabrone Dolmen is one of Ireland's most photographed ancient monuments. Built more than 5000 years ago, the other…
20.63 MILES
Book ahead to watch chocolate being made in small batches using rare Trinitario cacao beans and raw sugar on a 45-minute tour of this heavenly smelling…
Burren Perfumery & Floral Centre
22.62 MILES
The Burren's wildflowers are the inspiration for the subtle scents at this wonderful perfumery and floral centre, which creates scented items such as…
25.87 MILES
One of Ireland's most famous prehistoric grave sites, Gleninsheen lies beside the R480 7km south of Ballyvaughan. It's thought to date from 4000 to 5000…
20.83 MILES
The Spanish Arch is thought to be an extension of Galway's medieval city walls, designed to protect ships moored at the nearby quay while they unloaded…
3.81 MILES
The pillar-like Turoe Stone is covered in delicate relief carvings in La Tène style (a Roman-influenced Celtic art form dating from the Iron Age)…
2. Dartfield Equestrian Centre
4.19 MILES
Horse breeding, carriages, the colourful racing industry and the horse’s role in Irish history are covered at Dartfield, which is set in extensive…
10.1 MILES
Destroyed by Cromwellian troops in 1652, these marvellous 13th-century priory ruins are only accessible by asking the Arts & Heritage Centre to send…
10.24 MILES
The most imposing remnant of this restored Norman-era castle is its rectangular keep, housing the Great Hall, accessed on the 1st floor via a wooden…
10.27 MILES
Athenry's rich history is delivered with colourful flourishes here – the gruesome details of medieval life include a ghoulish array of torture implements…
10.82 MILES
In an idyllic setting by a stream, this 16th-century Norman tower was the summer home of WB Yeats from 1921 to 1929 and was the inspiration for one of his…
12.36 MILES
A charming stone schoolhouse built in 1892 now contains this museum, which traces the life of WB Yeats' literary patron, Lady Augusta Gregory, through…
8. Battle of Aughrim Visitor Centre
12.76 MILES
One of the bloodiest battles ever fought on Irish soil, which left 7000 people dead, took place at Aughrim, 64km east of Galway city. It ended in a…