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Heritage sites County Galway Ireland
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Heritage Sites
 
Athenry Medieval Town with Arts and Heritage Centre
Athenry, a medieval town situated 23km from Galway City is steeped in history. Founded in the 13th century by Meiler de Birmingham, who surrounded the town with a curtain wall with towers and a moat. Athenry is one of the most notable medieval walled towns surviving in Ireland, owing its foundation to Meiler de Bermingham who built his Castle there c.1250. The great three-storey tower, surrounded by defensive walls, is entered at first-floor level through an unusual decorated doorway. Recently re-roofed, the interior contains an audio visual room and exhibition.
 
Aughnanure Castle - Oughterard

Built by the O'Flahertys c. 1500, Aughnanure Castle lies in picturesque surroundings close to the shores of Lough Corrib. 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.
 
Dun Aonghasa - Inishmore, Aran Islands

Perched spectacularly on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic ocean, this 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 tall blocks of limestone set vertically into the ground to deter attackers. The fort is about 900m from the Visitor Centre and is approached over rising ground. 
 
Patrick Pearse's Cottage - Rosmuc

A small restored cottage used by Patrick Pearse (1879 - 1916) leader of the 1916 Rising, as a summer residence. The interior, although burned during the War of Independence, has been reconstructed and contains an exhibition and a number of momentoes of Pearse.
 
Dunguaire Castle ; Kinvara, County Galway
The castle, which overlooks Galway, is a 16th century castle. From April to September the castle comes alive with medieval banquets, which feature a theatrical performance involving rhyme, verse music and song. The castle has a crafts shop and visitors sh
More information on Dunguaire Castle

James Mitchell Museum
Department of Geology, National University of Ireland, Galway, Co Galway
The James Mitchell Museum is housed in the Department of Geology, National University of Ireland, Galway. It opened in its present form in 1977. The museum serves as a display area, a teaching facility and a repository for research and teaching.
 
Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden ; Connemara, Co Galway
Kylemore Abbey is home to the Benedictine Nuns and an International Girls School. The castle and church are Neo Gothic in design. The Irish Benedictine nuns came here in 1920, having fled from their convent in Belgium in 1914 during World War I.

Portumna Castle
The great semi-fortifed house at Portumna was built before 1618 by Richard Burke or de Burgo, 4th Earl of Clanricarde. There are exhibitions in the castle and Gate House. Guided tours of the gardens and part of the castle are available on request.

Mill Museum ; Tuam, Co. Galway
Visitors can see the milling process that was employed as all the old machinery is still in place. This mill played a vital part in the life of the local community. It also serves as a seasonal Tourist Information Office. No admission charge.
More information on Little Mill

Spiddal Craft Centre
Drawing their inspiration from the landscape and culture of the Gaeltacht of Connemara, the crafts people who work, display and sell their products at the Spiddal Craft Centre produce a range of handcrafted quality products.
 
Turoe Pet Farm and Leisure Park
Turoe House, Bullaun, Loughrea, Co Galway
The Turoe Pet Farm and Leisure Park form a surround for the Turoe Stone, a rare National Monument dating back to the first or second century B.C. This granite rock, exquisitely decorated with curvilinear designs in the Celtic art style.

         
 
 

 

 
Towns & Localities in County Galway

 Aran Islands | Athenry | Ballinasloe | Ballygar | Barna | Carna | Carraroe | Claregalway | Clarinbridge | Clifden | Clonbur | Corofin
Connemara | Corrandulla | Dunmore | Galway City | Glenamaddy | Gort | Headford | Kinvara | Leenane | Loughrea | Milltown | Monivea
 Mountbellew | Moycullen | Oranmore | Oughterard | Portumna | Renvyle | Salthill | Spiddal | Tuam | Turloughmore | Williamstown
 

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