Attractions

 

 

Dunguaire Castle

Dunguarie Castle was built in 1520 by the O’Hynes clan on the picturesque shores of Galway Bay. The Castle takes it name from the nearby ancient fort of Guaire, King of Connaught who died is 662 AD.  This restored 16th century tower house sits on a rocky outcrop on the shores of Galway Bay, 300 yards outside the village of Kinvara.

At night the castle is the venue for the Dunguaire Castle Banquet.. Dunguaire Castle Banquet is held from Mid April - Mid October at 5.30pm & 8.45pm. (Reservations are necessary for the Castle Banquet). From May to September from 9.30am - 5pm Dunguaire Castle is open daily for visitors to explore.

Kilmacduagh

Not far from Gort is the site of an old monastic settlement, Kilmacduagh. The Diocese of Kilmacduagh, whose name means "church of Duagh's son". The 7th century saint, Saint Colman, son of Duagh, established a monastery on land given him by his cousin King Guaire.

The most conspicuous feature of the well-preserved round tower 33m high, with a narrow door 7m from the ground is the lean, almost 50cm from the perpendicular, which it shares with a more famous counterpart at Pisa. The extensive remains include a cathedral, church of St John the Baptist, - Glabe House - , O' Hynes Church and St Mary's Church.

Coole Park

Coole Park was once the home of Lady Augusta Gregory, dramatist, folklorist and co-founder of the Abbey Theatre with Edward Martyn of Tullira Castle and Nobel prize-winning poet William Butler Yeats. Coole Park, in the early 20th century, was the centre of the Irish Literary Revival. Yeats, George Bernard Shaw, John Millington Synge and Sean O' Casey all came to experience its magic. They and many others carved their initials on the Autograph Tree, an old beech still standing today. www.coolepark.ie

Ailwee Caves

Ailwee Cave is the only commercially run Cave in The Burren and its award winning building blends perfectly with the cliff behind.The cave was discovered in 1944 by a local herdsman called Jack McGann when his dog followed a rabbit down a hole in the side of the mountain.The remains of bears have been found there and the "beds" they hibernated on are still to be seen. They are a source of constant wonder for children. www.aillweecave.ie

Poulnabrone

This dramatic monument, on the karstic limestone pavement of the Burren, is one of the most famous Irish dolmens, and an iconic image of the Burren landscape. The name Poulnabrone literally means 'The hole of the sorrows'.www.megalithicireland.com

Cliffs of Moher

On the west coast of Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher are one of the most outstanding coastal features of Ireland and our biggest Tourist Attraction. The Cliffs of Moher stretch for 8km & rise up to 214 metres above the Atlantic Ocean. Atlantic Edge is the exciting interpretive centre at the Cliffs of Moher New Visitor Experience. Housed at the centre of the underground building a huge domed cave contains images, exhibits, displays & experiences that will delight young and old alike.A visit to these cliffs should not be missed.www.cliffsofmoher.ie

The Aran Islands

Located in the heart of Galway Bay, the Aran Islands offer visitors a glimpse into a way of life that has long since disappeared from most of the county. The Islands seem to defy their size by all they have to offer: breath-taking scenery, ecclesiastical ruins from early Christian times, medieval castles, cliffs, prehistoric stone forts (including the famous Dún Aonghasa ring fort), sandy beaches, clean air, unique flora and fauna and a rich folklore that the islanders are proud to recount. www.aranislands.ie The islands can be reached by ferry from Doolin (www.doolinferries.com) or Rossaveal(www.aranislandferries.com).

 

For more detailed information on the surrounding area, you could do no better than consult the Burrenbeo website; they also have an information centre and coffee shop across the road from our Guesthouse where they welcome visitors.