Top Things to do in Western Ireland
Things to do in Western Ireland, Ireland: The Best Historic Sites
Discover the best top things to do in Western Ireland, Ireland including Creevelea Friary, Dun Aonghasa, Ballyglunin Railway Station, The Irish Workhouse Centre, Boyle Abbey, Sligo Abbey, Aughnanure Castle, Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden, Rosserk Friary, Castlestrange Scribed Stone.
Restaurants in Western Ireland
1. Creevelea Friary
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By wam272 - Hong Kong, China
Explored the historic Abbey with no-one else around. Quite eerie and real sense of history as we wandered in and out of the ruins. Really good panels throughout clearly describing the form and function along with the history over hundreds of years. Seeing the town of Dromahair in the distance we decided to walk down the hill and follow the pathe running beside the river into the village. A complete step back in time and a really pleasant experience, absolutely loved this place.
2. Dun Aonghasa
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,399 reviews
Perched on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Dun Aonghasa 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 blocks of limestone set vertically into the ground to deter attackers. Originally constructed c.1100BC, it was re-fortified around 700-800 AD. Excavations revealed significant evidence of prehistoric metalworking, as well as several burials. Visitor safety information: The fort is about 1km from the Visitors Centre and is approached over rising ground. The last section of the path is over rough, natural rock and care is needed, especially when descending. Boots or strong walking shoes are recommended. There is no fence or barrier at the edge of the cliff.
Reviewed By geraldine946 - Western Ireland, Ireland
Well worth a visit, rain hail or sunshine....have been here a few times and loved it, the most amazing views on the island and definitely worth it.
3. Ballyglunin Railway Station
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By Ozzysix - County Kildare, Ireland
A hidden gem in the west of Ireland, went looking for this as it was one of the locations used in The Quite Man. It is been renovated at present and there are great plans for its future. It was like stepping back in time really enjoy my time there.
4. The Irish Workhouse Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 458 reviews
Reviewed By Harrogate2008 - New Romney, United Kingdom
We had a truly interesting visit and our guide was so informative. We would thoroughly recommend a visit.
5. Boyle Abbey
6. Sligo Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 293 reviews
Reviewed By LucyKilkenny
We live in Kilkenny, so we have Jerpoint Abbey close by and St Canice's Cathedral in Kilkenny, but if you appreciate your history the cloisters in Sligo Abbey are a must as there are three sections more or less in tact and you get a definite feel for the times when it was built. We would highly recommend an hour here and at only a fiver to get in it was well worth the price
7. Aughnanure Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 416 reviews
Built by the O'Flahertys c. 1500, Aughnanure Castle lies in picturesque surroundings close to the shores of Lough Corrib. In 1546 the O'Flaherty's motto "Fortune favours the strong" and the powerful Mayo O'Malleys Motto "Powerful by land and by sea", were joined in the marriage of Donal an Chogaidh O'Flaherty and Grainuaile/Grace O'Malley. 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.
Reviewed By bumu17
Getting there is quite an experience if you are driving in Ireland for the first time :-) . Once off the main road the road becomes rather narrow with small areas to pullover on both sides to let oncoming vehicles by. It is well worth the trip though. The walkway up from the parking lot is next to a waterway and shaded by trees. As we approached the castle gate we were welcomed(?) by the guard, a cat sleeping on duty nearby. My wife and I toured the grounds and buildings. We had an enjoyable time. Some restoration is going on to restore interior areas, but was not a problem.
8. Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,429 reviews
Set in a dramatic landscape, Kylemore is an ideal destination for a day out. From its beginnings as a romantic gift in the 1860s to becoming home to the Benedictine Nuns in 1920, Kylemore is steeped in history and tales of tragedy, romance, engineering initiatives, model farms, royal visits, spirituality, and education. Experience the Victorian atmosphere of the restored rooms of the Abbey and neo-Gothic church. Explore the magical Victorian Walled Garden, nature trails and woodland walks. History talks and Garden tours throughout the summer. Dine-in Mitchells Cafe or the Garden Tea House or treat yourself to crepes and ice cream at our Express Cafe. Explore our magical Fairy Village and say hello to our Connemara Ponies and pet rare breed pigs. Shop for unique handcrafted gifts including chocolate, pottery, and beauty products handmade on site. So much to see, do, and discover!
Reviewed By DERtravels - Upland, United States
We had only two hours to enjoy this vast 15,000 acre property. It was not enough. Please take your time to enjoy all there is to be seen. Once a hunting lodge, Mitchell Henry created an iconic castle for his wife Margaret. The property was so vast it included the home for tenants who provided services for the property. Over 300 people. This estate was home to the Duke and Duchess of Manchester for a time and then a speculator purchased it in 1914. Eventually it became those to a group of Benedictine nuns who fled Europe. In 1923 it became a boarding school until 2010, There is the Abbey (home) to tour, the walled Victorian Garden to stroll, two churches to visit and hiking routes. The Visitor center has a very nice self-service restaurant. We enjoyed a ham sandwich, salmon quiche, beet salad and apple pie. There is also an extremely nice Craft Shop and Pottery studio. Items can be shipped home. The grounds are accessible from the Galway City bus station. Call the Kylemore visitor centre for details.
9. Rosserk Friary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 93 reviews
Reviewed By spinellae
Amazingly quiet area with fantastic views of the lake. The friary is beautiful, very peaceful atmosphere.
