Top Things to do in County Galway
Top 10 Castles in County Galway, Western Ireland
Discover the best top things to do in County Galway, Ireland including Ballylee Castle, Aughnanure Castle, Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden, Athenry Castle, O'Brien's Castle, Menlo Castle / Blake's Castle, Claregalway Castle, Annaghkeen Castle, Portumna Castle, Clifden Castle.
Restaurants in County Galway
1. Ballylee Castle
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Athenry Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 113 reviews
Reviewed By 606denniso
Adjacent to the center of the notable medieval walled Town of Athenry and built about 1250. Movie provides the castle's significance in Irish history. Ruins of the Athenry Dominican priory are within walking distance. Castle has lavatories.
5. O'Brien's Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 93 reviews
Reviewed By GaryO148
One of many O’Brien castles near Galway Bay, the one on Inisheer is crumbling but central to the island. Built on the highest point on Inisheer, the hike up is steep but the views are stunning. From the tourists who were climbing up the walls and posing to the busker who was playing guitar, the range of experiences are many.
6. Menlo Castle / Blake's Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By jamesdkp - Medford, United States
Stayed at Menlo Park Hotel where there was an abstract painting of Menlo Castle. Googled it out of curiosity. Castle has a tragic history, destroyed by fire that killed the invalid daughter of the owners and 2 maids. Asked the front desk personnel about it and they were pretty much clueless as to what it even was. One girl told us that you could see it if you went to the sports field of the college across the river from where it is located. I read on trip advisor that it was accessible. Called for a taxi, driver said yes he was familiar with how to get there. It would be walkable from this hotel except that the road to it is VERY narrow and windy with hedges on both sides- so no where to move out of the way of traffic. Driver dropped us off on the narrow road that leads to the site, and told us to climb over the gate at the end of the road. (Easy climb over- metal farm type gate) Told us that it is NOT trespassing as some have worried about, climbing the gate just saves you a long hike around. Had the driver come back to pick us up in an hour which was more than enough time to explore and get some beautiful pictures of the ruins that have been overtaken by vines and birds. Truly lovely site and one of the highlights of my trip. We had the place all to ourselves. I've included pictures of the road in to the ruins as well.
7. Claregalway Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
8. Annaghkeen Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3 reviews
9. Portumna Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 229 reviews
Portumna Castle and Demesne occupy a magnificent location on the shores of Lough Derg on the River Shannon. Although gutted by fire in 1826, the Castle is still an imposing example of Irish architecture of the early 17th Century. Built before 1618 by Richard de Burgo, 4th Earl of Clanricarde, the castle became the main seat of the de Burgo family for over 200 years. Architecturally, the building marks the transition from the medieval Tower House to the Renaissance style manor house with complimentary influences from both periods. Following the fire and the ravages of time, the castle degenerated into a roofless shell. However, since 1968, the Office of Public Works re-roofed the building and based on extensive archaeological and historical research, other major conservation and partial restoration works continue to be carried out by a team of skilled craftsmen.
Reviewed By brianmF7875LI - Ennis, Ireland
Portumna is a great place to visit being situated at a picturesque crossing on the river Shannon. The castle (home to the earls of Clanricarde) was accidentally burned in 1876 but has undergone a sensitive restoration by the OPW in recent decades. There is a very informative series of illustrated information boards on the ground floor which gives an insight into the history of the castle and the family. A walled kitchen garden has an abundance of flowers, plants, herbs and vegetables and a pleasant tea room in the old stable block rounds off the visit. Highly recommended!
10. Clifden Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 352 reviews
Reviewed By fullylit
Easy to find, just follow the sky road out of Clifden a couple of miles and you cant miss the large stone arch on the left. Takes about 10 minutes down to the castle, mostly a decent path tho the last bit is muddy. We managed 90% of it with a pram. Stunning location/views/history when you get down. Recommended.
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