What to do and see in Loughrea, Ireland: The Best Places and Tips

November 28, 2017 Florencio Paulino

Loughrea (/lɒxˈreɪ/ lokh-RAY; Irish: Baile Locha Riach, meaning "town of the grey/ speckled lake") is a town in County Galway, Ireland. The town lies to the north of a range of wooded hills, the Slieve Aughty Mountains, and the lake from which it takes its name. The town is also famous for its cathedral (see Loughrea Cathedral) which dominates the town's skyline. The town has increased in population in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Although the town also serves as a commuter town for the city of Galway, it retains its vibrancy as an independent market town.
Restaurants in Loughrea

1. Turoe Pet Farm and Leisure Park

Bullaun, Loughrea, Ireland +353 91 841 580
Excellent
73%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 246 reviews

Turoe Pet Farm and Leisure Park

Welcome to Turoe Farm’s official website! Now that you have joined us, we hope that you take the time to have a look around the site to get an overview of the comprehensive range of facilities that are on offer.Since Turoe Farm first opened in May 1993 it has grown from strength to strength and is now one of the leading visitor attractions in the West of Ireland. This family-run Enterprise is situated in a rural setting near a village called Bullaun, 4km off the M6 main Galway/Dublin route.Turoe Farm boasts of many wonderful facilities and these can be viewed in the ‘Amenity Section’ of the website. Over the years Turoe Farm has gained a reputation for offering an excellent ‘value for money’ product and our staff provides first class customer service. The Farm offers a unique facility for families, group and individual outings.

Reviewed By A TripAdvisor Member

Brilliant place to bring kids... from the pets, to the enormous bouncy castle, to the various play areas. I brought two 12 year olds last week and they loved it just as much as the younger kids. Great price, safe environment, you can stay the whole day there if you wish without it costing any extra after paying at the gate as you can bring your own picnic but there is also a lovely selection of food on offer if you want it. I can sit back and have a coffee while the kids enjoy themselves, knowing they're perfectly safe and having fun.

2. Slieve Aughty Riding Centre

Kylebrack West, Loughrea, Ireland +353 90 974 5246
Excellent
72%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 96 reviews

Slieve Aughty Riding Centre

Slieve Aughty Riding Centre in the west of Ireland offers horse riding and donkey walking, kids birthday parties, and pony rides for seasonal festivals or for the fun! The centre's 25 horses and ponies are suitable for everything from the nervous beginner to the advanced rider. Facilities include a 30x50 all weather outdoor arena, cross country course, and miles of trails for scenic treks. Beside the riding centre is The Three Towers Eco House and Organic Kitchen, where you can grab a bite to eat after your ride or stay the night as part of a package riding holiday. Ponies carry children to the Enchanted Forest and back, and riding can be booked by the hour or by the day.

Reviewed By roisin7 - dublin Ireland

What a wonderful oasis of tranquillity and peacefulness that has been created with such a labour of love by the owner and her team. 4 star comfort and cleanliness with an ethos of sustainability evident in all that is there. Friendly and helpful staff and delicious home made food served in a very relaxing setting. One is made to feel at home in this quirky colourful and homely atmosphere immediately on arrival. A visit to the Enchanted Forest is a must for all ages. I enjoyed a cross country ride out through the forest and their cross country course has lots to offer for all levels. This is holidaying in Ireland at its best!

3. St. Brendan's Cathedral

Loughrea, Ireland +353 91 563 081
Excellent
60%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 29 reviews

St. Brendan's Cathedral

Reviewed By NHjo - Rye, New Hampshire

St. Brendan's is one of the most beautiful cathedrals I've seen in my travels. The stained glass is magnificent and includes works by Michael Healy, my second favorite stained glass artist after Harry Clarke. The stained glass behind the altar and in the rose window is breathtaking. The church's interior is beautiful, with great marble and stonework. If I had a church like this near me, I'd be praying every day.

4. Pallas Karting

Pallas Avenue | Tynagh, Loughrea H62 R159, Ireland +353 90 974 5147
Excellent
62%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 44 reviews

Pallas Karting

Pallas Karting, Paintball and Splatball is an outdoor Go Karting(Go Carting), Paintball and Splatball activity adventure centre based in Galway, Ireland offering all stag, hen, corporate, family, individual & schools fun packages for Karting. Driving at Europe's Largest Karting centre, where we have a 500m family track, a 1500m advanced track and a 2km Rally Car testing track. Also available on site now is Pallas Paintball and Splatball. Splatball is available for 10 years old and up and is the pain free Paintball. Paintballing at Pallas is available from 14 years old an up. Lots of game zones, fun for all the company or party. Contact us to book your event whether it be Karting, Paintball or Splatball, or one of our wonderful Combo Packages. Booking Essential Closed on Bank Holidays

Reviewed By MBPG2011

My partner who does not review on TripAdvisor went on a stag party of 15 people, and he had the best time.
Three stag parties were all put into the same group for the paint balling and they were supervised, and games developed and monitored. He had never been paint balling before and was unsure what to expect. He loved every second.
They also went carting and were given two different levels of cart, with different speeds. They competed against each other, and the winners were highlighted.
Excellent few hours fun for a stag, uniting and team building for the rest of the day.

5. Maggie May's Bar & Restaurant

Bride Street, Loughrea, Ireland +353 91 847 880
Excellent
64%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 19 reviews

Maggie May's Bar & Restaurant

Reviewed By Geraldine02 - Malmesbury, United Kingdom

After a long day we were starving and would have eaten a dead horse if available and happened to find this place, well what a find! We were greeted with a very warm welcome and the food that was delivered was mouthwatering! Two of us had the steak and the other had the salmon and sole. Oh my goodness, cooked to perfection, we could not finish the steak (which may be due to the Guinness we had) but were well and truly fed to full. Could not manage any pud, which look delicious, and the tab at the end did not hurt the purse at all. Thank you for a lovely experience, will definitely call again when visiting!

6. Dartfield

Kilreekle, Loughrea, Ireland +353 91 843 968
Excellent
58%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
18%
Terrible
14%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 49 reviews

Dartfield

Dartfield is located just off the M6 Dublin - Galway and offers horse riding for all levels of ability. Whether it is your first time on a horse/pony or you want to improve your skills as an experienced rider, we will look after you. You can challenge yourself in our Cross-Country Course or just relax on a trek through our forest and farmland. Tuition for Dressage and Jumping and preparation for Shows in our Sand arena are also available. Pre-booking needed for riding. Come and relax in our cafe and browse our Tack/Gift Shop. Non riders can try themselves in Clay Pigeon shooting or Archery (pre booked).You can also visit the only museum in Ireland dedicated to the Connemara Pony and Irish Horse.Discover how the Connemara Pony and Irish Horse played an integral role in Ireland's culture throughout time. See old farming methods and how live was in old cottages back in those times and how to endure the famine. Since last year Master Blacksmith, Stephen Quinn, has his modern and fully functional workshop set up here at Dartfield. You can watch him working and learn about his craftmenship. For groups we can also arrange presentations from Dave O'Reilly presenting the Irish Chariot live and David Swift who brings the Medieval times, Tudor times as well as the 1916 Independence War back to life. Contact us to make an arrangement.

Reviewed By vincent555 - cork

have about this places years ago that its worth a trip to. 5 euros entance fee was reasonable for what we saw. the museum was interesting but needs a revamp to bring it up to 2016 family standards. something was needed to keep children interested. the best part of the visit was the Blacksmith who was very interesting and helpfull, pity i didnt buy some of his stuff. arrived late so we didnt see any real horses but if they had some horses near the entrance door

7. Loughrea Golf Club

Graigue, Loughrea 0000, Ireland +353 91 841 049
Excellent
56%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 9 reviews

Loughrea Golf Club

Loughrea Golf Club is long recognised as one of the finest Parkland courses in the country. We have a proud tradition of providing a warm welcome to all our visitors and societies.We offer a challenging course - always in excellent condition, and an opportunity to socialise with our members in our friendly lounge and restaurant.

Reviewed By wilson1dot - Galway, Ireland

Played here a number of times, the course is always in top condition and the staff are very friendly. Playing from the back sticks it is as good as any other parkland that I have playedThank you for your response. We are delighted that you enjoyed the challenge of the course. Enjoy your golf.

8. The Connemara Trail Tour

Loughrea, Ireland
Excellent
78%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
17%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 17 reviews

The Connemara Trail Tour

The Connemara Trail April - Sept,since 1969, The Connemara Trail is the best possible way to discover the Connemara region of Ireland on horseback. Relax and rewind while you ride through mountain passes and woodlands, cross Connemara bog lands, navigate stony paths & swim with your horse in the Atlantic Ocean.Your guide for the trail will be the legendary irish horseman Willie Leahy. He was the first man to lead a vacation trail ride anywhere in the world.His friendly care ensures that you will go home with special memories of a wonderful holiday.Willie is the largest breeder of Connemara ponies in the world and is also the Field Master of the famous Galway Blazers Hunt.Willie has a remarkable ability to match rider and horse to ensure you get the best experience from your trail ride.

Reviewed By Anett K - Falkensee

This trail was an unforgettable experience thanks to Willie and his team. The landscape is simply beautiful with rocky Mountains and white Beaches with crystal clear water. All horses are friendly and absolutely reliable companions. Accomodation in B&B-houses was excellent (especially in Carna, where we enjoyed delicious meals).
This wasn't our last trail with Willie!

9. Health and Harmony Loughrea

Liss Rd | Kylebrack, Loughrea, Ireland +353 87 967 5063
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 5 reviews

Health and Harmony Loughrea

Welcome to one of Galway's hidden gems nestled away in the quite rural settings of Kylebrack, Loughrea. As soon as you arrive at Health and Harmony Loughrea you are the centre of our attention and we aim to offer an exclusive service tailored to meet your needs. At Health and Harmony you are offered the full holistic experience. Denise Christie is a qualified therapist in acupuncture, reflexology, reiki and massage. The spa facilities include a hot tub and infra red sauna exclusive and private use of the Gardens to include tea, coffee, juice and water. Ifs it's just for a quite individual time out, couples retreat, or a group gathering. We can offer you a package suited to your needs. We are located 15 minutes from Loughrea and 35 minutes for Galway City.

Reviewed By Evelyn H D - Galway, Galway, Ireland

Denise has a beautiful holistic practice and Day Spa just 15mins from Loughrea in a beautiful rural area.
The moment you enter Health and Harmony your are immediately relaxed with the warm welcome your receive from Denise.
You can relax and unwind in the lovely surrounding exclusive garden and know your not going to be distributed.
This is well worth a visit while staying in Galway plus the added bonus it's all organic

10. John Patrick's Bar

51 Main Street, Loughrea, Ireland +353 87 941 7658
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 2 reviews

John Patrick's Bar

Reviewed By madra-22

A really friendly cosy bar in Loughrea town. Very friendly and helpful bar staff... great music on Saturday and Sundays. .. the drink is competitively priced with different offers available. ... the kind of pub you won't be long making friends in... ????

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.