Location: Oughterard
Top Things to do in Oughterard
What to do and see in Oughterard, Western Ireland: The Best Things to do
Oughterard (Irish: Uachtar Ard) is a small town on the banks of the Owenriff River close to the western shore of Lough Corrib in County Galway, Ireland. The population of the town in 2006 was 1,305. Located some 26 km northwest of Galway on the N59 road. Oughterard is the chief angling centre on Lough Corrib, and is also known as the 'Gateway to Connemara' as it is on the border of Connemara.
Restaurants in Oughterard
1. Glengowla Mines
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 426 reviews
Buried beneath the Connemara Mountain lies a way of life long abandoned and almost forgotten just waiting for you to explore! Let the team at Glengowla Mines lead you on a journey of discovery of how lead and silver were mined from the roots of the Connemara Mountains in the 1800’s. The constant dripping of water, the ‘miners breath’ and if you are brave enough - a moment of darkness will set the scene! Delve into the depths of Glengowla mines where you can explore the caverns of marble studded with lead and silver. Follow the veins of copper pyrite which will lead you to the ‘miners gold’ - Galena. Marvel at the rare and beautiful crystals of quartz and fluorite. Learn of the working conditions the miners worked under before the mines closed in 1865. A firm favourite with adults and children alike is to pan for gold and gems at our gold panning station and keep any gems you find! Not only will you enjoy guided tours of the mines,
Reviewed By sarahoR5721WQ
One of the best afternoons spent in Connemara. Great for kids and adults. The staff were all friendly and very patient with my son (and his millions of questions). The Sheepdog display is a must, we loved meeting Jess the sheepdog and watching her herding the sheep to us so we could pet and feed them. The mine tour was great, limited group numbers so not rushed and really interesting with a very knowledgeable and funny guide. We were taught how to pan for gold and even given a little bag to bring our treasure home. A relaxed afternoon in beautiful surroundings to wander around. Great attention to Covid measures, everything we touched was cleaned. I Highly Recommend a visit here!
2. Knockillaree Riding Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 289 reviews
Based in Oughterard, Co. Galway – only 25 minutes north of Galway City at the “Gateway to Connemara”. Our Centre is located on the Rusheeny road, just outside the town of Oughterard, and is nestled between beautiful hills, mountains and the shores of Lough Corrib. We offer a full range of services including trekking, lessons, showjumping leagues, pony camps, breaking and training, livery and stud. For those interested in the native Connemara Pony, our yard has a large selection of Connemara ponies with champion showing, ridden and showjumping stallions at stud and the opportunity to hear about the history and development of this versatile pony from the yards owner, Roger Joyce. Roger is from a long line of Connemara breeders and stallion custodians. He is also an experienced horse and rider trainer and an international Connemara Pony Judge.
3. Keoghs Irish Gifts
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19 reviews
Cead Mile Failte – “A Hundred Thousand Welcomes” to Keogh’s Irish Gifts and to our little corner of Ireland – Oughterard, Co. Galway! We are a family-run Irish Gift Shop on Main Street, Oughterard established in 1945 by John P. Keogh. John’s son Henry, and wife Mary, have carried on operating the shop for the past 30 years, along with their three children Oisin, Siofra and Bonnie. Read more about
Reviewed By koalasrus - Accokeek, United States
This is a store with everything! Our B&B hostess suggested we look there for a belt. My husband forgot his and we couldn't find one American-sized in other stores. The proprietor of Keoghs disappeared into the storage room and came out with the perfect belt at an excellent price. We browsed and found some great souvenirs while we waited. We were in Oughterard for 3 days and were in Keoghs at least 3 times. We felt very welcome and found so many treasures. This shop is one of the reasons we would move to Oughterard if we could.
4. Curraghduff Farm
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 125 reviews
Curraghduff Farm: Alpaca Experience and Glamping Farm. (Walks, Meet & Greets and Group Bookings). Book a place to take an alpaca for a relaxing walk around the farm, you can take plenty of pictures and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Lough Corrib, Connemara and surrounding mountains. Light refreshments are also available. We now offer glamping accommodation.
Reviewed By Maireadlynch45
There was six of us four adults and two children, we did the alpaca meet and greet. Ruth and Stuart were so friendly and welcoming. The farm is beautiful, the alpacas are adorable especially Reuben. The children really enjoyed the day out having the opportunity to feed the alpacas was a great experience for them. After our lovely tour on the farm we got treated to some beverages and alpaca biscuits. Most certainly will be visiting again.
5. 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.
6. Detours Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
7. Oughterard Golf Club
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Oughterard Golf Club is renowned for its hospitality and is an ideal venue to include on a memorable golfing holiday in the West of Ireland. Oughterard Golf Club has the full range of facilities to ensure your visit is memorable, from a fully stocked Proshop to a award nominated Restaurant. Oughterard Golf Club is an 18 Hole parkland course, which is lined with mature native Irish trees, including Oak, Hazel and Birch. It is an excellent test of golf for any level of golfer. The garden course of Connacht.
Reviewed By 92Daisy - Galway, Ireland
Great food, reasonably priced and very welcoming staff, just off main road from Galway to Clifden. Well located near a 15th century castle which is well worth a visit. Would highly recommend.
8. Standun Oughterard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
A small family-run department store on the main street of Oughterard village, stocking a variety of menswear, ladies fashion, giftware and jewellery.
Reviewed By Steve-in-PV-47 - Pleasant Valley, United States
My wife and I were looking for Irish made gifts for our family and stopped in at Standun’s Oughterard store. We found Aran sweaters for our two younger grandchildren but my wife wanted to get our daughter’s OK. Siobhan suggested we take pix and e-mail them to our daughter while she would hold them aside for us. The next day when we stopped in to say we wanted the two, my wife mentioned to Shiela that we were trying to find sweaters for our son and son-in-law. Shiela showed us some but the ones that appealed to us were not in the sizes we needed. No problem, Shiela ordered them up from the home store so we could see them next day. At the same time, a poncho caught my wife’s eye - perfect for daughter and granddaughter, and she looked good in one, too. Olivia and Shiela checked and found the colors we wanted were available again at the home store, and they ordered them so they were there the next day for our inspection. Final count, Aran sweaters for son, son-in-law, older and younger grandsons, and younger daughter; Aran knit ponchos for wife, daughter and daughter-in-law. What a wonderful store and what a fantastic group of sales ladies. Siobhan, Shiela and Olivia made the whole shopping experience a genuine pleasure. And when we got home, our older granddaughter (for whom we had gotten a bodhram because she is musical) snuggled into her mother’s poncho, so we called over and Shiela is shipping another poncho to us for her for Christmas. This is one fabulous store.
9. Quiet Man Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 224 reviews
Reviewed By 867kathig
If you like the Quiet Man movie, you will love visiting this bridge! The view is just like that in the movie, and it's quiet, with large fields of sheep and a lovely little brook. Its a must-see!
10. Corrib Cruises
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 105 reviews
TAGS
