Historic Buildings

Westport House was built in 1730, on the ruins of one of legendary Pirate Queen Grace O’Malley’s 16th Century castles built by The Browne Family. It is approx 1 hour 15 mins from Galway city and situated in a superb Parkland setting with lake, terraces and gardens overlooking Clew Bay, The Atlantic Ocean and Clare Island to the West. To the South Croagh Patrick sits on the horizon and to the front of the house the Carrowbeg River runs into the lake and down to the quay.

Complete with original antiques, dungeons, wax work displays and two comprehensive educational exhibitons , it is home to Grace O’Malley’s direct descendants: The 11th Marquess of Sligo and his family. Stunning scenery, architectural magnificence, beautifully manicured gardens and a Pirate Adventure Park combine with a remarkable history, that encompasses Ireland’s notorious Pirate Queen, rebellions, slavery and famine - to provide a memorable, fun and educational experience for all age groups. There are endless activities for young and old such as pitch and putt, table tennis, tennis, white swan boats, cannonball run, playgrounds, bouncy castle and much more.

The university is located near the city centre and stretches along the River Corrib. The oldest part of the university, the Quadrangle, designed by John Benjamin Keane, is a replica of Christ Church, one of the colleges at the University of Oxford. Well worth a look if visiting Galway.

The tower or castle that Yeats bought was a sixteeneth century norman castle built by the family de Burgo, or Burke. It consisted of four floors with one room on each, connected by a spiral stone stairway built into the seven-foot thickness of the massive outer wall. Each floor had a window overlooking the river which flowed alongside. At the top here was a flat roof reached by a final steep flight of steps from the floor below. There is a great view of the surrounding country including Coole's Seven Woods, from its parapets. There were two attached cottages, one of which was in ruins. A walled garden is joined to the cottages and across the road a grove of trees. The Cloon river winds through this low-lying, rolling countryside, dropping over a thirty foot waterfall before it flows past Thoor Ballylee and afterwards disappearing into a underground passage on its way to enter the Atlantic Ocean.

Nora Barnacle, the wife of James Joyce was born in Galway .The Nora Barnacle House is a small private museum faithfully restored to its former character. It contains letters, photographs and other exhibits from the lives of the Joyces and their connections with Galway. Open in Summer only.

Kylemore Abbey, known as Ireland’s most romantic Castle is located in Connemara, Co. Galway and is the most visited attraction in the West of Ireland. The Abbey is situated beside an idyllic Lake and is backed by steep mountains providing a postcard perfect view. Originally built in 1867 as a romantic gift, Kylemore Abbey and the surrounding mountains and lakes are steeped in history including engineering initiatives, model farms, tragedy, royal visits, gambling debts, a hideaway during Ireland’s troubled history as well as excellence in education.

Home to the Benedictine Nuns since 1920, much of the Kylemore estate has been restored to its former glory and is open to visitors all year. Visitors can also browse in the Craft shop and retail centre, viewing our unique Kylemore Abbey Pottery as it is produced in our Pottery Studio or relax over coffee in the Restaurant whilst sampling the freshly home-cooked delights.

Between Recess and Letterfrack and nestled at the base of Duchruach Mountain it is regarded as one of Ireland's most romantic buildings. The Abbey is the monastic home of the Irish Benedictine Nuns and a renowned international girls' boarding school. One of Ireland's most popular attractions.

The last stone cathedral of its kind constructed in western Europe. Built in the Renaissance style, the artwork, glasswork and woodwork were all handcrafted by Irish artists and the money for the Cathedral was raised by the locals who purchased and donated each stone one by one.

Experience life in a 16th century castle. Explore the surrounding indigenous woodland and take time for a picnic by the castle. Facilities include guided tours, exhibitions, woodland paths, a picnic area and light refreshments. Dunsandle Castle and Woods are open to the public Wednesday to Sunday, May to October 10am to 6pm.

Award winning heritage centre located 5 miles from Clifden Town, the capital of Connemara. It offers a unique insight into the history and heritage of this most beautiful part of the West of Ireland. Offers fine reconstructions of early settlement in the area including a crannóg, a ring fort and a clochaun. Audio visual presentations in English, Irish, German & French. Tea room serving teas etc.

Cnoc Suain is an enchanting pre-famine hill village of thatched and slated stone cottages dating back to 1691. Situated in an Irish (Gaelic) speaking region of beautiful Connemara landscape. We offer a memorable cultural and educational experience in an atmosphere of warm hospitality, traditional home cooking and authentic stone and thatched cottages. Experience a sense of peace and tranquility.