Places near here
Photo credits
- National Inventory of Architectural Heritage
- Jan Wyk, Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
- Picture: Discover Ireland
- Peter Allen, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Michael Deligan, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Mike Searle, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Willow, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.5
Explorer Tom Enclosure in Ballyhogan would survive a zombie attack by letting them fall into its shallow external fosse and getting stuck there. It’s kidney-shaped and poorly preserved, defined by a bank that looks like it’s been chewed on by time. Bring the dog, it'll have opinions about the moss.
CaveMan-made underground passage · 1291 ydExplorer Tom Cave in Carrowreagh has very strong opinions on modern buildings, specifically that they all look like boxes for people who hate nature. It’s been grumbling about it since 1838. Dare you to say hello to it out loud.
Ballydonnellan CastleCountry house · 1608 ydExplorer Tom Ballydonnellan Castle is a ruin that thinks it’s still a country house. My name for it means 'ball of donut' because it’s round and sweet on the outside. If it rains, hide your face behind a tree.
Finnure Catholic ChapelChurch/chapel · 1627 ydExplorer Tom Finnure Chapel offers a shortcut that isn’t really a shortcut at all. It’s just a little ruin hanging out with the O'Maddens from way back. Ideal stop for a big sigh and a quick photo before moving on.
Dartfield Horse MuseumHeritage attraction · 2.6 miExplorer Tom Dartfield Horse Museum would tell a teenager that the 1800s were basically just a long, muddy holiday with no Wi-Fi or snacks to speak of. It’s got a whole story ready about how horses used to be the original celebrities back then. Best enjoyed with a bag of chips and no plans.
Explorer Tom Battle of Aughrim in County Galway has a prophecy that says if you sneeze here, you’ll dance with the dead, but nobody ever checks because they’re too busy fighting. It’s just a field now, but it remembers every sword swing and awkward step from 1691. Sit on a wall nearby and pretend you’re in a very dusty painting.
Battle of Aughrim Interpretative CentreMuseum · 6.1 miExplorer Tom Battle of Aughrim Interpretative Centre in County Galway thinks its imaginary twin across the sea is judging its display cases for being slightly too dark. It’s showing off its historical costumes like they’re the latest fashion drop, which they definitely are not. Linger a bit; it’s not going anywhere and neither should you.
Oak WoodWood · 6.3 miExplorer Tom Oak Wood would be the uncle at a wedding who brings his own chair and insists on knowing everyone’s business. It stands there looking wise, but really just judging your outfit choices from the shadows. It's free, it's odd, what more do you want?
Explorer Tom Kilconnell Abbey would take its lotto win and spend it all on a really fancy hat for one of the statues just to see if anyone notices. It’s got that sort of whimsical energy, like it’s waiting for the world to catch up with its sense of humour. Mind the nettles, they're the real guards here.
Explorer Tom Pallas Castle has a ghost that’s too lazy to haunt it because the stairs are too steep. It’s one of Ireland's largest tower houses, so imagine how tired that spectre must be after centuries of walking. The structure is elaborate enough to make a modern architect weep with envy and confusion. Visit, then text me what you think. I'll pretend to read it.
Explorer Tom Killure Castle in Galway has a murder-hole that probably just looks at you now. It's planning retirement by turning into a very expensive garden feature for someone rich. Hum something sad nearby, it adds atmosphere.
European ash10 miExplorer Tom European ash had a prophecy saying it would turn into gold if you whistled at it, but nobody ever checked properly. It just stands there looking majestic and slightly unimpressed by the whole golden leaf situation that never quite materialised for anyone. If it rains, blame me.
More historic places in County Galway · All of County Galway
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