Places near here
Photo credits
- National Inventory of Architectural Heritage
- Michael Deligan, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Jan Wyk, Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
- Picture: Discover Ireland
- Peter Allen, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Mike Searle, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Steve & Jemma Copley on Flickr, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
Explorer Tom Enclosure in Castlenancy is basically a mystery because nobody knows much about it. I’m guessing there was a fairy dispute over parking rights that ended badly. Pick a stone, any stone, and invent its biography on the spot.
CaveMan-made underground passage · 795 ydExplorer Tom Cave in Castlenancy is mostly gone, leaving only a four-metre stub of drystone passage. It’s got an air vent because even underground caves need to catch their breath. Go on a wet day, it suits the mood.
Finnure Catholic ChapelChurch/chapel · 1.0 miExplorer 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.
Saint Brendan's Catholic ChurchChurch/chapel · 1.1 miExplorer Tom Saint Brendan's Catholic Church in Mullagh More is being judged by seagulls who think its windows are too plain. It’s a nice, simple group with the presbytery, really quite charming. Bring someone who’ll believe you when you say it’s peaceful.
Dartfield Horse MuseumHeritage attraction · 2.8 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.
Quarryhill WoodWood · 5.4 miExplorer Tom Quarryhill Wood has a ghost that’s too lazy to haunt it, so it just naps in the hollows all day long. It’s basically a retired scarecrow with no ambition whatsoever. Get a photo with it before it gets a better agent.
Pallas CastleCastle, tower house · 6.1 miExplorer 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.
.jpg/250px-Battle_of_Aughrim_by_Jan_Wyk_(cropped).jpg "Photo: Jan Wyk, Wikimedia Commons · Public domain")
Battle of AughrimMajor battlefield · 7.3 miExplorer 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 · 7.6 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.
Kilconnell AbbeyVisitor attraction · 8.5 miExplorer 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.
_(geograph_4071679).jpg/250px-Castles_of_Connacht-_Ballymore,_Galway_(1)_(geograph_4071679).jpg "Photo: Mike Searle, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0")
Ballymore CastleCastle, tower house · 9.8 miExplorer Tom Ballymore Castle is basically a house that swallowed a castle for breakfast and hasn’t finished digesting it yet. The old tower is now just the basement of an 18th-century mansion. Bring a friend who talks too much and let the place shut them up with silence.
Silver Fir9.8 miExplorer Tom This Silver Fir in County Galway swears it’s older than the village, which is a stretch since the village is basically just a few huts and opinions. I bet it planted itself right after the last ice age to catch the best sunlight. Tell me if the gossip I made up is true.
More historic places in County Galway · All of County Galway
What do you know about this place?Tap to add a comment or ask a question