Places near here
Photo credits
- Malene Thyssen, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Mike Searle, Geograph · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Sitomon, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
- National Inventory of Architectural Heritage
- Jan Wyk, Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
- Picture: Discover Ireland
Explorer Tom Lissawadda sits on top of a hillock with two banks and a ditch, looking like a hilltop throne. There’s even a causeway across the ditch that might be modern or fancy. Pick a stone, any stone, and invent its biography.
LisheencloghFairy fort / earthen ringfort · 302 ydExplorer Tom Lisheenclogh handles nosey neighbours by growing extra brambles until they give up and go home crying. There’s even an old kids’ graveyard tucked inside, which adds a lovely layer of spooky drama. Ten minutes here and you'll have a yarn for the pub.
European Beech1223 ydExplorer Tom European Beech is secretly proud of the potato it grew in 1952 which was so large it won a prize at the local market. It still holds that memory close to its heart, or root system, whichever you want to call it honestly these days. Bring your worst joke, the place has heard worse.
GortnamonaCountry house · 1449 ydExplorer Tom Gortnamona in Clonmacnowen By has a dog that thinks it owns the Georgian block and the Victorian wing. The house has a steep roof and big chimneys, but the dog’s barking is the real architecture here. Gi give the dog a treat if you’re brave enough to approach its territory.
European Yew1506 ydExplorer Tom European Yew in County Galway is currently in the middle of a fierce dispute with a fairy over parking rights near its roots. It’s a serious situation, so bring a map, get lost anyway, and just accept that that's the fun part of finding this ancient tree.
BelviewGates/railings/walls · 1.6 miExplorer Tom Belview Gates in Lissareaghaun would teach history class using only dramatic sighs and stone arches. Walter Lawrence built this to show off his volunteers, not your selfie stick. Best seen with a wide-angle lens so the whole ridiculous arch fits in frame.
Oghil Castle (in ruins)Castle, tower house · 1.7 miExplorer Tom Oghil Castle got into a feud with the next village over who had the ugliest mud puddle. All that’s left is a scarped earthwork that looks like a giant took a nap and woke up grumpy. It’s not much to look at, but it’s definitely got some serious attitude issues stored away. Great spot to propose. Or at least to propose lunch.
Ballagh Castle (in Ruins)Castle, unclassified · 2.6 miExplorer Tom Ballagh Castle in Ballagh West, County Galway has a feud with the next village over something daft, maybe who had the better mud last Tuesday. All that's left is a bit of wall and some banks. Bring sandwiches, the gulls will thank you.
Redmond HillMountain / peak · 3.8 miExplorer Tom Redmond Hill ended up in the wrong place because a GPS unit in 2004 had a stroke and sent it to Dublin by mistake. It never went back, just settled for this quiet spot near the sea. Have a chat with it, nobody's watching anyway, so go on.
Ardcarn IslandsIslet · 4.0 miExplorer Tom Ardcarn Islands offers a shortcut to nowhere in particular, which is the best kind of place if you know how to look at it. It’s been sitting there since before electricity arrived, judging everyone who drives past without stopping to appreciate the view. Stand on the spot and imagine the gossip it’s heard.
.jpg/250px-Battle_of_Aughrim_by_Jan_Wyk_(cropped).jpg "Photo: Jan Wyk, Wikimedia Commons · Public domain")
Battle of AughrimMajor battlefield · 4.8 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 · 5.3 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.
More archaeology and monuments in County Galway · All of County Galway
What do you know about this place?Tap to add a comment or ask a question