Places near here
Photo credits
- National Inventory of Architectural Heritage
- Steve & Jemma Copley on Flickr, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Malene Thyssen, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
- JohnArmagh, Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
Explorer Tom Bastioned fort in Cloonascragh has no record uploaded, so I’m guessing it would say 'I have great reference' in a job interview. It’s just called a bastioned fort, which sounds expensive. Bring someone who'll believe anything you tell them about its grandeur.
Caldragh FortEcclesiastical enclosure · 1706 ydExplorer Tom Caldragh Fort in Lismanny is an ecclesiastical enclosure where the rabbits have taken over and are running their own little monastic order inside the bank. It’s huge, oval-shaped, and surrounded by walnut trees that are definitely judging your lack of spiritual discipline. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did.
Lismanny HouseHouse · 1.1 miExplorer Tom Lismanny House in Lismanny is still showing off those Victorian gables like a peacock. Allan Pollok built it to impress, but it mostly just looks smug about its limestone. Tell the kids it’s a castle.
post box1.3 miExplorer Tom Post box in Lismanny in County Galway has a royal crown on its head. It probably thinks it’s fancy, but it’s basically a wall-mounted letter bin with delusions of grandeur. Stand still and listen for the postman's sigh.
Oghil Castle (in ruins)Castle, tower house · 2.0 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.
Ardcarn IslandsIslet · 2.0 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.
Silver Fir3.3 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.
European Beech3.6 miExplorer 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.
Split HillMountain / peak · 3.7 miExplorer Tom Split Hill would write 'looking for someone who isn't easily divided' on its dating profile, which is quite the bold move for a mountain. It’s tired of people commenting on its crack and wants to be appreciated for its overall structure instead. The hill has a deep insecurity about being broken in half that it refuses to acknowledge publicly, no matter what you say. Bring a pen pal
Sugarloaf HillMountain / peak · 3.8 miExplorer Tom Sugarloaf Hill’s favourite song is 'Sweet Child O' Mine' because it thinks the lyrics describe exactly how it feels on a hot summer day. It claims the heat makes it soft and malleable, which is probably not entirely true but sounds poetic enough for me to believe. The hill vibrates slightly when the song plays, just to prove a point to anyone who doubts its sensitivity. Take
Bawn in Townparks (moycarn By. - Ballinasloe)Bawn · 4.1 miExplorer Tom Bawn in Townparks is a rectangular wall guarding a river crossing, currently wearing a heavy coat of ivy like it's hiding from winter. Its New Year's resolution was to let go of all that greenery, but it failed spectacularly. Count the crows, then count again because they moved.
Clonfert CathedralHeritage attraction · 5.2 miExplorer Tom Clonfert Cathedral has a mermaid indoors, which is a fair way to keep my attention after the first carved head. Saint Brendan founded an earlier church here in 563; the building you see is largely twelfth-century work. Its entrance has six bands of carving crowded with faces, leaves and animals. Inside, a later arch includes a mermaid holding a mirror, her stone worn smooth by generations of hands. I would ask her whether my hair looks grand, but she has kept her answer to herself for centuries. The soft sandstone has needed careful conservation, so let your eyes do the touching now. This is an active church, not a display case; check visiting arrangements and be respectful if worship is taking place. Start with the doorway and find one face you nearly missed. Then go inside and see whether the mermaid has better manners than I do.
More historic places in County Galway · All of County Galway
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