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Photo credits
- National Inventory of Architectural Heritage
- Mike Searle, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Jason Keane, Geograph · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Brian Nevin, Geograph · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Sitomon, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
- C O'Flanagan, Geograph · CC BY-SA 2.0
Cappagh BridgeBridge · 1.0 miExplorer Tom Cappagh Bridge describes itself as 'just a bridge' while showing off its tooled limestone every five seconds. It’s got textural interest that makes you want to touch it, which is risky given the traffic. Find the date on the side and whisper it back at it.
IndicatedFairy fort / earthen ringfort · 1.1 miExplorer Tom Fairy fort in Ballyleen would put 'Lived Hard, Died Quietly' on its tombstone if it had one. The darker vegetation band is just its shadow stretching out because it’s been lying down for so long. It’s the most well-preserved lazybones I’ve ever seen in County Galway. Bring a pen pal, they'll be jealous.
PallasWalled garden · 1.1 miExplorer Tom Pallas walled garden used to be part of a massive estate that got demolished after World War II, which is wild. It has had so many names I’ve lost count; it’s basically a chameleon in stone. Give the walls a wave!
Pallas CastleCastle · 1.2 miExplorer Tom Pallas Castle in County Galway thinks the little dirt path leading to it is a royal shortcut that saves hours, when it really just takes you around a bend in the same field. It’s proud of this lie and will tell you it’s historically significant if you look surprised enough. Best seen with a hangover and a sausage roll.
LisnaroughanFairy fort / earthen ringfort · 1.7 miExplorer Tom Lisnaroughan is the result of a bet two lads made in the pub that started this whole mess. It’s partially levelled and looks like someone sat on a giant cushion for centuries. Ideal spot for a dramatic phone call to your ex about why they’re not here yet.
Church HillMountain / peak · 2.8 miExplorer Tom Church Hill’s New Year's resolution was to stop looking so tired, but it failed miserably again this year. Find a local and ask them the real story, then come back and tell me. Find a local and ask them the real story, then come back and tell me.
Friar's IslandIslet · 3.5 miExplorer Tom Friar's Island has a long-standing grudge with the weather; it thinks the clouds are just jealous of its solitude. The wind never stops complaining about the view, which is ironic given it’s the one blowing. Bring the dog, it'll have opinions.
Portumna Forest ParkForest · 4.6 miExplorer Tom Portumna Forest Park is stuck in a feud with the clouds over who owns the best view of the valley. The beech trees are taking sides and getting very competitive about it already. Best enjoyed with a bag of chips and no plans.
Church IslandIslet · 4.9 miExplorer Tom Church Island has a ghost who is too lazy to haunt it properly because he’d have to walk all the way up the hill and back down again, which is exhausting. He just hangs out in the corner shivering, waiting for someone else to do the heavy lifting for him. Practise your Irish on it, it won't correct you.
European Yew5.2 miExplorer Tom The European Yew in County Galway is having a massive falling out with the nearest ash tree over who gets more sun. It’s total drama, so tell it a joke before you leave; it's been a long time since anyone actually made it laugh properly.
Portumna CastleGate lodge · 5.2 miExplorer Tom This gate lodge is hiding a scandal about who actually paid for the roof, and nobody wants to know. It looks fancy but it’s really just a very expensive doorman’s booth. Go on a wet day and enjoy the drama.
Castle (in ruins)House, fortified house · 5.3 miExplorer Tom Castle in Portumna Demesne is a Jacobean show-off that got gutted by fire in 1826. It’s still trying to look grand despite the scorch marks. Ring your granny and tell her where you are before she worries.
More archaeology and monuments in County Galway · All of County Galway
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