Mentioned by This is Galway
9 places in Galway to take the kids this midterm
"The hotel/gastropub is situated in Barna Village - a 10-minute drive from Galway. On the top floor, you'll find the fine dining restaurant with a wine list that has won multiple international awards. Our favourite spot is downstairs in The Pins Gastro Bar - the pizzas, stacked with local ingredients, are super."
"The Twelve Hotel is located in the idyllic seaside village of Barna, a short distance outside Galway city. Named after the twelve rolling peaks nearby, this hotel offers relaxation, luxury and escapism. After a busy day exploring the Irish thrills, you can indulge in this hotel’s unique charms."
"The Twelve Hotel, also in Barna have a dedicated outdoor terrace for non-residents, called Nóin and it’s pretty as a picture with something of a Parisian vibe. The food in The Twelve is always excellent and their wine list is legendary. https://www.thetwelvehotel.ie/"
"Drawing their inspiration from the landscape and culture of the Gaeltacht of Connemara, the crafts people who work, display and sell their products at the Spiddal Craft Centre produce a range of handcrafted quality products which is representative of this area. Visitors shopping in Galway can immerse themselves in a whole different experience, as they can observe the crafts in the making and chat with the master crafts people in the individual studios. The variety of products include Pottery, Candle Making, Leather Working, Woodturning, Jewellery, Hand Weaving, Silk Painting and Batik."
"Ok, admittedly, this technically isn’t a market, but it has that rustic and beautifully, homemade one-of-a-kind feel that any good market offers, and for that alone, Culture Trip highly recommends a visit. The Spiddal Craft Village is a rural business spot for a host of arty producers, people who blow glass, paint Galway’s sublimely rugged landscapes, weave baskets, cook in beautiful bakeries and a serve up an awarding-winning stop-off at the restaurant and coffee shop. In other words, it’s a very worthwhile aside."
"Builín Blasta is a friendly kind of place, offering a truly Irish Céad Míle Fáilte to everyone who wanders through their doors. They offer award-winning vegan options such as their lentil spaghetti bolognese with cashew “parmesan” and their super tasty vegan sandwich with chermoula, roasted mushroom, tomato and caramelised onion on homemade sourdough rye bread. If you’re looking for a sweet fix, treat yourself to one of their delicious vegan desserts and a warm cuppa."
"If you like your outdoor dining to have those scenic seaside vibes, take a trip out to Spiddal and treat yourself to something tasty from Builín Blasta. They have an amazing range of baked treats, whether you prefer sweet (like a mango cheesecake!) or savoury (like a black pudding and blue cheese jambon!!). Loads of outdoor seating, doggy-friendly, wheelchair accessible and with a cute craft village next door to browse around."
"As soon as you sit down in Salthill’s Ground & Co, you’ll feel your worries slip away as comfort sets in. If you fancy starting your day with a dip in the sea, this spot is the perfect place for a post-swim brunch. Chef Leroy’s homemade sausage roll definitely deserves honourable mention, but the entire menu will get your stomach rumbling."
"For the Barna folk among us, Barcella Café are helping you keep the wolf from the door with their American style pancakes this Tuesday. They’ve got three options with a choice of three toppings to choose from. Bacon, maple syrup, Nutella, mixed berry jam, honey, fresh cream, banana - we’re drooling just thinking about it!"
"If you're out and about with your pooch, drop by the dog friendly Kali Coffee Bar to get yourself and your furry companion some badly needed refreshments. It's the perfect spot to get your caffeine fix and discover new blends of specialty coffee. After an energetic walk along The Prom, what could be better than some sweet tartlets and a cup of their Columbia coffee with hints of orange and treacle?"
"While only two of the ancient buildings at this site are actually churches this was one of the earliest Irish pilgrimage sites ever."
"These two reserves, through their combination of deciduous woods, limestone reefs, lakes and turloughs, constitute one of the most interesting Irish vegetation and faunal complexes still in existence. The Coole-Garryland reserve contains a variety of floral habitats including well-formed high forest on deep pockets of soil, dwarf woodland on limestone pavement and a turlough complex in the Callows and Coole Lake. A large portion of this reserve was formerly owned by Lady Gregory, co-founder with W.B."
"One hour south of Galway City is a great place to take the kids for a day out in nature. Covering an area of approximately 400 hectares is the wetland and woodland nature reserve of Coole Park. The two reserves constitute woods, limestone reefs, lakes, and turloughs where you can see interesting Irish vegetation and fauna."
"Dún Aonghasa on Inis MorInis Mor The easiest way to get to Inis Mor is by taking a ferry from Ros a' Mhíl/Rossaveal, which is located about 50 minutes from Galway. You can either drive yourself to Rossaveal, or take advantage of the shuttle bus that leaves from central Galway about 1.5 hours before sailing in the morning."
"Dún Aonghasa is one of the largest prehistoric stone forts in Europe and stands guard over Inis Mór on the edge of a 100-metre sheer cliff drop. Sometimes anglicised as Dun Aengus, the fort was built around 1100... Top ChoiceNational Park in Letterfrack & Around"
"North of the Square, Ennis Friary was founded by Donnchadh Cairbreach O'Brien, a king of Thomond, between 1240 and 1249. A mix of structures dating between the 13th and 19th centuries, the friary has a graceful five-section window dating from the late 13th century, a McMahon tomb (1460) with alabaster panels depicting scenes from the Passion, and a particularly fine Ecce Homo panel portraying a stripped and bound Christ."
"The original Knappogue Castle was constructed in the year 1467 by Sean Mac Conmara, who was the son of Sioda Mac Conmara; it is a large medieval tower house, that originally served the purpose of a watchtower during the midst of much military conflict. During the 19th century, like many castles in Europe and Ireland, Knappogue Castle was restored into the style of the Gothic and Medieval era, after being acquired by Theobald Fitzwalter Butler, 14th Baron Dunboyne, in the year 1855; they spent a large amount of time renovating and restoring the castle, whilst also adding several additions to it, such as the drawing-room, the long room, and a west wing. Where: County Clare, IrelandWhen: 1467Style: MedievalOpen for visit: Yes, for more information check here."
"The longest stalactite in the northern hemisphere, measuring 7.3m, is the draw of the Doolin Cave, 3.5km north of Roadford. Tour times vary seasonally, but are usually on the hour. Glacial clay from deep within the cave is used by on-site potter Caireann Browne, who sells her works here. The property also has a 1km-long farmland trail featuring rare animal breeds, and a cafe."
"One of Ireland's most famous prehistoric grave sites, Gleninsheen lies beside the R480 7km south of Ballyvaughan. It's thought to date from 4000 to 5000 years ago. A magnificent gold gorget (a crescent of beaten gold that hung round the neck) found here and dating from the late Bronze Age is now on display at the National Museum in Dublin. Note: the access gate to the tomb is sometimes locked, and signage is poor."
"Newtown Castle – Newtown Castle is a stunning and unique 16th-century tower house that is located in the scenic County Clare village of Ballyvaughan; it is most striking and notable for its cylindrical shape and square, pyramid-shaped base. The history of the castle dates back to the 16th century, in around the year 1550, as a residence for the O’Brien clan; however, the castle was then later passed over to the O’Lochlainn family. In recent times, the castle has been restored to its former glory, as it fell into disrepair during the 18th century, and it is today open to the public on weekdays only."