Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places in Aran Islands

"On the shores of Galway Bay, the Connemara Coast Hotel is the perfect place to spend a little me-time, especially in the luxury spa. Book time in the Therapy Rooms and look forward to an Aromatherapy Massage or more rigorous Swedish massage. Natural aromatic oils are used in the Hot Stones Massage that delivers deep heat to inner bone and tissue."

"Hotel of the Year 2018, The Twelve is an elegant retreat in Barna Village. It combines exquisite dining, luxurious rooms and some well-deserved relaxation therapy in Le Petit Spa. Escape the world for a time and immerse yourself in a Nourishing Marine Cocoon Wrap or get back to nature with a mineral-rich Seaweed Bath which is known to have amazing restorative healing properties."

"Balancing opulent and snug, The Twelve offers a delightful and well-appointed seaside experience just outside Galway city. Come here for top-class cooking and accommodation amid the great outdoors in the West of Ireland."

"Built around 1500, this superbly preserved fortress signposted 4.2km east of Oughterard was home to the 'Fighting O'Flahertys', who controlled the region for hundreds of years after they fought off the Normans. The six-storey tower house stands on a rocky outcrop overlooking Lough Corrib and has been extensively restored."

"A great Tower House to visit with kids in Galway is Aughnanure Castle. Located near Oughterard, it is one of over 200 tower houses in County Galway. Built in the 16th century this castle is a great place to stretch the legs and let the kids run off some excess energy."

"The 'Fighting O'Flahertys' were based at this superbly preserved 16th-century fortress 4km east of Oughterard. The clan controlled the region for hundreds of years after they fought off the Normans."

"If you’re looking for family activities for all ages, the Ailwee Caves and Bird of Prey Centre is a great option for you. Located in the heart of the Burren in County Clare and only 40 minutes from both Galway and Shannon. Perched high on its Burren terraced mountainside."

"At first glance, there is nothing remarkable about this humdrum looking bridge. But it’s actually a place of pilgrimage!. – not religious, but film."

"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."

"At first glance, there is nothing remarkable about this humdrum looking bridge. But it’s actually a place of pilgrimage!. – not religious, but film."

"A ‘show mine’ that plays tribute to the days of mining in Connemara, West Galway, a trip to Glengowla brings you below ground to explore the dangerous extraction methods of 19th-century silver and lead mining. As well as the roughshod mining buildings and cave below, Glengowla is now home to an open farm, which is popular with local families. Glengowla Lodge, Glengowla East, Oughterard, Co."

"Built around 1500, this superbly preserved fortress signposted 4.2km east of Oughterard was home to the 'Fighting O'Flahertys', who controlled the region for hundreds of years after they fought off the Normans. The six-storey tower house stands on a rocky outcrop overlooking Lough Corrib and has been extensively restored."

"A great Tower House to visit with kids in Galway is Aughnanure Castle. Located near Oughterard, it is one of over 200 tower houses in County Galway. Built in the 16th century this castle is a great place to stretch the legs and let the kids run off some excess energy."

"The 'Fighting O'Flahertys' were based at this superbly preserved 16th-century fortress 4km east of Oughterard. The clan controlled the region for hundreds of years after they fought off the Normans."

"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."

"The O’Dowd family have been welcoming visitors to this much-loved pub overlooking the harbour for longer than most people care to remember. There are some new developments from time to time, but the old bar is always the same – or at least ..."

"Hotel of the Year 2018, The Twelve is an elegant retreat in Barna Village. It combines exquisite dining, luxurious rooms and some well-deserved relaxation therapy in Le Petit Spa. Escape the world for a time and immerse yourself in a Nourishing Marine Cocoon Wrap or get back to nature with a mineral-rich Seaweed Bath which is known to have amazing restorative healing properties."

"Balancing opulent and snug, The Twelve offers a delightful and well-appointed seaside experience just outside Galway city. Come here for top-class cooking and accommodation amid the great outdoors in the West of Ireland."

"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."