Must See Sights and Landmarks in Ballinasloe Area

"One of the top family attractions in Galway is Portumna Castle and gardens. Built in the early 17th century, this castle is a semi-fortified house located in the town of the same name. Located close to the shores of Lough Derg, it was built in the Renaissance style and the grounds have walled gardens, gate lodges and is right beside the River Shannon and Portumna Forest Park, making it an ideal family day out location in County Galway."

"The castle of Portumna is a beautiful example of a Renassiance-style semi-fortified house. Built in the early 17th century, it was the first of its kind in the British Isles and was considered unrivaled in Ireland for its size and grandeur. Formal enclosed gardens, courtyards and small houses on the property, which sits on the shores of Lough Derg, just add to the beauty of the place."

"Imposing Portumna Castle and Gardens is in a prime location close to the Tipperary County border with stunning views of Lough Derg. Typical of castles built in the early 1600s, this grand Galway castle was erected by the 4th Earl of Clanricarde and was the home of the de Burgo family for centuries. Damaged by fire, and roofless from 1826, the castle is currently being restored."

"Built in the 13th century, Athenry Castle is in the centre of Athenry and is open daily for guided tours from April to October. The existing castle complex has plenty to see including a curtain wall with two round lookout towers and a three-storey keep housing the Great Hall. Built in 1253 by Meiler de Bermingham it has been the site of many battles, particularly between the Normans and the King of Connaught."

"Athenry Castle, Galway is a national monument located in the town of the same name in the east of the county. This rectangular tower house dates from the 13th century and is a great place to visit with kids who fancy themselves as a prince or princess. You can learn more about the castle here."

"On the west bank of the Clarin River, Athenry is a Heritage Town, boasting not just a castle but the original medieval walls of the town. It was originally a 13th-century Norman castle, complete with arrow loops and other battlements."

"In an idyllic setting by a stream, this 16th-century Norman tower was the summer home of WB Yeats from 1921 to 1929 and was the inspiration for one of his best-known works, The Tower. It adjoins a whitewashed cottage with forest-green trim, which contains an exhibition on Yeats' life and work. From Gort, it's 7.2km northeast off the N66."

"While Ireland’s weather is famously cool, it isn’t the temperature that will give you chills when visiting Clonmacnoise. Rather, it’s the 1,500 years of monastic history that’s powerfully felt in these ruins—where temples, cathedrals, home sites, and graveyards have withstood the elements for centuries. Originally founded in the 6th century, this stone village along the River Shannon prospered for a time as Christian monastery in Ireland’s central plains."

"Covering over 450 hectares and formerly owned by the Clanrickarde family, Portumna Forest Park is located along the northern shore of Lough Derg and is an excellent place for a family day out in Galway. There are plenty of forest and lakeside walks, a car park, toilet facilities, and observation points. Whether you want to visit on foot or on bike, these are all welcome."

"A post shared by The Curvy Blonde (@the_curvy_blonde_gal) on Jun 22, 2019 at 9:09am PDT. The Portumna Forest Walk offers woodland paths and forestlands that remind you of scenes from Harry Potter and Hagrid’s House. The clean park abounds with wildlife and a rich variety of flora, carefully conserved and cared for."

"Treating yourself to a beautifully balanced espresso with subtle notes of cocoa and to a warm croissant that ooze thick hazelnut chocolate from the award winning bakery at The Old Barracks is a delightful way to perk up any dreary day. With a vast selection of freshly baked sweet treats to choose from and a delicious array of heavenly coffees and traditional teas, you can cheer up all weekday woes with their takeaway goodies. Cross St, Gorteenacra, Athenry, Galway // more here"

"Providing the people of Athenry with Heat at Home pancake boxes, The Old Barracks know how to mark an occasion. Each box has four pancakes - ideal for sharing between two, or completely devouring yourself - their flavours include Nutella and marshmallow, natural yoghurt and fresh fruit, chocolate brownie bits and salted caramel sauce, to name but a few."

"This new opening - about a 30-minute drive from Galway City - has Irish foodies all in a flutter of excitement. Their pitch is to use "ancient methods focusing on using wood to prepare, cook and serve our cuisine". So expect inventive, modern cooking with a strong emphasis on excellent produce."

"Built in the 13th century, Athenry Castle is in the centre of Athenry and is open daily for guided tours from April to October. The existing castle complex has plenty to see including a curtain wall with two round lookout towers and a three-storey keep housing the Great Hall. Built in 1253 by Meiler de Bermingham it has been the site of many battles, particularly between the Normans and the King of Connaught."

"Athenry Castle, Galway is a national monument located in the town of the same name in the east of the county. This rectangular tower house dates from the 13th century and is a great place to visit with kids who fancy themselves as a prince or princess. You can learn more about the castle here."

"On the west bank of the Clarin River, Athenry is a Heritage Town, boasting not just a castle but the original medieval walls of the town. It was originally a 13th-century Norman castle, complete with arrow loops and other battlements."